Trauma-Informed Dance/Movement Therapy in the Context of Medical Illness

In this chapter, adopting a biopsychosocial model of heath and illness, the authors describe experiences of medical illness as trauma and reflect on the application of dance/movement therapy (DMT) as a complementary and integrative approach for the management of complex medical illness. As DMT clinicians and researchers, the authors present their theoretical frameworks, potential mechanisms of action, salient DMT techniques, and clinical vignettes with a specific focus on their work with individuals with cancer and chronic pain. Their approach emphasizes building resilience resources and reconstructing individuals’ narratives and identities in the context of medical illness toward the restoration of their lifeworld and holistic integration.