Creative Collective: Benefits of Group Dance Therapy

In my previous blog I wrote a guide to dance therapy, including what to expect and how to prepare. The focus was on individual sessions, however I thought it timely to share some insights about group dance therapy, given the launch of my new group programs!

Group dance therapy is a form of psychotherapy that incorporates dance/movement and group interaction to support participants’ mental, emotional, physical, and social health. Blending dance/movement with group dynamics allows participants to explore and express their emotions, release stress/tension, and build and strengthen relationships - all whilst engaging in fun and collaborative movement! 

In this short blog, I will break down three major benefits of group-based dance therapy! Happy reading and happy moving!

Emotional Awareness and Expression
At its core, dance is non-verbal expression and communication. For many, it is a way to effectively communicate thoughts and feelings that might be otherwise challenging to verbally articulate. Bodies can be used to express our emotions, or to reflect these expressions back to another. This practice - called mirroring - can be powerful for providing validation, demonstrating empathy, and allowing ourselves to see our emotions from another perspective. This can be incredibly beneficial for those who may feel unseen, unheard, dismissed, or those who have a difficult time seeing and processing their emotions. 

The group environment also allows for a range of emotions to be explored and expressed. The therapist will often guide the group through exercises designed to support participants’ emotional awareness and expression. In turn, participants can develop a deeper connection to themselves through tapping into the wisdom of their body and releasing unexpressed feelings. Over time, this can enhance self-awareness, emotional resilience, and emotional regulation.

Social Connection
Meaningful connections with others is a truly special aspect of the human experience, and is important for our health and wellbeing. However, it is no secret that we are experiencing a loneliness epidemic, with more people than ever feeling socially isolated. 

Group-based dance therapy can be a great way for people to connect with others in a safe and non-judgemental space. The group space can offer belonging and support for participants. The group therapist may invite participants to move together rhythmically, to mirror one another, or to engage in dyadic or small-group expressive dance. Working closely with others allows trust, empathy, understanding and connection to bloom between group members. Moreover, group members experiencing similar challenges may find solidarity and camaraderie in facing their struggles together. 

Creative Inspiration
An often overlooked benefit of group-based dance therapy is that it can offer creative inspiration! This can be rewarding and cup-filling, especially for those who enjoy creating and expressing through art. Group members are often guided by the therapist to create their own improvised movements or share their unique interpretation of dance. Group members may watch another’s movements and try it on for themselves, adapting it to suit their body and ways of moving through the world. By witnessing others, participants may feel inspired to experiment with their own movements and ways of expressing through the body. 

So, why would this be beneficial? If you have ever felt stuck in life and as though you are in a rut, you may know that shaking up your current routine can provide a sense of revitalisation. Ever heard of the phrase, “a change is as good as a holiday?”. We are exposed in every group dance therapy session to new ideas, movements, gestures, themes and perspectives. This, alongside the collaborative nature of group therapy, can give us the break from routine and “sameness” that we need. In turn, individuals may feel more confident to try something new, supporting personal growth and self-exploration. 

In sum, group-based dance therapy offers many benefits outside of physical activity and stress reduction. This blog has explored three key benefits that arise from the group-related aspects of group dance therapy. These benefits include expanding emotional awareness and exploration, connecting with others socially in a meaningful way, and being exposed to the creativity and unique-ness of others. To be clear, the only benefits of group-based dance therapy, with other benefits including mind-body connection, stress release, improved mobility/flexibility/strength, and the chance to develop and practice new skills. 
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So, if you are looking for a way to explore your emotions, connect with others and be creatively inspired, a group-based dance therapy session may be what you need! Head to the dance floor and embrace the beauty of moving, expressing, connecting and creating. 

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