Dance/movement therapy with battered women: A paradigm of action

This article highlights the contributions that dance/movement therapy can make to the treatment of battered women. By motivating female victims of domestic violence to act, dance/movement therapy addresses patterns of helplessness, ambivalence, and inactivity. Dance/movement interventions hlep women internalize a positive self-concept as well as gain physical and emotional control. In keeping with the short-term, crisis-oriented nature of standard treatment of battered women, a psychosocial plan of intervention which addresses their isolation and immobilization is recommended. Lastly, implications for in-depth, dance/movement therapy are made.