In the realm of holistic health and wellness, dance therapy stands out as a unique and effective approach to improving community well-being. This blog post curates and analyzes content from Strive’s Dance Therapy program, as detailed on their website here. Strive is a reputable organization offering structured dance/movement therapy programs that align perfectly with the goals of holistic health professionals. Understanding the value and application of these programs can significantly enhance your practice and community outreach.

Key Points of Dance Therapy as propose by Strive

• Efficacy: Dance therapy improves symptoms of depression, reduces anxiety, and lowers the risk of cancer.

• Definition: Dance/movement therapy is a psychotherapeutic technique that uses movement to enhance emotional, social, physical, and mental well-being.

• Benefits: Participants experience social bonding, reduced anxiety, improved physical and mental energy, better stress management, and enhanced self-expression.

• Goals: Improve self-esteem, body image, communication skills, relationships, movement vocabulary, and coping mechanisms.

• Populations Served: Ideal for senior residential centers, retirement communities, nursing homes, government-assisted living centers, community outreach programs, rehabilitation centers, and medical institutions.

• Implementation: Strive provides turnkey solutions including qualified instructors, necessary equipment, marketing materials, participant enrollment, liability management, and program assessment.

Analysis and Insights

Dance therapy’s benefits are backed by evidence, making it a reliable and effective addition to any community wellness program. Its holistic approach aligns with the principles of mind-body-spirit connection, crucial in holistic health practices. The structured and professional implementation by Strive ensures that programs are tailored to meet specific community needs, making it easier for practitioners to integrate dance therapy into their offerings.

My personal view

As a dance therapist, Oriental Dance teacher, and the creator of the holistic method "Shandora - Dance Your Life," I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of dance. I believe that free movement and dance provide an excellent foundation for opening up and learning to let go. In my method, I incorporate sacred dance practices, such as dervish turning, and healing rituals to help women connect to the sacred feminine.

By hypnochannelling the dance experience, I guide participants into a trancelike state, adding a highly spiritual element to the sessions. This approach allows participants to open up to higher dimensions and create a physical memory during the session, effectively reprogramming their subconscious minds. These practices not only enhance emotional and physical well-being but also facilitate profound spiritual growth and self-discovery.

I encourage fellow practitoners

I encourage you, as readers and fellow practitioners, to reflect on how dance therapy could be integrated into your own practice. Have you observed similar benefits in your sessions? How do you think dance therapy could enhance your current holistic health offerings? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Additionally, consider trying a new dance technique or incorporating a movement-based therapy session into your practice this week. Observe the changes in your participants and reflect on how these methods align with your therapeutic goals.

Conclusion

Dance therapy, as detailed by Strive, provides a valuable and evidence-based approach to enhancing community wellness. By integrating these programs into our holistic health practices, we can offer comprehensive and effective solutions to our clients. Let’s embrace the power of movement and dance to foster well-being, connection, and joy in our communities.

For more information on implementing dance therapy programs, visit Strive’s website here or contact their project coordinators to start enhancing your community’s wellness today. Contact me , if you want to become a “Shandora - Dance Your Life” facilitator.

Source: https://strive2bfit.com/community-health-wellness-services/dance-therapy/