The Freedom to Move: Dance/Movement Therapy and Survivors of Trafficking - an Evolving Practice

Author

Rebecca RichardsonFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-16-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Tamar Hadar

Abstract

Abstract

Human/Sex trafficking is the use of force or coercion for the purpose of exploiting humans (mainly women) for sex or labor. Consequences of being trafficked include psychological and physical symptoms that may hinder the survivors for the rest of their life if not treated. Survivors of human trafficking are infrequently researched and have limited evidence-based methods of treatment. Even fewer studies have been conducted involving the use of dance/movement therapy with survivors of trafficking. dance/movement therapy is vital to treatment because of its focus on integrating the body with the mind. In this literature review I discuss the effects of trafficking on survivors, methods of treatment for mental illness due to trafficking, efficacy of dance/movement therapy with survivors of trafficking. Finally, aiming at expanding and improving the use of Dance/Movement therapy with this population, recommendation for specific techniques and approaches are outlined, focusing on use of touch, improvisation, and trauma-informed practice.

Creative Commons License

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

Recommended Citation

Richardson, Rebecca, "The Freedom to Move: Dance/Movement Therapy and Survivors of Trafficking - an Evolving Practice" (2020). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 283.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/283