Listening to Movement: The Use of Dance Movement Therapy in Groups to Reduce Anxiety in Males Struggling with Addiction

Abstract

A study with the use of dance movement therapy as a counseling approach in a chemical dependency setting was presented. The objective of the study was to find out if the use of dance movement therapy in male chemical dependency groups reduces overall anxiety. The literature review describes dance movement therapy, aspects of chemical dependency and addiction, dance movement therapy used with specific populations, chemical addiction with creative art therapies, the process of recovery (stages of change), fundamentals of group work, anxiety, and movement therapy techniques used in chemical dependency groups. Methods of the study were presented with the use of four movement therapy interventions. The instrument and participants were also described. The results were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively through pre and post test results and observations. The discussion presents areas for additional research and implications for future research.