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Write An Essay On Couples Dance Therapy

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Borrowing from counseling and integrating areas of dance therapy expertise, we can generate a theoretical framework for couples dance therapy. Much of couples counseling theory comes out of attachment theory which dance therapists understand kinesthetically. Healthy sexuality requires the kind of embodiment that dance therapy facilitates. More and more, dance therapists have understood the body’s functioning through the science of nervous system regulation. This workshop will share couples exercises that strengthen individuality within relationship thus improving couple dances. We will examine aspects of attachment theory and Stephen Porges’ polyvagal theory which form the foundation for these couples dance therapy exercises.

Couples therapy is a new frontier for dance …show more content…

We will examine aspects of attachment theory and Stephen Porges’ polyvagal theory which form the foundation for these couples dance therapy exercises.
Pooling my training as a licensed professional counselor and a dance/movement therapist, over the last twenty years I have developed improvisational exercises where couples explore connecting palm to palm. Two-handed push explores boundaries. Alternated-handed push explores negotiation. Leaning into one another palm-to-palm explores support. Disconnection of hands can stir abandonment fear.
Couples dance/movement therapy separates attuned relating where there is a power differential like child/caregiver from relating where there is an even playing field as is ideal in romantic relationships. The palm-to-palm exercises help each individual strengthen self-regulation sufficiently to tolerate the limited ways that couples can healthily support one another. This in no way minimalizes the rich connection that is possible in romantic relating but helps couples open to what is healthily available by accepting and grieving what is

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