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Dance/movement therapy with resettled refugees: A guideline and framework based on empirical data
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Dance/movement therapy with resettled refugees: A guideline and framework based on empirical data

Rebekka Dieterich-Hartwell, Sherry Goodill and Sabine Koch
The Arts in psychotherapy, v 69, pNo. 101664
Jul 2020

Abstract

Dance/movement therapy Dance/movement therapy guide Refugees Trauma
•A background of the refugee experience for those refugees resettled in the USA is offered.•A dance/movement therapy guide with refugees, which is based on empirical data, is proposed.•A description of how this movement guide was utilized in a recent grounded theory study is provided.•Additional recommendations for the dance/movement therapy practice with refugees are given. In this paper we offer a review of the refugee experience with a specific focus on those refugees recently resettled in the United States. We expand on the importance of trauma-informed care that is culturally sensitive, somatically informed, and strength/resource-based. Dance/movement therapy (DMT), with its emphasis on somatic and psychological issues, appears to be a fitting modality for refugees and has been applied in several studies. However, an empirically established clinical framework that offers guidelines for dance/movement therapists working with refugees has not yet been established. In order to fill this gap, we present a DMT guide that is based on a thematic analysis of some of the existing studies with this population. We go on to describe how this guide served as a useful structure in the work with refugees by example of its application in a recent grounded theory study and share additional skills that were found to be helpful. We close with overall clinical recommendations, challenges encountered, and reflections on the DMT work with refugees.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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#3 Good Health and Well-Being
#5 Gender Equality

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Collaboration types
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Psychology, Clinical
Rehabilitation
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