Aquatic Dance Movement Therapy is a hybrid of Voniè’s own creation combining the physical therapy aspects of Aquatic Physical Therapy with the psychosomatic practice of Dance Movement Therapy to address the whole person. This is utilized to address both the emotional aspects of healing from physical injury/ living with chronic pain and to help access better connection to the body through the emotions and the increased sensory input of being in the water.
Geek Therapy (also known as Super Hero Therapy) utilizes fandoms, cosplay, and activities, the client is interested in to make information more accessible and use the client’s current strengths to help them move forward. Fandom refers to a subculture composed of fans characterized by a feeling of empathy and camaraderie with others who share a common interest. Fans typically are interested in even minor details of the object(s) of their fandom and spend a significant portion of their time and energy involved with their interest, often as a part of a social network (En.wikipedia.org, 2017). Sherlock Holmes is considered by many to be the world’s oldest fandom.
Cosplay, a contraction of the words costume play, is a performance art in which participants called cosplayers wear costumes and fashion accessories to represent a specific character…The term was coined by Nobuyuki Takahashi…while attending the 1984 World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in Los Angeles (En,wikidedia,org, 2017). However, Cosplay itself dates back to 1939. It utilizes creativity of capturing the character both in costume and mannerisms. There are many reasons people cosplay, be it to attend an event, be it just because or be it causeplay.
Comic con is short for Comic Convention, which has evolved into pop culture conventions. Were based in roots of science-fiction conventions beginning in the 1930s. The 1st Official Comic book convention was in 1964 in New York City and was called New York Comic Con. Many don’t realize Norther Colorado has our own comic con in Fort Collins Comic Con (www.fococomicon.com). (Voniè has presented panels there about how and why cosplay is good for mental health as well.)
Part of what makes Equilibrium especially suited to provide this type of therapy is experience from the inside out. Voniè began reading comic books when she was 9 years old and has continued her love of comics, sci fi, and fantasy throughout her lifetime. She is also an avid cosplayer, steampunk and maker.
To find out more about geek therapy check out the conference proceeding from the 2017 ADTA Intensive DMT Meets Cosplay here.
Many people think DMT is a new field, when in actuality dance movement therapy as a field has been around for over 50 years. This year the American Dance Therapy Association is celebrating their 51st Annual conference. The ADTA defines dance movement therapy as the psychotherapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration of the individual.
In session dance movement therapy may look like mindful breathing and bringing awareness into the body in the present moment. It may appear as gentle stretching of the arms and back to release tension. It may be rapid moving of the legs and stomping of feet to the rhythm of music or many other things.
As no two clients are the same, no two sessions or no two dance therapist are exactly the same. Part of the appeal of dmt is the flexibility which arises in the moment of being present with oneself, one’s WHOLE self, mind, body and spirit.
Equilibrium Counseling Services 