{"value"=>"<p> <span class=\"title\">The Relationship of Dance/Movement Therapy to Philosophical Aspects of Aikido</span></p> <p>The pioneers of dance/movement therapy independently began using previously untried applications of dance as a means to communicate with psychotic and otherwise dysfunctional patients. They studied Western psychological theorists of their day to develop a framework in which to support their work with various populations. Therefore, the theoretical framework of dance/movement therapy is based in psychology. However, Western psychology fails to address those aspects indigenous to dance/movement therapy such as the connection of mind/body/spirit and use of blending with another person in order to effect change. The early pioneers suggested that dance/movement therapists examine Eastern philosophy and its relationship to how the non-verbal therapeutic mode works. There currently exists a trend to systematically compare Eastern philosophy with Western psychological theories; very few focus on the specific curative mode of dance/movement therapy.</p> <p>The purpose of this thesis is to study the connection between the Eastern philosophy on which Aikido is based to the theory and practice of dance/movement therapy. By examining Eastern philosophy and its application to the healing aspects intrinsic to the process of dance/movement therapy, clinicians may expand their current theoretical framework.</p>"}