Reciprocal Waves: Embodied Intersubjective Communication in Dance/Movement Therapy Practice
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Authors
Xie, XiaoChuan
Issue Date
2019-05-01
Type
thesis_open
Language
Keywords
Dance Movement Therapy
Alternative Title
Dance/Movement Therapy Theses
Abstract
In this thesis project, the author proposes a framework of empathic communication in Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) practice. Based on Franz de Waal’s Russian doll model of empathy, the author explores three traditional phenomena in DMT practice that cultivate empathy and intersubjectivity: Primitive Mirroring; Shared Intention; and Movement Understanding. In each topic, the author extends the investigation into different areas of study in order to illuminate the profound connectedness of human empathic communication. The term Reciprocal Waves highlights the back and forth relationship-building process that occurs daily in dance/movement therapy practice. It is a framework derived from DMT practice that can be applied to all fields that would benefit from promoting empathic human relationships.