{"value"=>"<p> <span class=\"title\">Zen and the Art of Dance Therapy</span></p> <p>The purpose of this thesis is to examine the connection between Zen and dance therapy in order to expand the current theoretical framework of dance therapy. The literature on Zen is examined and it's major concepts are outlined including Zen's focus on the non-verbal, non-intellectual aspects of experience, its emphasis on discipline and how that discipline leads to a spontaneous, intuitive process oriented approach to life. The literature comparing Zen and psychotherapy is also examined. This body of literature is divided into those articles that compare theoretical concepts of Zen to psychotherapy and those articles that apply Zen concepts and techniques to the process of psychotherapy. The discussion focuses on those aspects of dance therapy that relate to Zen, namely, the concept of the unity of body and mind and the focus on a non-verbal, experiential approach that stresses spontaneity and intuition. The paper concludes with possible applications of Zen to dance therapy and suggests that Zen may provide another basis for a theoretical framework of dance therapy.</p> <p>The field of dance therapy developed out of the combination of modern dance techniques and psychological theories. The language and theoretical framework of dance therapy are based upon psychology. Psychology, however does not address those phenomenon that are unique to dance therapy such as the concept of body-mind unity, the direct physical expression of emotion and the non-verbal process of effecting change. It appears that dance therapists must looks outside psychology for a conceptual framework that addresses these important aspects of the dance therapy process. Many dance therapists have suggested that their field has much in common with Eastern philosophy but there has been no systematic study of the relationship between dance therapy and Eastern thought. However, a number of psychotherapists have examined Eastern philosophies and have focused in particular on Zen Buddhism. From their work, it is apparent that Zen may have something to offer the dance therapists as well.</p>"}