Dance-based interventions in clinical populations: not all are the same
Frontiers in Psychology October 17, 2025 Michail Elpidoforou, Antonios Boultadakis, John Parissis et al. 1 citation
Dance-based interventions fall into three distinct categories with different goals, facilitators, and target populations. Dance therapy (DT), dance movement psychotherapy (DMP), or dance movement therapy (DMT) is a psychotherapeutic modality delivered by registered dance-movement therapists to address mental health needs. Adapted dance (AD) or inclusive dance (ID) is led by certified dance educators trained in special education, focusing on artistic expression, recreation, and social inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Therapeutic dance (TD) or dance as therapy (DaT) is facilitated by registered healthcare practitioners with dance training to improve or relieve disease symptoms or side effects of medical care in clinical populations. Clear terminology is essential for designing interventions, defining outcomes, and establishing professional standards.