Navigating the Hallways: A Dance/Movement Therapy Method for Adolescents in Schools

Abstract

This thesis will describe the development of a dance/movement therapy method catered towards adolescents in a school setting that experience anxiety and chaos while in the classroom. The literature review addresses adolescent development, adolescents "at-risk", anxiety, identity development, and applications for dance/movement therapists working with adolescents. The method itself is a multi-step, somatic experience to help mitigate the symptoms of anxiety. Often, chaos occurs in the classroom. For adolescents with added exposure to violence, aggression, and abuse, classrooms become undesirable environments and increase levels of student’s anxiety. The method, "Navigating the Hallways" begins with body awareness to identify triggers that lead to anxiety. It is followed by four pathways, co-created with the therapist, to support the student’s ability to emotionally regulate, and to calm down enough to return to the classroom. This author looks at ways to provide students with body-based techniques to reduce anxiety that can then be utilized more independently or in coordination with other students in need. This author reflects on the process of developing this method and how relationships with the students aided in her growth as a dance/movement therapist.M.A., Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling -- Drexel University, 201