More Kent mental health patients to benefit from therapy that goes beyond words by using dance and movement

Mental health patients who struggle to express their thoughts and feelings through talking will be able to access a different form of support as Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust expands Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) into acute inpatient settings in East Kent.

The expansion, announced ahead of National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day on 13 June, will give more patients access to a therapy that uses movement and body awareness to support recovery and improve patient experience of care during periods of acute mental ill health.

Already available in inpatient services in North Kent, the service is being extended across the trust in response to the need for a wider range of therapeutic approaches that meet patients where they are and provide alternatives to traditional talking therapies.

Dance Movement Psychotherapy is based on the connection between mind and body. Rather than relying solely on conversation, it uses movement, body awareness and non-verbal communication to help people explore emotions, develop self-awareness and build connections with others.

The approach can be particularly valuable for patients who feel overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves or unable to put their experiences into words. Sessions are tailored to each group’s need or one-to-one when needed, and no previous dance experience is required.

Cassie Gallagher Dance Movement Psychotherapist at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust said: “Dance Movement Psychotherapy gives people another way to express themselves when words can be difficult. It’s not a dance class and there are no routines to learn, people move as little or as much as they want.

“One patient felt very disconnected from themselves and was struggling to engage with everyday activities. After a session, they told staff they felt able to have a bath for the first time in a long time. That may sound like a small step, but in an acute mental health setting it can be a significant sign that someone is beginning to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.”

As a group-based therapy, DMP helps patients build relationships with others on the ward, reducing feelings of isolation and creating opportunities for shared support. Therapists regularly see patients grow in confidence, feel more connected to their bodies and become more engaged in their care.

The expansion reflects the trust’s commitment to improving patient experience through person-centred care, ensuring more people across Kent can access support that meets their individual needs and play an active role in their recovery.

National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day takes place annually on 13 June to raise awareness of the role Dance Movement Psychotherapy plays in supporting mental health and wellbeing.

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