Children's Hospital Colorado

Through specialized child life programs, we ease the stress and anxiety of medical experiences using play, creativity, technology and even man's best friend.

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What is dance/movement therapy?

Dance Movement Therapy

Dance/movement therapy (DMT) focuses on the connection between the mind and body to promote health and healing. Physically, dance/movement therapy can include light exercises that improve mobility and muscle coordination, as well as reduce muscle tension. Emotionally, DMT can help improve self-awareness, self-confidence and provide an outlet for children to express and communicate feelings.

How does dance/movement therapy help kids?

As part of the Ponzio Creative Arts Therapy Program at Children's Hospital Colorado, DMT allows kids to use movement to express a wide range of emotions. This form of therapy is used for patients who have a variety of social, emotional, psychological, cognitive or physical concerns. It is often included as a part of the recovery process for kids with chronic illness. Our dance/movement therapists can work with kids and teens individually, in a group setting or with an entire family.

Dance/movement therapy helps kids get better faster by:

  • Fostering a physically and emotionally safe, non-judgmental and fun environment
  • Respecting individual limitations and achievements
  • Facilitating individual expression and communication with other people
  • Increasing body awareness, spontaneity, creativity and a healthy self-image
  • Reducing chronic pain and body tension
  • Developing a new relationship with the body

After a dance/movement therapy multi-family group, one family member shared, "Wow and a-ha. Thank you for this opportunity to experience a new way to see myself, my child, and ponder how others see me."

How dance/movement therapy changed a life

Contact us

For further information about the Ponzio Creative Arts Therapy Program, please call 720-777-4360.