AN EXPLORATION FROM A STRUCTURAL POINT OF VIEW OF THE USE OF THE GREEK TRADITIONAL FORM OF DANCE IN A DANCE MOVEMENT THERAPY GROUP OF GREEK SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS
A Dissertation presented to the Faculty of The Laban Centre for Movement and Dance
In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in Dance Movement Therapy
by Dimitrios Zachos
November 1995
The aim of this study is to explore schizophrenic patients I use of the Greek form of traditional dance in a dance movement therapy session with a group of Greek Schizophrenics. A critical review of the group therapy structure and leadership style was employed for this purpose. In addition, some clinical examples are presented of six long-term institutionalized Greek schizophrenic patients in order to support and clarify the finding of the literature review.
The findings of the literature review sustained the notion that a well-structured session and a clear and directive leadership style is necessary for working with schizophrenics. Furthermore, it is shown that the use of the Greek traditional dance "Syrtos" is structurally an effective therapeutic tool when working with Greek schizophrenic patients.
In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in Dance Movement Therapy
by Dimitrios Zachos
November 1995
The aim of this study is to explore schizophrenic patients I use of the Greek form of traditional dance in a dance movement therapy session with a group of Greek Schizophrenics. A critical review of the group therapy structure and leadership style was employed for this purpose. In addition, some clinical examples are presented of six long-term institutionalized Greek schizophrenic patients in order to support and clarify the finding of the literature review.
The findings of the literature review sustained the notion that a well-structured session and a clear and directive leadership style is necessary for working with schizophrenics. Furthermore, it is shown that the use of the Greek traditional dance "Syrtos" is structurally an effective therapeutic tool when working with Greek schizophrenic patients.
Dance Movement psychotherapy
Dance movement psychotherapy uses dance/movement as a psychotherapeutic tool. One of the main tenants of dance movement psychotherapy is that the mind and body are connected, and that body movement reflects inner emotional states. Changes in movement behaviour can also reflect and affect changes in the psyche. These changes can be facilitated by dance therapists to aid clients in the integration of their social, emotional, and physical lives.
What is Dance Movement Therapy?
Dance Movement Therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance through which a person can engage creatively in a process to further their emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration. It is founded on the principle that movement reflects an individual’s patterns of thinking and feeling. Through acknowledging and supporting clients’ movements the therapist encourages development and integration of new adaptive movement patterns together with the emotional experiences that accompany such changes. Dance Movement Therapy is practised as both individual and group therapy in health, education and social service settings and in private practice.
akemagic