In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, therapists have had to adapt quickly to new methods of providing care, including remote therapy sessions. One area that has seen significant adaptation is Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) with children. The research article "Dance Movement Therapy with Children: Practical Aspects of Remote Group Work" by Shuper-Engelhard, Vulcan, and Arnon explores the unique challenges and opportunities of conducting DMT sessions remotely.
Key Insights from the Research
The study focused on a group of fourteen preschool children who participated in six remote DMT sessions. The data generated three main themes:
- Play as a Platform: Using play to transform technical complexities into expressions of the inner world.
- Accessories and Props: Utilizing accessories and props as motivational tools for movement and imaginative play.
- Playfulness-Inhibiting Conditions: Identifying conditions that inhibit symbolic play in remote therapy settings.
Play as a Platform
The research found that play could effectively transform the technical challenges of remote therapy into meaningful expressions of the children's inner worlds. This was evident through actions like disappearing and reappearing on the screen, which symbolized deeper emotional states.
Accessories and Props
Accessories and props were found to be invaluable in encouraging movement and imaginative play. Items such as scarves, balls, and personal belongings from the child's home environment served as tools for emotional expression and group cohesion.
Playfulness-Inhibiting Conditions
Several conditions were identified that inhibited symbolic play, including feelings of insecurity, structured guidance, and the initial and final stages of the therapy sessions. Understanding these inhibitors can help therapists better facilitate remote DMT sessions.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
Based on the research findings, here are some practical tips for practitioners looking to improve their remote DMT sessions:
- Embrace Play: Use play to navigate technical complexities and encourage emotional expression.
- Use Accessories: Incorporate accessories and props to motivate movement and imaginative play.
- Address Inhibitors: Be aware of conditions that may inhibit playfulness and take steps to mitigate them.
By implementing these strategies, practitioners can enhance the effectiveness of their remote DMT sessions and provide better support for children's emotional well-being.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Dance Movement Therapy with Children: Practical Aspects of Remote Group Work.
