I have been watching some interesting videos on You tube while trying to bring different kinds of didactic presentation materials into these blogs. So in the coming months, I would like to share different drama, theater, visual art, dance and other art forms which are being used as counselling techniques in various parts of the world. Some of the techniques are unusual while other are well know tools of the trade.

These two featured presentations talks about using the dance/movement forms as counseling technique. As a drama and movement therapist myself, I am always looking for unique and traditional dance forms that can be used in various combinations while working with clients groups.

The first feature goes on a journey to India and talks about combining Yoga and Dance into a cutting edge format for expression as well as performance. This feature pulled on my heart strings as I come from India and have myself at many times incorporated my Indian classical dance background in my counselling work.

The second video illustrates how capoeira classes may be combined with experience and emotion based group counselling on successfully interacting in life – within the realms of social work. Capoeira is a Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, sports, and music.

It is interesting to watch how the elements of Dance/Movement Therapy, which according to the American Association of Dance therapy, is the psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration of individuals is reflected in these two opposite movement forms. This goes to prove that dance is an unconscious medium of expression and can transcend boundaries and cultures as well as therapeutic interventions. It can be used as a simple form of expression to a complex therapeutic interventions as well as a creative arts counselling technique.

*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA