How Can Dance Movement Therapy Improve My Mental Health?
Daily priorities can be difficult to manage. Not everyone has the tools on hand to effectively cope with the challenges associated with their mental health. Even more to the point, when life takes a turn due to major life incidences an individual’s mental health could be at stake leading to an unwanted substance relapse. Taking time to focus on self-care can be quite challenging due to having a busy lifestyle. Choosing to explore different holistic forms of care can help one maintain mental stability for a better quality of life. Moving forward with dance movement therapy (DMT) at Restoration Recovery can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation for improved mental health.
What Is Dance Movement Therapy?
Based on a recent study by Frontiers in Psychology, dancing can be a full-body experience for those looking to implement exercise into their daily life. When used as a therapeutic approach, dance and movement can present various mental and physical health benefits. This unique yet complementary service can be defined as dance movement therapy (DMT). DMT is a psychotherapeutic movement that connects the mind and body to promote mental and physical healing. This type of therapy was established in Western countries in the late 1940s. DMT professionals work in several different environments. These may include:
- Psychiatric hospitals
- Schools
- Rehabilitation centers
- Private practices
Value of Movement Psychotherapy
According to the aforementioned Frontiers in Psychology journal, DMT has been proven to provide several health benefits. This is a holistic therapy that can be an alternative approach to medicative treatment options. It is a non-judgmental and safe environment for like-minded individuals to get together and work toward similar goals. DMT can be a great way to expand healthy connections while gaining new opportunities from others. Benefits of DMT might include:
- Emotional stability
- Improved cognitive function
- Increased self-esteem
- Physical integration
- Increased relaxation
- Enhanced coordination
- Improved health and well-being
Who May Find Benefit From Dance Movement Therapy?
Furthermore, individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions may find great benefit through participating in DMT. DMT can be a fun environment for individuals of all ages to let loose and put their minds elsewhere when facing challenges with a dual diagnosis. It can be a positive place for one to help reduce stress and ward off substance cravings.
According to Frontiers in Psychology, depression is a prevalent worldwide mental health disorder today. Based on a recent survey with 192 participants, depression scores decreased with DMT. Such individuals favored DMT in comparison to their treatment-as-usual (TAU) approach. Therefore, DMT is a highly effective treatment intervention for individuals facing challenges with depression.
Consequences of Untreated SUD and Mental Health Conditions
Living with addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions without professional care can feel very overwhelming. It is very common for some individuals to self-medicate with drugs and/or alcohol. SUD can not only affect the individual facing problems with substance dependency but their close family members as well. Untreated mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral health conditions can lead to:
- Impaired relationships
- Poor work performance
- Increased stress
- Delayed academic success
- Financial strife
- Increased relapse
- Suicide
Moving Forward With Dance Movement Therapy at Restoration Recovery
DMT can be a fun sober activity that can help struggling individuals maintain a positive outlook on life. Depending on the facility chosen, some individuals may benefit from bringing a close friend to DMT. This may help promote emotional support and overall comfort.
Dancing can help individuals maintain long-term recovery from SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders. Friends and family may find relief by seeing a positive change in their loved ones’ attitudes and overall mental health. DMT can work to improve an individual’s mood and promote an adequate amount of sleep, relieving insomnia related to high stress levels associated with mental health disorders. Participating in DMT in combination with other treatment options at Restoration Recovery can help individuals with emotional difficulties gain their lives back. Other treatment modalities that might complement DMT may include:
- Inpatient rehab
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Outpatient treatment
- Aftercare services
Discussing an Individualized Treatment Plan
Taking time to discuss further treatment options with a specialist may improve an individual’s recovery outcome. Therefore, it may be wise to reach out to a team member at Restoration Recovery. Many treatment facilities are turning more toward a whole-body form of care to increase personal benefits. An individual’s mind, body, and spirit are integrated into treatment for a more holistic approach to recovery.
Not many individuals know what to expect when choosing to move forward with a treatment facility. A team member may develop an individualized treatment plan to tailor their services to an individual’s needs. Once an individual communicates their concerns, a specialist can break down the best plan moving forward by targeting an individual’s priorities. Everyone deserves to live a mentally stable life free from alcohol and drugs. DMT can help achieve this.
At our California recovery center, our serene setting helps clients achieve not just wellness but wholeness. Our mission is to help people struggling with substance use disorder, mental health disorders, or dual-diagnosis disorders achieve long-term sobriety by offering treatment options that heal the mind, body, and spirit. Our facility is a dual diagnosis treatment center in California with programs designed to address the person as a whole. Our California holistic rehab can treat a variety of psychological conditions. Holistic therapy options vary depending on what level of care an individual may need. Call Restoration Recovery at (888) 290-0925 to learn more about how DMT can help provide the support needed to recover.
