Authentic movement and mirroring in dance and movement therapy

Every individual that comes to therapy is unique and has a different style of communication. Although using verbal language sounds natural and is usually seen as the main form of self-expression, spoken language often may not be enough to convey feelings, especially those deeply buried, that lay in the unconsciousness or are too painful to be vocalised out loud.

One of the aims of therapy is to assist the client in their self-expression and provide a space where healing can happen. It is important to have the right therapeutic tools, especially when language fails, and when there is a sense of feeling stuck.

The therapist may use a number of other techniques, including nonverbal, to “more fully enhance each person’s abilities to communicate effectively and authentically.” (Malchiodi, 2013)

If you find it hard to verbalise thoughts and feelings, dance and movement therapy can be beneficial. 

What is dance and movement therapy? 

Authentic movement, also called “movement in depth” and “active imagination in movement”, invites one to enter the inner world of the psyche through natural movement and can be practised in individual and group settings (Stromsted, 2009).

“The mover/client closes their eyes, waits, and then, witnessed by her therapist, moves in response to body-felt sensations, emotions, memories, movement impulses, and/or images. The witness provides a safe, contained, and receptive presence, maintaining an awareness of her mover’s bodily expression as well as her own embodied experience” (Stromsted, 2009).

In dance therapy, the body is thought to be the main form of communication. In a session, the therapist will invite the client to communicate your feelings through verbal and non-verbal communication. The analysis then happens after the movement takes place. The mover and therapist give each other feedback on the experience, bringing awareness of symbolic expression.

What is mirroring? 

A common approach in DMT (dance and movement therapy) is 'mirroring'. This is when a person is asked to copy someone else's movements, which can help create empathy. Mirroring requires the active engagement of the therapist and the mover. 

A shared understanding and empathy deepen the relationship by encouraging the opening up of emotions. Mirroring in DMT is an “active interaction” (Karkou, 2004) between the two. Mcgarry et al (2011) describe mirroring as an exercise that deepens the level of empathy. It enhances “understanding of others’ emotional intentions through enhanced use of mirror neurons circuitry”. The therapist mirrors the qualities of the patient's movement, by echoing or responding to the emotional aspect of the movement, in order to relate and open up an emphatic dialogue.

What can DMT help with?

DMT is a great form of therapy for those who struggle to communicate verbally how they are feeling. It's especially beneficial for people who have experienced abuse, struggle with physical contact or people who see their body in a negative way. 

This approach not only helps people develop confidence, self-esteem and improve their communication skills, but it can also help with a number of conditions such as:

• anxiety
• body dysmorphic disorder
• trauma
• family conflict 
• depression 

If you find it difficult to communicate verbally, you may benefit from giving DMT a try. If this sounds like something you'd like to explore, you can find a dance movement therapist on Counselling Directory. 

References:

Karkou, V., (2004) Forming therapeutic relationships in Dance Movement Psychotherapy: The Role of Mirroring, Interdisciplinary Panel 2: Kinaesthetic Experience and Embodied Practices.

Malchiodi, C. A. (Ed.). (2013). Expressive therapies. Guilford Publications.

McGarry, L. M., & Russo, F. A. (2011). Mirroring in dance/movement therapy: Potential mechanisms behind empathy enhancement. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 38(3), 178-184

Stromsted, T. (2009). Authentic Movement: A dance with the divine. Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy, 4(3), 201-213,