Presenting dance/movement therapy (DMT) as a viable and valuable psychosocial support service for those with a medical illness, Sharon W. Goodill shows how working creatively with the mind/body connection can encourage and enhance the healing process. This book represents the first attempt to compile, synthesize, and publish the work that has been done over recent years in medical DMT.The emerging application of medical DMT is grounded within the context of established viewpoints and theories, such as arts therapies, health psychology and scientific perspectives. As well as examining its theoretical foundations, the author offers real-life examples of medical DMT working with people of different ages with different medical conditions. This comprehensive book provides a firm foundation for exploration and practice in medical DMT, including recommendations for professional preparation, research and program development. Interviews with dance/movement therapists bring fresh and exciting perspectives to the field and these and the author's testimonies point to the possible future applications of medical DMT. With an increasing number of professional dance/movement therapists working with the medically ill and their families, this is a timely and well-grounded look at an exciting new discipline. It is recommended reading for DMT students and professionals, complementary therapists, and all those with an interest in the healing potential of working innovatively with the mind and body.
Introduction. PART I.1. A. Purpose and Scope of the Book. B. Foundational Concepts for Medical Dance/Movement Therapy. C. The Context of Medical Dance/Movement Therapy. 2. Psychological Concepts for Medical Dance/Movement Therapy. 3. The Science Behind Medical Dance/Movement Therapy. PART II. Applications of Medical Dance/Movement Therapy. 4.A. Dance/Movement Therapy in General Medical Care. B. Child and Adolescent Patients. 5. Dance/Movement Therapy in Cancer Care. A. Dance/Movement Therapy and General Psychooncology. 6. Related Applications. A. Families and Caregivers. B. Death, Dying and Bereavement. PART III. Research and Education. 7. Research Issues in Medical Dance/Movement Therapy. A. Assessment in Medical DMT. B. Methodological Considerations. 8. Patient-Provider Communication: Implications for Dance/Movement Therapy. 9. Professional Preparation for Medical Dance/Movement Therapy. A. Academic Preparation. B. Personal Preparation. C. Experiential Training Exercises. References. Appendix A. Biographies of Dance/Movement Therapy Interviewees. Appendix B. Additional Resources for the Medical Dance/Movement Therapist. Appendix C. Script for Eliciting the Relaxation Response. Index.
Goodill's efforts provides the needed manna to help cultivate the scope of DMT training, practice and research in a domain few have heretofore sought to traverse. This publication is at once a welcome and a significant contribution to the DMT profession.
