Dance movement psychotherapy and sexually harmful behaviour

Abstract

This is a qualitative research that explores the potential benefits of using Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) influenced by a person-centred psychotherapeutic approach as an intervention with young boys displaying sexually harmful behaviour (SHB). Recent studies have shown the connection between SHB, poor early attachment and abuse. There is evidence of the positive effects that DMP has when working with attachment. However, a literature search seems to indicate a lack of research on DMP with the population mentioned above. This research therefore explores the benefits of DMP with young boys who display SHB. The findings show connections between DMP, SHB and attachment theory. Boys displaying SHB may benefit from DMP interventions, because it offers something new and complements the existing interventions.

Keywords:

• Dance movement psychotherapy
• sexually harmful behaviour
• attachment theory
• sexual abuse
• trauma

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my gratitude to all Dance Voice, for their guidance, encouragement and inspiration. Thanks to my wonderful parents and brother for their ever present love and support. All my gratitude to my beloved partner for being an amazing support. I also dedicate this work to my daughter who at the time of doing this research was still developing inside me. And finally, I would like to thank my entire peer group and colleagues who have been constantly present during the development of this work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.