Therapists in 90254
Gina Rossi Clinical Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
We have all experienced a shift in our "normal" lives; our usual way of being during the past few years. We are looking at our world, our society, our friends, family and ourselves and nothing is as it once was. During these extraordinary times, you may be questioning what life is about; the meaning of it all. You are not alone, my friends. Many of us are experiencing anxiety, as our once familiar "normal" has shifted to a new "normal". I understand this and you. We can work through this together.
We have all experienced a shift in our "normal" lives; our usual way of being during the past few years. We are looking at our world, our society, our friends, family and ourselves and nothing is as it once was. During these extraordinary times, you may be questioning what life is about; the meaning of it all. You are not alone, my friends. Many of us are experiencing anxiety, as our once familiar "normal" has shifted to a new "normal". I understand this and you. We can work through this together.
See more therapy options for 90254
Dance Movement Therapy
What can I expect from dance/movement therapy?
During dance therapy, the therapist will guide the client through dance movements that metaphorically represent a particular challenge, reflect their internal emotional state, or otherwise express physically what is happening for the client mentally. The therapist may “mirror” the client’s movements or simply observe. The client may be encouraged, as they dance, to pay attention to their breath or other physical sensations. Afterward, the therapist and client will often debrief to help the client process the experience.
Is dance/movement therapy evidence-based?
A small body of research has found that dance therapy can help treat conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety, and eating disorders, as well as nonclinical issues like low self-esteem or family conflict. However, some experts caution that the evidence in favor of dance therapy is not as robust as that of other, more established therapies, and some of the published research is of low quality. Many recommend that dance therapy be used as a complementary rather than stand-alone treatment.
Can dance therapy help with depression?
Some research suggests that dance/movement therapy can aid in the treatment of depression, especially when combined with other therapies; some studies, for example, report that dance therapy combined with antidepressants or talk therapy is more effective than those treatments alone. The positive effects of dance therapy may come from the movement itself, as it’s well-known that physical activity can improve mood and bolster motivation in those struggling with depression.
What are the limitations of dance therapy?
People with disabilities or other conditions that hinder movement may find it more challenging to participate in dance therapy, though a well-trained therapist will take a client’s physical limitations into account when designing a treatment plan. Experts also warn that certain conditions, particularly eating disorders, should never be treated with dance therapy alone; it may, however, be used as an adjunct therapy.