Dance Movement Therapy

What can dance movement contribute to psychotherapy?


This thoroughly updated edition of Dance Movement Therapy echoes the increased world-wide interest in dance movement therapy and makes a strong contribution to the emerging awareness of the nature of embodiment in psychotherapy. Recent research is incorporated, along with developments in theory and practice, to provide a comprehensive overview of this fast-growing field.

Helen Payne brings together contributions from experts in the field to offer the reader a valuable insight into the theory and practice of Dance Movement Therapy. The contributions reflect the breadth of developing approaches, covering subjects including:

dance movement therapy with people with dementia

group work with people with enduring mental health difficulties

transcultural competence in dance movement therapy

freudian thought applied to authentic movement

embodiment in dance movement therapy training and practice

personal development through dance movement therapy.


Dance Movement Therapy will be a valuable resource for anyone who wishes to learn more about the therapeutic use of creative movement and dance. It will be welcomed by students and practitioners in the arts therapies, psychotherapy, counselling and other health and social care professions.