Traversing distance and proximity: the integration of psychodrama and dance movement therapy techniques in supervision

Abstract

This article explores the potential for intermodal methods in person-centred supervision, focusing on the application of techniques from dance movement therapy (DMT) and psychodrama. The article proposes how specific structures combining psychodrama and DMT allow the supervisee to negotiate between proximity and distance, offering ways to hone in, step out or create alternative perspectives. Somatic congruence is introduced as a person-centred principle that enables the supervisor to understand and/or share somatic reactions in response to the supervisee’s material or the supervisor’s own personal process. Embodying roles and projective techniques are illustrated in the article through examples from the author’s supervisory DMT practice, demonstrating how these interventions may help symbolically crystallise supervisory issues. Caveats to these interventions and cautions to practitioners are presented, contributing to critical analyses of cross-disciplinary work. The article presents a constructive view towards future research and professional development on intermodal, creative supervisory practice.

Keywords:

• Creative supervision
• dance/movement
• intermodal
• interdisciplinary
• arts therapies
• psychodrama

Acknowledgement

Many thanks to Jennifer Frank Tantia and Carly Marchant for their insight and support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. Wilkins (2001, p. 37) claims that person-centred ‘definitions of congruence make no reference to the unconscious’, in contrast to countertransference.