Frequently Asked Questions

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people heal from the distress caused by traumatic or distressing memories. Therapists guide clients through a process of focusing on a traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to help the brain reprocess the memory and reduce its emotional impact. EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions.

DMT is a form of psychotherapy that uses the body, dance and movement as a clinical intervention to foster health, communication, expression, and allow for a resolution of internal conflict. DMT can be used with individuals across the age spectrum, from infants and children, to geriatric populations who cope with a number of conditions. Some of the conditions experienced by these populations include behavioral and mental health diagnoses such as: depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, autism, developmental disorders, dementia, and PTSD. We also work with individuals who have medical diagnoses such as: survivors of stroke, brain injury, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, among many others.

We do not focus on teaching a particular style of dancing in a DMT session as we would in a dance class. However, it is not entirely uncommon to use choreography as a part of the process if that is what is desired by the client. The movement in a DMT session can range from a simple tap of the foot, a shift in posture, a focus on the breath, the use of symbolic gestures, to movement that involves the whole body. Additionally, unlike a dance class where there is a teacher and student, in DMT the movement acts as a dialogue between the dance therapist and the client, each contributing to the exchange through movement, alongside verbal communication and processing, as well. DMT strives to bring the whole well being of a person together by merging the physical, psychological and social; meeting clients where they’re comfortable.

Marian Chace, a pioneer of DMT, would frame her movement process as such: warm-up, development, and closure. She felt this framework supported organization of the body for clients and supported a healthy progression of physical movement throughout the session. Session examples: dance, yoga/stretching, sports, charades, meditation, karaoke, drama, full-body drumming, and imaginary/fantasy play.