Movement as Medicine: Exploring the Benefits of Movement Therapy

June 2025 

“Movement is the language.  It is the first language for all of us.” - Caroline, Movement Therapist 

Movement therapy—also known as dance/movement therapy (DMT)—is a therapeutic approach that uses movement and body awareness to support emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being. It is based on the idea that the mind and body are deeply connected, and that movement can be a powerful way to express, explore, and process feelings and experiences—especially when words aren’t enough.

According to Caroline, Dance and Movement Therapist at Children’s Therapy Network, using the body to process emotions and provide solutions is what makes DMT especially beneficial for children, who don’t always have the cognitive awareness or language needed to express their needs.

In fact, Caroline believes that children are often better connected to their bodies than adults, and although they may sense what they need and what movements may be good for them, they live in a world that tells them “no”  when it comes to movement.  As most parents can attest, when a child’s needs (for movement or anything else!) are not met,  dysregulated and exasperating behavior can follow.  

Part of the work in a DMT session is relationship building and regulation.   Even though specific therapy techniques may differ, the foundation for all behavior change is a child in a secure relationship, with a regulated nervous system.  The therapist in DMT is there to hold space, witness or mirror what the child is experiencing, to bring awareness to emotions and needs, and to help the child discover what answers lie in their own body.  

Caroline’s background in physiology has served her well in reading movement patterns.  For example, Caroline might look at how a child uses space and time, and will assess if movements look tense or more fluid.  If a child with ADHD has a pattern of “shifting and XXXX” Caroline would help bring the child into a more grounded space where focus and moments of mindfulness are possible.  If a child is working on self-esteem, Caroline creates a space where they can be seen and heard.  With an anxious child, she will help the child answer the question, “can my body figure out what it needs?”  Depending on a child’s needs and strengths, sessions may involve music or props (even a trampoline!) or may involve a yoga mat and quiet rest.  Caroline reports “any shift in emotions starts with a shift in the body; a movement.”  

As Caroline believes that movement is the first language for all of us, DMT can be effective for adults;  even adults who have more years of disconnecting the mind from the body. She sees that our current culture has “trained us to NOT feel, but to function” and much of her work with adults is helping them connect mind to body again.  For example, adults may not realize that the sensation of tightness in their chest is a sign of distress and anxiety.  Caroline has had success in creating spaces for parents to feel safe enough to connect to their own needs, and to be curious about what wisdom lies within. As a therapy modality, DMT  is even a safe space to process trauma which lives in and needs to be released from the body, with the knowledge that these types of therapies take patience and time.  

One of the challenges in our quick-fix culture is that parents want immediate relief for themselves and their children.  Caroline offers DMT as a chance to walk the path to emotional and mental wellness, with curiosity for what our bodies have to offer.  

If you are in the greater Madison area, reach out to find out more about our individual and group Dance Movement Therapy opportunities in clinic.  Our virtual parent coaching is also based in body and brain science, and available anywhere.