{"value"=>"<p> <span class=\"title\">Use of Dance/Movement Therapy and Other Creative Arts with Homeless Men in New York City Shelters</span></p> <p>The homeless population of New York City is identified and described. “Economic influences” and institutionalized deprivation are cited as the major causes of homelessness, along with a lack of low-income housing. The inhumane conditions of “emergency” shelters are described in the contest of an overall failure to provide decent and necessary services to the homeless poor.</p> <p>The establishment of a dance movement therapy program in conjunction with other creative arts therapies in two shelters for single men is discussed. The initial goals are delineated as 1) Establishment of trust, 2) Facilitation of group interaction, communication, and understanding, and 3) Enhancement of self-esteem, as they are worked towards through engaging the men in dance/movement and other creative arts therapies.</p> <p>The therapies of being able to work with large groups of 50 to 200 individuals is in order to transform the environment and effect the greatest numbers is posited, and the methods are discussed. Ritual, rhythm, and the use of appropriate music, as well as the occasional use of props are cited as important factors.</p> <p>Beginnings, middles, and endings of typical dance/movement therapy sessions are described and special issues of gaining the trust of clients, touch and sexuality, and homosexuality are dealt with.</p> <p>Dance/movement therapy and other creative activities are seen as ways of helping to empower the disenfranchised homeless by initially facilitating healing through self love.</p>"}