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Nonverbal aspects of early childhood development, the caregiver/infant relationship, and the therapist/client relationship: implications for early intervention dance/movement therapy
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Nonverbal aspects of early childhood development, the caregiver/infant relationship, and the therapist/client relationship: implications for early intervention dance/movement therapy

Lauren R. Bomberg
Master of Arts (M.A.), Drexel University
May 2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/D8RS9K
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Abstract

Dance therapy Attachment behavior Child Development
The purpose of this thesis is to explore how early human experience with a caregiver underlies and contributes to the therapeutic process between dance/movement therapists and their clients. It critically reviews relevant literature on aspects of nonverbal interaction, early movement and psychosocial development, the caregiver/infant relationship, and the therapist/client relationship. Interested in the targeted realm where these four bodies merge, ultimately it addresses implications for early intervention dance/movement therapy to promote child development and attachment in healthy caregiver/infant dyads. Upon synthesis of the literature, three themes emerged: 1. The body in relationship, including the importance of nonverbal observation and attunement, 2. Holding environment, and 3. Space-physical space, emotional space, and relational space-as it pertains to early developmental outcomes. The thesis also describes the unique, inherent qualities of DMT as comparable to other caregiver/infant interventions reviewed. It concludes with 20 suggestions for best practice and further research, as well as a reflection of how this work has impacted the author's practice and theoretical orientation as an emerging dance/movement therapist.

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