There is more to therapy than just sitting around and talking about feelings. In fact, holistic therapeutic options typically require people to get up and moving. Dance movement or dance therapy is one of these options. However, what is dance movement therapy, and how can it help teens overcome addiction and mental health disorders?
What Is Dance Movement Therapy?
People can better understand what is dance movement therapy with a simple explanation. It involves moving the entire body. Doing so helps people achieve cognitive, emotional, social, and physical benefits. The results boost their overall health, confidence, and quality of life.
What Kind of Health Problems Can Dance Therapy Help?
Dance therapy can help people with everything from physical to mental health problems such as addiction. In terms of physical health, it can help with chronic pain, obesity, and arthritis just to name a few things. In regard to mental health, the advantages of dance therapy stretch far and wide. The reason is that it reduces stress, which is a significant cause of mental health conditions. A few examples of disorders that it can treat include:
- Addiction
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
How Does Dance Movement Therapy Work?
Experts say that dance and movement stimulate people in a number of positive ways. These positive stimuli create the benefits that experts associate with dance therapy. So what is dance movement therapy? For teens, dance therapy really helps with self-expression and self-awareness. They can use it as a nonverbal way to communicate with others. In the end, those who engage in dance therapy typically develop a realistic and positive self-image. This positive self-image helps them battle different types of mental illnesses.
How Effective Is Dance Therapy?
It’s hard for experts to say how effective dance therapy is because it isn’t a core treatment for any disorder. Instead, it’s a great holistic option that people can use in tandem with traditional methods. When experts combine these two types of treatment, however, the results are overwhelmingly positive.
Let Us Show You What Dance Therapy Can Do for Your Teen
At Destinations for Teens, we use both holistic and traditional treatment options to help teens. Our dance movement therapy program in Los Angeles CA helps teens overcome addiction and other mental health conditions. We work hard to ensure that all of our programs properly address each person’s unique needs. Some of the programs and services that we offer include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Group and individual therapies
- Family therapy
- Alumni program
- Partial hospitalization program
Don’t let your teen struggle with addiction or other mental health problems any longer. Learn more about what is dance movement therapy. Reach out to us today at 877-466-0620 to for more information.