Creative Arts Therapies Theses

Date of Award

8-2010

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Art in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling (MA)

Department

Creative Arts Therapies

First Advisor

Allen, Laura

Keywords

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, self-care, Laban Movement Analysis

Abstract

This study is a heuristic exploration of the internship experience of one dance/movement therapy intern and the search for effective self-care methods to assist in maintaining a sense of calm and stability, as well as a sense of focus during the final academic year of a dance/movement therapy master’s program. Themes of personal and emotional stressors such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, balancing personal and a newly emerging professional life, fitting personal religion into a secular field, trying to find self-confidence in a new creative and therapeutic role, and determining how much self-care is too much are all discussed. Previous research on clinician self-care, the effects of movement therapy on depression and stress, and the effects of intern and new clinician burnout are also touched upon to provide the reader with a clear lens through which to view this information.

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