Dance/Movement Therapy for Infants and Young Children with Medical Illness: Treating Somatic and Psychic Distress

This book explores dance/movement therapy as a way to understand a baby's emotional and internal experience during medical treatment, focusing on the whole family system and using the DC 0-5 as a framework. It brings together infant mental health, infant and child psychiatry, nonverbal-movement analysis, and creative arts therapies. Vignettes illustrate the effects of illness on the child's development, showcasing the authors' expertise as infant mental health professionals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the realm of dance/movement therapy as a unique window into the emotional and internal world of babies with medical illnesses, while also emphasizing the importance of treating the entire family system. It serves as a comprehensive resource, seamlessly integrating various disciplines such as infant mental health, infant and child psychiatry, nonverbal-movement analysis, and creative arts therapies. Rooted in a biopsychosocial perspective, dance/movement therapy emerges as the primary treatment modality, utilizing nonverbal expression as a powerful means of communication. Through engaging dance and music activities, it offers invaluable support to both the child and their family, fostering emotional well-being and promoting holistic development.

Throughout the book, captivating vignettes are presented, capturing the intricate and profound effects of illness on the child's later emotional, social, and behavioral development. These vignettes, drawn from the authors' extensive experience working in hospitals and private practices, showcase their expertise as infant mental health professionals. They offer insightful perspectives and highlight their long-standing collaboration, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

This groundbreaking book is a must-read for clinicians and mental health professionals who specialize in working with infants and their families. It provides valuable insights, practical strategies, and innovative approaches to address the complex needs of these vulnerable populations. By embracing the power of dance/movement therapy, practitioners can foster emotional resilience, enhance communication, and create a nurturing environment that promotes optimal growth and well-being for infants and their families.

Weight: 449g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367352608