Dance Therapy Edmonton

Dance Therapy Edmonton | Dance injury | Milestone Physio
Dance Therapy Edmonton | Dance injury | Milestone Physio

DANCE THERAPY EDMONTON

Dance Therapy Edmonton​

Have you ever wondered about the many benefits of dance therapy? Dance Therapy, also regarded as dance movement therapy (DMT) or simply dance therapy, focuses on dance’s cognitive, emotional, physical, and social benefits. It has been shown to help with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Dance therapy uses dance routines to encourage self-expression and release emotions that may be preventing the individual from functioning well in other areas of their life.

What is Dance Therapy?

Dance therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the art of dance as a form of healing. People suffering from mental health issues such as PTSD and depression have found relief in their lives through this form of therapy because it provides them with an outlet to express themselves. Dance therapy can be done by following a set routine or by improvising and exploring different types of movement depending on what you feel like doing.

Types Of Dance Therapy

Dance therapy is a form of expressive therapy in which the therapist mutually explore various aspects of the patient’s life through dance. People can use dance to express their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that they cannot verbalize.

In this way, it is often used as a therapeutic tool. There are many different types of dance therapy that all have their own benefits and areas of focus. These include psychomotor, gestalt, somatic, cognitive behavioral, etc.

  • Psychomotor Therapy: This type of dance therapy aims to increase physical awareness by exploring movement through sensation and activity. It also includes body awareness exercises, such as noticing how your arm feels when you’re carrying something heavy or sitting with good posture
  • Gestalt: Gestalt is an interactive style of dance therapy where both the client and therapist move freely around one another while connecting physically at times.
  • Somatic Therapy: The goal of somatic therapy is to connect with the physical self, mind, and emotions by focusing on the breath, grounding oneself in the moment, releasing tension from muscles, and deepening one’s relationship with the body.
  • Cognitive Behavioral: The goal of CBT is to change behavior patterns using techniques based on psychological theory and experimentation.

What are the Benefits of Dance Therapy?

Dance therapy is an activity that allows people to process and express their emotions through dance. It is a form of psychotherapy that uses dance movements as a way to communicate what cannot be put into words.

Here are some benefits of this therapeutic practice: 

  • It can help with communication skills. 
  • It can release tension, anxiety, and stress.
  • It can increase emotional health. 
  • It can improve self-image. 
  • It encourages physical health by incorporating exercise into the treatment process.

How You can Get Started With Dance Therapy

Dance therapy is the use of movement and dance to heal. That is why we at Milestone Physio & Wellness Clinic got your back. It has been used for centuries by cultures all over the world, and there is a lot of research to back up its effectiveness. Whether you’re looking for a physical workout or a way to work through tough emotions, dance therapy can offer many benefits.

To learn more about dance therapy, here are some frequently asked questions Is dance therapy right for me? If you’ve never tried it before, give it a shot! Even if you don’t feel any immediate benefits, everyone’s experience with this type of healing is different.

The key is to try different types of dance therapy until you find what works best for you. Remember that your body needs time to acclimate. So, don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t seem like anything’s happening at first. Be patient and open-minded; soon enough, your chosen form of dance therapy will impact your life in ways you couldn’t imagine.

As research has demonstrated, the use of the body in this way can help with physical health issues like pain management or rehabilitation from injury, as well as mental health issues such as trauma recovery. According to American Dance Therapy Association made it known, that Somatic healing is designed to release muscular tension, reduce pain and create greater awareness by restoring.


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Milestone Physio & Wellness Clinic is dedicated to providing professional and personalized care for dancers of all levels, with a special focus on those who are professionally engaged in the field. We offer a range of services that address various forms of pain, injury, and underlying conditions. For more inquiries or to schedule an appointment, reach out to us immediately.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Call Us

(587) 875-0640

Email Us

info@milestonephysicaltherapy.ca

Address

6007 Mill Woods Rd S Edmonton, AB T6L 5X9

Working Hours:

Monday – Friday :
Saturday :
Sunday :
  • 08.00 A.M – 08.00 P.M
  • 08.00 A.M – 08.00 P.M
  • 08.00 A.M – 08.00 P.M

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Physiotherapy services close to home…

  • North Edmonton
  • South Edmonton
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  • East Edmonton

We provide physiotherapy services throughout Edmonton, including popular areas like South Edmonton, Edmonton West, Windermere, Edmonton Downtown, North Edmonton, Millwoods, Terwillegar, Sherwood Park and even Beaumont.


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Frequently Asked Questions




Does dance therapy really work?

Yes, dance therapy, also known as dance/movement therapy (DMT), has been shown to be effective in improving mental and physical well-being. It utilizes movement and dance to promote emotional, cognitive, social, and physical integration.


The five stages of dance therapy typically include:

  • Preparation: Establishing rapport, setting goals, and creating a safe space.
    Incubation: Exploring movement, emotions, and personal experiences.
  • Illumination: Gaining insights and understanding through movement and expression.
  • Evaluation: Reflecting on the process and progress made.
  • Termination: Closure and integration of experiences, preparing for transition or continuation.


The three primary purposes of dance therapy are:

  • Self-expression and emotional release.
  • Physical integration and improved body awareness.
  • Psychological exploration and personal growth.


In a dance therapy session, participants engage in movement and dance-based activities guided by a trained dance therapist. These activities may include warm-up exercises, improvisation, structured movement sequences, and verbal processing to explore emotions and experiences.


Individuals of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from dance therapy, particularly those dealing with mental health issues, trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, physical disabilities, or seeking personal growth and self-awareness.


Dance therapy activities include guided movement exercises, creative expression through dance, relaxation techniques, mirroring exercises, group improvisation, and thematic movement sequences designed to address specific therapeutic goals.


The four mental skills in dance include:

  • Concentration: Focusing attention on movement and choreography.
  • Confidence: Belief in one’s abilities and self-expression through dance.
  • Control: Regulation of movement, emotions, and performance.
  • Commitment: Dedication to training, practice, and artistic expression.


Contraindications for dance therapy may include acute physical injuries, severe mental health conditions requiring immediate medical attention, or individuals with significant mobility limitations that may hinder participation safely.


The duration of dance therapy varies depending on individual needs, treatment goals, and the specific program or approach used. Sessions may range from a few weeks to several months or longer, with ongoing assessment and adjustments made as needed.


What are the eight healing processes in group dance therapy?”
The eight healing processes in group dance therapy can include:

  • Self-expression
  • Empowerment
  • Catharsis
  • Connection
  • Integration
  • Transformation
  • Resilience
  • Community building


Dance therapy has shown promise in helping individuals cope with and heal from trauma by providing a safe outlet for expression, fostering body awareness, promoting emotional regulation, and facilitating connection with others.


There is no set number of emotions expressed in dance, as it can encompass many feelings and experiences. Dance allows individuals to express joy, sorrow, anger, love, fear, excitement, and many other emotions through movement and artistic expression.