A dance movement therapy intervention for people with a personality disorder: A Delphi study. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kleinlooh, S.T.; Samaritter, R.A.; Stubbe, J.H.; Koes, B.W.
• Is Part Of: Arts in psychotherapy. Volume 78(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Dance Movement Therapy -- Dance improvisation -- Choreography -- Personality disorder -- Interventions; Art therapy -- Periodicals; Dance therapy -- Periodicals; Music therapy -- Periodicals; Poetry -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; 616.891656
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2022.101883
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-4556

Abstract

Abstract: Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is an established treatment in mental health care for clients with a personality disorder (PD). Literature on DMT and personality disorder shows that self-regulation, interpersonal relationships, and cognition are key objectives to focus on during the clinical application of DMT for PD. To date, no systematic descriptions of DMT interventions for PD are available. A systematic review of the literature concluded that DMT interventions in PD mainly covered body-oriented approaches and cognitive strategies. This study aimed to collect opinions from expert dance movement therapists on applications of a DMT intervention for PD, and more specifically, the use of dance-informed procedures, such as improvisation and choreography. A Delphi approach was used to arrive at a consensus between five participants (DMT experts). From these findings, a systematised intervention description is presented for clinical application of DMT for PD clients that can be implemented and used for efficacy research. The intervention consists of three phases, with a focus on (I) embodied presence and somatic/sensory awareness, (II) dance improvisation and (III) choreography. These foci could enhance (body) self-efficacy beliefs, emotion regulation, the integration of experiences and healthy interpersonal functioning. Highlights: A consensus-based dance movement therapy intervention for people with a personality disorder. Description for using body-oriented interventions, dance improvisation and choreography in DMT. The DMT focus is on self-efficacy, emotion regulation, integration, and interpersonal functioning.