Physical communication and biofeedback-intervention while moving in dance/movement therapy

Abstract

  Physical communication, including physical contact and body imitation, is characterized by interactivity and simultaneity in a manner that allows the sender to also be a receiver at the same time, in addition to the diversity of channels that mediate communication. This feature is different from linguistic communication, in which unidirectional focus and alternation from the speaker to the listener are clear. In medical and welfare environments, group work is often adopted as a medium for treatment and aid. One of the programs sometimes utilized is dance/movement therapy (DMT), which uses movement associated with dance as a physical communication process to promote personal emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration. During a DMT session, use of the body to express the inner feelings to the target person outside is encouraged. By using the body of the therapist as a framework, strength, space (direction), rhythm, and form of movement extend the body expression of the individual more richly, allowing for expansion of the body for communication. In addition, the body of the DM therapist while working together is considered to provide biofeedback. It is important to consider the relationship between therapist and client in DMT while referring to experimental data showing their coordination.