Date of Award

Spring 5-19-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Catherine Borbotsina

Abstract

Therapeutic engagement during adolescence can be a major challenge in adolescent mental health. Research has indicated therapeutic techniques designed for engaging clients are often ineffective for adolescents because adolescents bring distinctive qualities to the therapy process that differentiate them from other therapy populations. There is also limited research showing effectiveness of Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) with the adolescent population. This capstone will present an adaptable method utilizing dance/movement therapy interventions with participants ages 12-17 in a Partial Hospital Program. The objective of this project was to examine how DMT can improve engagement in treatment with adolescents in a partial hospital program through movement experiences and emotional content. The participants were asked to engage in a series of interventions such as movement exercises, body awareness, improvisation, writing, and processing emotions. The goal of the method was to bring awareness to dance movement therapy’s value, benefits, strength and creativity. To develop a better understanding of this topic, this writer designed and adapted four dance/movement therapy sessions for the adolescents. Based on pre and post emotional responses, motivation to attend group, positive engagement and positive responses, the DMT interventions had a positive effect and can benefit adolescents and younger populations.

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

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