This book offers a compelling research alternative for dance/movement (and other creative arts) therapists who recognize how valuable artistic ways of knowing are to the theory and practice of their profession. It encourages participation in a mode of inquiry that invites fully authentic engagement, inspires excitement about discovery, and builds confidence in abilities to contribute to the professional body of research literature. Artistic inquiry is defined as research that: (1) uses artistic methods of gathering, analyzing, and/or presenting data; (2) engages in and acknowledges a creative process; and (3) is motivated and determined by the aesthetic values of the researcher(s). These three defining characteristics are theoretically and practically examined in depth and accompanied by examples of artistic inquiry relevant to dance/movement therapy. Interdisciplinary support for the validity of artistic inquiry is drawn from a rich field of resources, including philosophy, social sciences, education, and the arts. Still/Here, a multimedia dance work by Bill T. Jones, is presented as a work of art that can be viewed as artistic inquiry. Jones' use of dance as the primary expressive medium, drawing from the verbal and nonverbal narratives of people living with terminal illnesses, exemplifies the potential that artistic inquiry has for dance/movement therapy. The book concludes with recommendations for the promotion and evaluation of artistic inquiry projects. Throughout, it upholds a vision of research as a vital, satisfying, and essential part of a dance/movement therapist's career.

Dance/Movement Therapists in Action fosters awareness of the living body, honors diverse ways of working, and leads toward creative expression and integration. This edited text, written by authors with exemplary credentials, spans and illuminates a breadth of investigative inquiry approaches and models to all students, clinicians, and researchers interested in dance/movement therapy (DMT) research. The text highlights two basic research frameworks-quantitative (objective) and qualitative (interpretative)-including their underlying philo­sophic and theoretical tenets. The authors' goal has been to create a comprehensible, accessible book that is readable and engaging: one that contains accepted research protocols in conjunction with practical infor­mation written in "nontechnical" terms. Many examples are incorporated throughout the text to clarify and amplify each of the various research options. A spectrum of research alternatives are presented that can inform clinical practice, inspire clinicians and students, and guide further research inquiry. These chapters hold a wealth of information and examples that will be of particular use and interest to clinicians and were conceived and written with practitioners in mind-for example, one featuring the use of movement observation scales for DMT research and clinical practice, and one on using research results to inform clinical practice. A completely new chapter on embodied descriptive and interpretive methods in DMT research also has been added. This volume will afford dance/movement therapists the tools to conduct research related to both clinical practice and academic inquiry.

The first book to embrace all the arts therapies, this is a ground-breaking examination of the effects of arts therapies interventions in health, education, community and social services settings. It is written by specialists addressing themes which are relevant to all arts therapists exploring the relationship between research and practice.

The Art and Science of Dance/Movement Therapy offers both a broad understanding and an in-depth view of how and where dance therapy can be used to produce change. The chapters go beyond the basics that characterize much of the literature on dance/movement therapy, and each of the topics covered offers a theoretical perspective followed by case studies that emphasize the techniques used in the varied settings. Several different theoretical points of view are presented in the chapters, illuminating the different paths through which dance can be approached in therapy.

This book will be a valuable resource for anyone who wishes to learn more about the therapeutic use of creative movement and dance. It will be welcomed by students and practitioners in the arts therapies, psychotherapy, counselling and related professions

Dance and Creativity within Dance Movement Therapy discusses the core work and basic concepts in dance movement therapy (DMT), focusing on the centrality of dance, the creative process and their aesthetic-psychological implications in the practice of the profession for both patients and therapists. Based on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary inputs from fields such as philosophy, anthropology and dance, contributions examine the issues presented by cultural differences in DMT through the input of practitioners from several diverse countries. Chapters blend theory and case studies with personal, intimate reflections to support critical descriptions of DMT interventions and share methods to help structure practice and facilitate communication between professionals and researchers. The book’s multicultural, multidisciplinary examination of the essence of dance and its countless healing purposes will give readers new insights into the value and functions of dance both in and out of therapy.