DANCE MOVEMENT THERAPY FOR PARENTS-TO-BE
A fun, engaging way to nurture the parent-child bond, promote relaxation, emotional expression, and mental well-being for both parents and baby.
Deepti Hasabi
9/25/20243 min read
In this article,
What is Dance Movement Therapy ?
How DMT benefits parents-to-be?
Can DMT help couples going through Fertility Treatments?
What happens in the sessions?
Who can enrol in these sessions?
For Your Reference
What is Dance Movement Therapy ?
Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is a form of expressive psychotherapy that utilises Movement and Dance to promote emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. It provides a safe and creative space for individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through creative movement and other non-verbal forms of expression. It is also called Creative Movement Therapy (CMT)
And, No... you will not learn how to dance in the sessions..... You don ’t need to be a dancer to participate.... All you require is enthusiasm and a commitment to self-improvement.
How DMT Benefits Parents-to-be?
Emotional Release: Through movement, participants explore and process complex emotions that come with new-age parenting. They can release pent-up emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms, and resilience to navigate the challenges of pregnancy, postpartum care & parenting.
Stress Reduction: DMT utilises rhythmic movement and expressive dance to induce a state of relaxation, effectively mitigating stress & anxiety and thereby promoting overall mental and physical wellness.
Body Awareness: Participants can connect with physical sensations and develop a greater sense of self-compassion and acceptance, as they prepare for childbirth and newborn care.
Social Support: DMT empowers parents to explore their emotions, fears, and hopes surrounding pregnancy and parenthood in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
Creative Expression: DMT provides a nonverbal means of self-expression, allowing individuals to communicate and explore their innermost thoughts and feelings through movement. This can be particularly beneficial for parents seeking to bond with their unborn baby, as communication with unborn and infant children is primarily nonverbal.
In summary, participating in DMT enhances the parent-child bond and promotes relaxation, emotional expression, and positive mental health outcomes for both the parent and the developing foetus.
Can DMT benefit couples going through Fertility Treatments?
“Distress associated with infertility is comparable to the stress, anxiety, and depression associated with grave medical conditions such as heart disease or cancer. Existing research shows that women experience infertility as a traumatic event. Yet, due to infertility being a taboo topic, they can suffer profound psychological distress, social stigma and isolation, worthlessness, and invisible grief without acknowledgement or support from their community or society.”
DMT offers a holistic approach to addressing the emotional, psychological, and social challenges faced by couples undergoing IVF treatments. By providing a safe space for expression and exploration, DMT acknowledges and validates the profound impact of infertility on individuals' well-being.
What happens in the sessions?
The sessions will be customised to the needs of parents through assessments.
They'll take place in a secure, private space, featuring mindful movement practices like guided imagery and breathing exercises.
Expressive arts will be integrated to enhance self-expression, and themes such as “resilience, optimism & hope” will guide session design.
Partner involvement will be encouraged for mutual support, with ongoing progress monitoring and session adaptation.
Follow-up resources will be provided for sustained well-being. A typical session structure may include a warm-up, followed by movement activities, verbal processing, cool-down and closure.
Along with movements, Meditation Techniques, Music, Props & Creative Arts will be used to keep the sessions lively, and engaging and add a deeper holistic touch to the experience.
Who can enrol in these sessions?
Couples currently planning to conceive (whether naturally or with medical interventions)
Couples who are pregnant.
For Your Reference:
Here's an older video discussing the significance of integrating the mind and body. It showcases some of the tools and techniques used in Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE-ky0DK59Y
In the paper below the author talks about Dance/Movement Therapy: A Treatment Option for Postpartum Depression
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1508&context=expressive_theses
In the article below, Dr Chinmayie R from Cloudnine fertility explores the relationship between infertility and stress. She also talks about benefits of Mindfulness practices and Therapy for stress management.
https://www.cloudninefertility.com/blog/the-relationship-between-stress-and-infertility
Dance Movement Therapy for Parents-to-Be
If you want to enquire or want to know more about DMT for Pre-pregnant or Pregnant Couples, get in touch with us !!
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