Date of Award

Spring 5-4-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MAE - Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Dr. Meg H. Chang, EdD, BC-DMT, LCAT, NCC

Abstract

Depression is becoming increasingly prevalent in Thailand, and while many depressive symptoms manifest through the physical body, there are few treatments for depression in Thailand that involve the physical body. Previous research suggests that Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) can effectively treat depression by incorporating the physical body and individuals’ embodied feelings into the treatment process. This literature review aims to explore the potential of incorporating DMT into the treatment for depression in the adult population in Thailand, by reviewing literature about DMT practice for depression and existing treatments for depression in Thailand. The findings suggest that while physical body incorporation is not currently included in depression treatment in Thailand, Thai people are not averse to the idea of using the physical body in the healing process. The usage of dance and movement for well-being can be widely accepted by Thai people and medical practitioners. Mindfulness practice, which is a Buddhist practice, is already established in Thailand and is familiar to the Thai population, making it a strong foundation for DMT to take root and grow. The body awareness practice, as a key component of both mindfulness practice and DMT practice, can serve as a gateway for DMT to be introduced in Thailand and establish deeper roots for future practices.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Additional Files
Mimie-APPROVAL FORM -D_MT-2023.pdf (111 kB)
approval form from the thesis advisor
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