{"value"=>"<p> <span class=\"title\">Grief and Loss: Rebirth Through Dance Therapy</span></p> <p>Loss and grief are universal human experiences and as such must be addressed by the dance therapist. In this thesis the literature on loss, grief and bereavement is explored. The focus of this exploration is on the symptoms of grief, the stages of grieving, the funeral ritual; it's purposes and characteristics in Western vs. non-Western cultures, and on the various treatment modalities used with the bereaved. Because of the de-ritualization and emphasis on suppression of emotion in Western culture today, there are many people who have been unable to find an appropriate outlet for the feelings of sadness, guilt and anger which typically accompany a loss. The discussion is a theoretical look at how dance therapy, due to it's basic principals, might be instrumental in enabling those who have not grieved, are “stuck” in their grief, to express their feelings and to work through their grief. A comparison is made between the funeral ritual and the dance therapy session. Based on this comparison one might conclude that due to its inherent principals, dance therapy may ultimately be instrumental in guiding us through the inevitable losses in our lives.</p>"}