How do I use Movement in my Therapy Practice?
I trained in Movement therapy at Drexel University. In my practice today I use movement alongside other modalities, to help heal the whole body. Movement and exercise enhance emotional, cognitive, physical and social health. Movement works well to decrease stress (and anxiety), depression. It is especially good for helping individuals diagnosed with ADHD and Autism because the body and the mind are in constant communication via the polyvagal system (PVS). Movement an especially powerful way to work with children because it allows healing while using a child’s natural actions to engage in therapy.
Stress
Movement helps relieve stress. Think about a time you were stressed out, and you realized you were clenching your fists or holding your body tight to “keep it together”. A therapist using movement will help you by encouraging you to move in ways that relieve the stress and anxiety in your body, for example by unclenching your fists and shaking your wrists loose. The resulting stress relief in the body is communicated to your mind via the polyvagal system, and you begin to feel better emotionally. A therapist using movement can help you release what the body has been holding (for example, in the form of stress) and help you talk about your life experiences.
Depression
Movement helps with depression. One reason is because when you move your muscles, the mind and body releases a chemical called dopamine; which creates positive feelings. Thus, engaging in movement helps us feel less depressed because dopamine makes us feel better. A therapist who uses movement can also help relieve tightness, body energies, and body memories held in the muscles; and allows us to communicate verbally what was making us depressed.
ADHD
Movement is an effective intervention for the treatment of ADHD. Research recently showed that regular exercise is beneficial for the treatment of ADHD. Exercise helps with ADHD symptoms because moving or dancing releases anxious energy, and causes the release of chemicals (dopamine, endorphins) which create positive feelings, a sense of calm, and encourage healing of the brain. Energy and memories released by movement help individuals with ADHD express in verbal form how ADHD has impacted their life.
Autism
Movement can help individuals diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorders in a variety of ways. Some individuals with Autism have challenges with walking; posture, coordination, or arm movements. It is an excellent way to help individuals with movement challenges to expand their movement repertoire in an accepting environment. It also helps individuals diagnosed with Autism to improve their impulse control, emotional regulation and social skills. As a non-verbal form of therapy, movement therapy is an excellent modality to help verbally challenged individuals engage in self-expression, and to express their hopes and dreams, as well as their feelings and frustrations."