Dance/Movement Therapy Specialization

Training program for Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) was started in 1995 as the first project of Dance Movement Therapy Association (Russia). Later this program was accredited by the Institute of Practical Psychology and Psychoanalysis ( IPP&P, Moscow, Russia), and since 1999 it has been developing as a DMT Specialization in the IPP&P. The DMT specialization supports the general concept of this Institute as it meets international qualification requirements in designing its programs, it promotes philosophy of continuing psychotherapeutic education and it holds humanistic principles of the professional ethics based on the respect for an individual and his/her values.

Leading specialists from Russia, USA and Europe are involved in teaching for the DMT Specialization.

Basic principles of the program:

1. Openness to different approaches in the field of movement and dance that has been existed from ancient times to the present day.
2. Flexibility of an educational process. Taking into account individual’s characteristics and needs in personal and professional development.
3. Knowledge is conscious experience.
4. Creativity is viewed as a source of healing force at present moment.

The syllabus of the specialization includes:

• seminars in counseling psychology
• seminars on theory and practice of dance movement therapy
• seminars in creative dance and expressive arts therapy
• supervision
• individual psychotherapy

Theoretical courses:

1. Group process theory
2. Psychodynamic theories of development
3. Introduction into Analytic Psychology of C.G. Jung
4. Theoretical fundamentals of dance movement therapy

Seminars and trainings:

1. Basic techniques and skills for work with individuals and groups in dance movement therapy
2. Basic counseling skills (person – centered approach)
3. Movement observation
4. Experiential anatomy
5. Introduction to authentic movement
6. Dance movement therapy with families
7. Dance movement therapy with children
8. Dance movement therapy in clinical practice
9. Fundamentals of intermodal expressive arts therapy


THEORETICAL COURSES

Theoretical fundamentals of dance/ movement therapy. It is a survey of the history of main approaches in DMT, comparative analysis of schools and clinical cases that have become classical in dance movement therapy are presented . Basic principles, the role of a psychotherapist and understanding of a psychotherapeutic process in DMT are discussed.

Group Process Theory. Basic principles of group dynamic process and specifics of group work in DMT are considered.

Psychodynamic theories of development. This is a survey of psychosexual development theory by S. Freud, as well as its developments in the framework of other approaches such as object relations theory by M. Klein, separation-inviduation theory by Mahler, and works by Winnicott, Sullivan and Kohut and others are discussed as well.

SEMINARS AND TRAININGS

Basic techniques and skills in individual and group work in dance/ movement therapy. The series of seminars are devoted to therapeutic skills training in dance movement therapy. Interaction methods and intervention on all therapy process stages are considered. The issues of somatic transference and countertransference are explored.

Movement Observation. This is introduction into movement observation basedon Labananalysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals. Basic training for observation skills and for sensory -based feedback to a mover.

Experiential Anatomy. This is theoretical and experiential study of main body systems based on its proprioceptive and movement awareness. It’s a creative exploration that integrates modern approaches of bodywork with movement awareness, contemplative dance and Body-Mind Centering philosophy.

Introduction to authentic movement. Introduction into Jungian approach in DMT. Method of active imagination in movement. Development of witness’s role and training for verbal sensory –based feedback as a therapeutic intervention.

Dance movement therapy with families. This is both theoretical and practical course focused on system family approach in dance movement therapy.

Dance movement therapy with children. Diagnostics and ways of psychological correction with the methods of dance movement therapy with children of different age.

Dance movement therapy in clinical practice. A series of seminars which introduce DMT as applied in work with anxiety disorders, depressions, eating disorders, body symptoms, and PTSD.

Fundamentals of intermodal expressive arts therapy. This is an exploration of healing aspects of creativity, and how we can apply and combine different creative modalities (dance, art, music, drama, poetry, etc.) in therapeutic process.


DMT Specialization has been holding Internet conferences annually since 2006