Keywords
Psychotherapy, Recreational therapy
Abstract
The theoretical and historical foundations of body work and movement therapies are explored. Wilhelm Reich is credited with bringing into prominence the inclusion of the body in psychotherapy. His influence on Alexander Lowen and Fritz Perls is explored in detail. The importance in psychotherapy of breathing, energy, self-expression, spontaneous movement, and awareness is stressed. Six expressive movement therapies -- Gestalt body work, t'ai chi, encounter group exercises, bioenergetic therapy, psychomotor training, and dance therapy -- are described in detail. An evaluation and comparison of the various movement forms is offered, along with suggestions for outcome research in the area. The authors believe the inclusion of body work and expressive movement in psychotherapy is important, either as a sole intervention technique or as an adjunct to traditional verbal methods.
Graduation Date
Spring 1977
Advisor
Nickeson, Carl
Degree
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Social Sciences
Degree Program
Community Psychology
Format
Pages
164 p.
Language
English
Rights
Public Domain
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Access Status
Masters Thesis (Open Access)
Identifier
DP0013100
Subjects
Psychotherapy, Recreational therapy
STARS Citation
Shotwell, Jody Lynn, "Movement Therapies: Foundations and Applications for Awareness and Growth" (1977). Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 377.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/rtd/377
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Collection (Linked data)
Accessibility Status
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