An autoethnographic study of a dance movement therapy practitioner and its link to analytical psychology

Abstract

DMT as a therapy is among the new entrants in the field of psychology, which explores the connection between the inner world to that of the outside world through the expression of body movement. This connection between the two worlds has created a lot of curiosity both positive and negative in the field. This curiosity arises from the fact that even before the child is born, he uses his body to interact with the world outside. These movements precede even the first cry of the baby, implying that movement in any form is the most natural expression of emotions. Hence, to understand these natural movements and how it helps individuals to come in term with themselves we have used autoethnography as the primary research data. This has helped us to understand the process or the journey that a practitioner goes through while undergoing the DMT course. Analytical psychology was used as a theoretical anchoring to understand the conscious and the unconscious processes.

Keywords:

• DMT
• analytical psychology
• autoethnography
• body movement
• self

Acknowledgements

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. However, we would like to thank Ms. Shreyansi Sahai and Ms. Sonu Dagar for their help and support during the analysis stage.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Shreya Tyagi

Shreya Tyagi is a dance movement therapy practitioner and a counselling psychologist. She is currently pursuing a PhD in psychology from Manav Rachna Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad. Her approach is grounded in empathy, compassion, and a deep commitment to supporting others on their journey towards emotional well-being. Her research explores the intersection of movement, cognition, and mental health, with the aim of contributing valuable insights to the field of psychology.

Shruti Mishra

Shruti Mishra is an associate professor with Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad. She has over fifteen years in market research experience, client management and team building. As practitioner she has worked across categories and different markets in India, South East Asia and MENA region, which has helped her understand and appreciate the influence of different cultural background on how and why a consumer interacts with a particular brand or products.

Taranjeet Duggal

Taranjeet Duggal is highly experienced and dedicated Human Resource professional with 23 years of combined experience in both corporate and academic sectors. Specializing in HRD strategy, training and development and providing consultancy services to corporate clients. Currently teaching Behavioural sciences and core HR and Organisational Behaviour topics to Post Graduate students while actively engaging in corporate training and faculty development programs.

Priyanka Tiwari

Priyanka Tiwari is the Professor and Head of the Department of Applied Psychology under the School of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad (India). She has undertaken lot of intervention-based researches in social, organizational and general domains of Psychology. She has also worked with athletes of Special Olympic Bharat & athletes with special needs by providing psychological immunity and support.