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Sándor Ferenczi and the Origins of Humanistic Psychology
Integrating dance/movement into a Voice Dialogue session
Dreams - Your Special Gift
A Lifetime of Learning, A Passion for Service
Integrating dance/movement into a Voice Dialogue session
by Dassie Hoffman MA, A.D.T.R.
Voice Dialogue International, Summer 1994
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This article is based upon presentations I gave at Delos Summer Kamps in July 1991 and 1992. These Kamps are two-week residential VD training intensives, attended by therapists and practitioners from all over the world. The people who attend my teaching workshops have no theoretical knowledge of Dance Therapy, and limited movement experience. Therefore, the presentations combine didactic and experiential work.
WE BEGIN THE PROCESS of integrating dance/movement into the VD session by indicating that we (the facilitator/therapist) are prepared to do so.
Since much of this work is non-verbal, we make certain materials clearly available within our work space. On display are a tape deck, an assortment of tapes, some simple instruments (drums, tambourine, triangle) and a variety of props. Scarves, pillows, flowers, shells, sea stones, stuffed animals are placed carefully within the room. This is done to create an environment for this work. We also ascertain that there is enough physical space within the room or office for movement to be possible and comfortable.
These props and instruments are utilized to provide an opening into the personality: a means for the subject to begin working non-verbally. Dance/Movement therapy functions on a symbolic level and these props allow. another level of exploration to begin.
We know from our VD training that being in another voice or sub-personality means being in an altered state of consciousness. Dance/movement therapy also transports the subject deep within the self. The addition of the non-verbal or symbolic component to the VD process places additional demands upon the facilitator. It is essential that the facilitator remain totally present, totally aware, and be willing to move quickly, even intuitively, to be with the subject.