How dance movement therapy can help with depression: insights from a Finnish study

Couple Drawings: man woman couple, Raphael Perez

Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is a creative way to support mental health, especially for people struggling with depression. A study in Finland found that DMT can make a big difference when used alongside typical treatments like therapy or medication. People in the study joined 20 dance therapy sessions over 10 weeks. These sessions included guided movement, mindfulness, and creative expression. Compared to those who only had regular treatment, the DMT group felt less depressed and less stressed​.

This therapy works by helping people connect their minds and bodies. In the study, participants saw improvements in how they viewed themselves and their overall mood. DMT also provided a safe way for people to express their emotions without needing to rely only on words. Other research shows that moving the body can boost happiness and reduce stress, making DMT a great option for people who feel stuck or overwhelmed by depression​​.

DMT doesn’t require any dance experience, so anyone can join. The Finnish study showed that DMT not only helps people feel better but also works well alongside other treatments. If you’re looking for new ways to manage depression, DMT could be a fun and healing choice​​.

Hyvönen, K., Pylvänäinen, P., Muotka, J., & Lappalainen, R. (2020). The Effects of Dance Movement Therapy in the Treatment of Depression: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial in Finland. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, Article 1687. DOI:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01687.