A Literature Review on Expressive Dance/Movement Therapy Supporting Mental Health and Menstruation

Author

Chantal Nathalie Bañuelos-AtienzaFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-22-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Raquel Stephenson

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to inform and showcase the importance of Expressive Dance/Movement Therapy Supporting Mental Health and Menstruation. Through the extensive search for data the writer found a gap in current treatment options that do not utilize the benefits of Expressive Dance/Movement Therapy and or Creative Arts as a treatment option for womxn suffering from Premenstrual Symptoms (PMS), Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME) and or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). By using case studies that support Expressive Dance/Movement Therapy as a theoretical framework to demonstrate the effects of mindfulness, emotional benefits of creative arts, and cultivating embodiment of sensual empowerment. The significance of this thesis is that it informs the historical context of the stigmatization of menstruation while addressing oppressive experiences that affect the mental welfare of menstruating womxn while giving a theoretical understanding of Expressive Dance/Movement Therapy has as a restorative treatment option.

Creative Commons License

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

Recommended Citation

Bañuelos-Atienza, Chantal Nathalie, "A Literature Review on Expressive Dance/Movement Therapy Supporting Mental Health and Menstruation" (2021). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 454.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/454