Dance Movement Psychotherapy with People with Learning Disabilities

This book provides an overview of dance movement psychotherapy for young people and adults with learning disabilities. Contributors from a variety of backgrounds examine their work with clients from across the disabilities spectrum, ranging from mild to complex needs. The book chapters present theory and practice relating to the client group and subsequent therapy processes. This comprises psychotherapeutic interventions, dance movement interventions, theoretical constructs, case study material, practitioner care, and practitioner learning and development related to individual and group therapy work. The logistics of a Dance Movement Psychotherapy intervention, the intervention itself and the ripples of influence into the clients' wider socio-cultural context are discussed. This stance speaks to current research and practice discourse in health and social care. The book champions acceptance of difference and equality in the health and social care needs for people with learning disabilities whilst emphasising the importance of dance movement psychotherapy for people with non-verbal communication. Dance Movement Psychotherapy with People with Learning Disabilities: Out of the Shadows, into the Light will provide a practical and theoretical resource for practitioners and students of dance movement psychotherapy as well as allied health professionals, service providers and carers.

Geoffery Unkovich has extensive DMP experience through eleven years' practice with adults with learning disabilities. Geoffery was on ADMP UK council for four years, and is currently on their Professional Development Committee. He is a senior lecturer in DMP at the University of Roehampton, and has taught on DMP training programmes at Goldsmiths, University of London, in Croatia and Romania. Céline Butté has been practising DMP for fifteen years. She works within Merton Arts Therapies team for People with Learning Disabilities and in private practice. A core member of the teaching team on the Creative Approaches to Supervision training with the London Centre for Psychodrama, she also teaches DMP/T internationally. Céline has provided DMP within NHS adult Mental Health services and for refugees and their children. Jacqueline Butler has been practicing as a Dance Movement Psychotherapist for eighteen years. Her DMP work is with adults with learning disabilities for a Local Government Direct Service and for private care-providers, in a therapeutic community for those with mental health issues and she also has a private practice for individuals and supervisees. She is a visiting lecturer in Dance Movement Psychotherapy at the University of Roehampton, London.

Introduction 1: Entering the world: dance movement psychotherapy and the complexity of beginnings with learning disabled clients Caroline Frizell 2: A reflexive account of significant changes in learning disability values: A parent/practitioner story Jackie Edwards 3: DMP Assessments for Children and Young People with Learning Disabilities and Special Needs Fiona Hoo 4: Dance Movement Psychotherapy as part of a Holistic Intervention team in a SEND School Jeni Wilson 5: Using video to increase sensitivity and attunement with caregivers of children with a disability: A Dance Movement Psychotherapy Perspective Bethan Manford 6: On becoming a Monkey Sue Curtis 7: Finding a place of collaboration, co-created by clients, staff and therapist Jacqueline Butler 8: I will dance with you, all that you have been, all that you are, and all that you can become. An exploration of the application of a Person-Centred Dance Movement Psychotherapy approach with nonverbal clients in a group context Linsey Clark and Victoria Smith 09: Men Shaping Men: gender discoveries in a dance movement psychotherapy men's group Geoffery Unkovich 10: How can I meet Syon where he is today? Céline Butté Closing Reflections