Abortion And Dance/Movement Therapy: A Mind-Body Approach To Healing
Loading...
Authors
McNally, Jacqueline
Issue Date
2020-05-01
Type
thesis_open
Language
Keywords
dance/movement therapy , abortion , termination of pregnancy , stigma , negative psychological symptoms , nonverbal communication , Dance
Dance Movement Therapy
Alternative Title
Dance/Movement Therapy Theses
Abstract
Abortion is one of the most common procedures in the United States with roughly a quarter of the female population receiving the procedure before the age of 45. Abortion is often an emotionally significant event that changes the course of someone’s life. For some of those women, negative physical and psychological symptoms can emerge post abortion. Grief, depression, trauma-based disorders, and concealable stigmas may accompany the range of physical changes. Communication is 55% nonverbal, therefore using a body-based modality for expression and healing is crucial. Dance/movement therapy is a body based modality that’s core principle uses the body as a form of communication. Addressing the physical and psychological symptoms therapeutically through bodily-felt experiences facilitates healing by integrating the mind-body connection. Fueled from the feminist movement which included agency over women’s reproductive rights and their bodies, dance/movement therapy was recognized as a profession in the 1960s. Using various techniques and interventions, dance/movement therapy honors the entire woman, where they are in their mental health journey, respecting their choice of reproductive health, and acknowledging the agency they have over their bodies and minds.
Description
Citation
Publisher
License
true