Dance Movement Therapy, Past and Present: How History Can Inform Current Supervision

Background: In looking at the history of dance movement therapy (DMT), three stages of professional focus are identified: Emotional body/movement; verbal processing as it relates to body/movement; and movement analysis and observation tools. Models of supervision for young DMT therapists appear to have paralleled two of these stages, and not the third. This article aims to address a need in the field of DMT in the area of therapist-supervision. Sources of Evidence: A literature review covering the history of DMT, and the existing supervision models in DMT and their effects, provides support for the author's argument. Main Argument: The author proposes to parallel the third stage of focus in DMT's development. Namely, it suggests integrating movement-analysis and observation tools into the existing models of supervision. While many existing models benefit from experience-based supervision, there is a need for a professional distance from the supervision material. This could be achieved by using methods of movement observation and analysis, developed in the field of DMT. One of these methods would be combined with the experiential aspects of supervision, and thus provide both inner understanding, and outer perspective, leading to greater therapeutic insight. Conclusions: This article is of importance to DMT supervisors and therapists, as well as to other professionals who view supervision as an integral part of training. It clarifies the importance of structured analysis approaches when using verbal and nonverbal work in supervision, to create an appropriate distance from the supervision material. (C) 2016 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy.org.uk