Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adults: Analysis of Their Relationship in Treatment and How Dance Movement Therapy Can Play a Role

Author

Meaghan Elizabeth Cleary, Lesley UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-19-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Tomoyo Kawano

Abstract

The relationship between Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder can be dynamic and challenging within treatment when the content of the fear for each disorder is intertwined. To explore the nature of this clinical relationship, a dance movement therapy method was created and implemented at a residential psychiatric facility for treatment-resistant Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Dance movement therapy was used to examine overlapping symptomology, treatment approaches, and potential benefits in treatment outcomes. Additionally, the research addressed the promotion of bodily awareness, integration of emotional and physical states, a decrease in hyperarousal and anxiety states, and an increase in openness and safety for a given individual with the comorbid diagnosis in order to promote a body-based approach to treatment. Implications for further clinical applications of dance movement therapy and a somatic lens in treatment was explored.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Cleary, Meaghan Elizabeth, "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adults: Analysis of Their Relationship in Treatment and How Dance Movement Therapy Can Play a Role" (2018). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 100.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/100