Miami's Dance Movement Therapy Conference - 2019

 Storm by J.L. Morejon

Jorge Luis Morejon attended a number of workshops offered at the conference:

Incorporating Evidence Based Practices into Dance/Movement Therapy with Eating Disorder PatientsSusan Kleinman, MA, BC-DMT, NCC, CEDS and Concetta Troskie, BC-DMT, RDT, LPC

This seminar presented dance/movement therapy (DMT) methods designed to focus on helping individuals with eating disorders reclaim their connection with their feelings, actions, thoughts, and a sense of “wholeness”.  A hallmark of individuals with eating disorders is their tendency to short circuit feelings and pressing thoughts and focus on body distortions, obsessive thoughts and concrete, black & white thinking. To avoid being “in their bodies”, many can be observed attempting to cope with rising anxiety by frantically pulling at silly putty or shaking their extremities at amazingly quick speeds (Kleinman, 2014). Helping these patients transform their habitual thoughts and behaviors into more productive ways to cope with overwhelming problems is integral to reclaiming connection to a fuller experience of living in their bodies. As one young woman explained,” It is much easier to focus on how many calories I have consumed in a day then it is to deal with day to day events such as arguments with my parents, getting good grades, or feeling accepted by others.” Patients who suffer from trauma, as well as those who become addicted to substances, frequently experience similar patterns in their quest to attempt to stay “safe” by detaching from their bodily felt experiences (Kleinman, 2018).

Dancing at the Crossroads of Body & Mind: Irish Dance as DMTCaitlin Kelly, R-DMT, LCAT-LP, TCRG.

This workshop was about the therapeutic use of circular formations in folkdance shows that expressive movement need not be abstract to read as authentic.  A highly structured dance form that nonetheless fits the modern dance-based mission of dance/movement therapy is Irish céilí dancing.  An accessible challenge of the body and mind, this collection of social dances featured grounded footwork, a repetitive figure structure, balanced bilateral and spatial patterns, and group cohesion through a unifying rhythm.  Originally performed in gatherings “at the crossroads” (Allen, 2003), Irish céilí dancing relates the history of a culture reclaimed through movement, open to all, that promotes socialization, a sense of community, and the experience of being seen.  Participants in this seminar will discuss the cultural strengths and limitations reflected in the unique movement vocabulary of Irish dance, explored its social and cognitive benefits as applicable to the practice of DMT, and learn the basic technical movement and body structure of Irish dancing in the context of two traditional céilí dances.

Exploring the Group Dance/Movement Therapist's Role through Visual Imagery by Donna Newman-Bluestein, Dance for Connection.

This workshop cited Irmgard Bartenieff’s quote, “Intent organizes the neuromuscular system.” Thus, it focused on the recognition of the visual images of what we perceive as our role as dance/movement therapists. This in turn helped us clarify what we believe and what we consciously choose to project in our sessions. Our images may remain constant or shift within a session or from session to session. Therefore, the point made was that, by using art materials one can help strengthen one’s visual imaginations. This clarity will ultimately help one become more effective clinicians.

Bicultural Identities and Construction of Selves: As Clinicians and ClientsAkiko “kiki” Nishida Yokokawa, LPCC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA

This workshop aimed to illuminate the complexity of bicultural identities specifically focusing on when a bicultural individual is faced with two different constructions of selves (cultural views): the independent and the interdependent (Markus & Kitayama, 1991). Psychological tendencies were also examined for both construct of selves. Participants were invited to question how this might affect their clinical approach when working with bicultural individuals. Acculturation process was explored as it plays a crucial role in how one chooses to identify with certain cultures. The presenter shared her own personal experience as a bicultural being (Japanese/American), her own thesis research related to this topic, and professional experience working with bicultural clients in order to enrich the discussion. Through movement exploration and dialogue, participants were able to gain bodily knowledge about how they relate to acculturation processes and bicultural identity.

 

54th ADTA's GRAND OPENING: The Healing Power of Expression: A Journey of Trauma, Pain and Transformation

 

 

In collaboration with Susan Kleinman, commissioned by Renfrew Foundation for Eating Disorders, and interpreted by Jorge Luis Morejon, The Healing Power of Expression: A Journey of Trauma, Pain and Transformation narrates the transitions in the life of an immigrant and the intersections of his multiple life experiences. Childhood in his country of origin, migration to a new country and adaptation to another system are narrated as traumatic life experiences.

Sociopolitical unrest makes him and his family the subject of official and public repudiation. The arrival to a new country faces him with new and seemingly insurmountable challenges: a new identity, a new language, a new reality and the trauma caused by all of these circumstances.

The intensity of the piece speaks to those who in the face of unbearable circumstances are forced to leave to another country as immigrants with no option to return. The uncertainties of having to start a new life, the challenges and adaptations needed to fit in and the otherness implicit in being an immigrant may cause physical, psychological and emotional pain, a reality with which many audience members may identify.

However, the piece does not dwell in the difficulties of such experience, quite the opposite; it underlines the transformative power human beings have, specifically immigrants, to overcome all kinds of adversities.

Despite the intensity of the piece, pain and trauma are presented as rites of passage into a more meaningful and fulfilling life. The transformation makes him stronger, more powerful and capable. Despite the narrated experiences, the immigrant wins in the end when he realizes he is closer than ever to achieving his full potential as a human being.