End of Term Madness

Oy vey I am slacking on these posts lately. Although I did just realize one of the posts I had done on my phone never successfully got published. Oh technology! I will try to address that after posting this.

I am currently in the throws of final papers and projects. A lot of them are centred around professional development that has happened over the course of the term during our internships, and of course there are the research papers too. I have to say as much as I am enjoying the classes and content, I am very much looking forward to the holiday break.

One of the final projects I am working on is forming a mock DMT session based on Diane Fletcher's model. It has been interesting researching a dance/movement therapist who incorporates the psyche quite obviously in her work. In the same class we have been discussing which DMT's model works well with which client group. I feel as though I am gaining so much practical knowledge in addition to the history of the field and the different models that are used.

My dance/movement therapy program at my internship site continues to be a success and I have a large turnout each time which is reassuring.

I am going to wrap this up for now but stay tuned for a post on the different props to potentially use during a session!

First DMT Session at Internship

Hey everyone! My first DMT group session at my site was last Wednesday and went really well. I had a large turnout and everyone had a great time, including myself! My supervisor was also extremely pleased and said she immediately knew why I am pursuing this as a career, she could tell this is where my passion lay.

The first session was only half an hour but we are hoping to turn this into a weekly program and extend the time to 45 minutes.  For the next few weeks I'll be getting bumped around a bit by all the carollers that come in as they were already booked. Come next semester I will be locked into the calendar so the residents will know when my program is, which will be great.

For this first session I didn't use any props but have been able to get an Octaband from the library so am hoping to use that soon. We have some time to fill on Friday afternoon at the site so I believe the plan is that I will bring in some of the different props I use and we will have some music playing and people can experiment with them and have a good time!

I am realizing I need a bigger bag, Octaband, balloons, parachute, Ipod player, running shoes...my bag is bursting! And I have turned into one of those people on transit that no matter how hard I try I always seem to be hitting someone with either my bag or the running shoes hanging off my bag. Sorry in advance to anyone on the T with me!

Self-Care

Sometimes you just need to take a day for self care. That is how I spent my day, at the Boston Christmas Festival in complete bliss with my Christmas socks on and singing along to the carols playing overhead.
However, things have a funny way of happening and as it turns out one of the vendors there is a choreographer who danced in Texas. He intoduced me to a friend of his who also had a booth there and long story short she is also an artist and has been involved with the Mark Morris Dancing with PD and is interested in dance/movement therapy. I hope today may have been the start of a blossoming friendship between us all.
Although note to self...get business cards so when someone asks you for one you don't look so surprised!

Spring Term

Hi everyone! Yes I have been slacking on doing posts...it seems like the middle of the term has been the busiest yet. Just a short post as I am getting ready for my first dance/movement therapy session at my internship site tomorrow, yay! Currently uploading my playlist to my Ipod. I did a brief presentation on Friday at my site introducing what DMT is and what residents can expect and had a really great turnout!

I was able to register in my classes for next term (here there is Winter term which is September-December then Spring term which is middle of January to May). My classes look like they will be just as fascinating as they were this term. I have to take

DMT Supervision II
Theories and Practice of DMT II
Psychopathology
Movement Observation I

My Theories and Practice class will take place at Perkins School for the Blind. Each student will be paired with a blind student from Perkins and we will be working with them for the term. I have been told what a great experience it is.

Must go finish getting props organized for tomorrow. DMT is a new way of working...no lesson plans! Check back later in the week to read how it went!

Privilege, Power and Oppression

I had my first weekend intensive this weekend. The class was titled Privilege,  Power and Oppression.  Very interesting course that disscussed how we as clinicians identify ourselves. It talked about how different groups experience power, privilege and oppression.  What I found to be the most interesting was all of the statistics that were discussed with regards to cost of living, education etc. I am leaving the weekend wanting to find how Canada's stats compare and if I am as surprised by them as the ones for the United States.

One more weekend to go, in November,  then the course is complete (minus the final paper). I think for that weekend I will stock up on sleep before hand!

Congratulations!

I would like to give a quick shout out to Dr. Joseph DeSouza, Rachel Bar and Dancing with Parkinson's in Toronto for being featured on CTV news tonight. I had the honour of working with Dr. DeSouza and Rachel at York University and then volunteering a couple of hours to Dancing with Parkinson's. Hoping to bring my education back to people like this at home to expand the field of dance/movement therapy into this type of research. Check out their interview below! Congratulations!

http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/video?binId=1.815897

Documents

Finding our way in this new profession can be a bit of a challenge. I am realizing how young this field is in comparison to others as new experiences arrive on my doorstep. The latest one being creating an invoice.

I just received an email requesting I send in an invoice for the time I spent programming and leading for some work I did over the summer. Hrm where to start. Of course I started with a Google search for "invoice templates for dance/movement therapy" and turned up empty handed. After a few emails back and forth I was able to know what to include.

I also checked on the ADTA website to see if there were templates for these types of documents available to members but again turned up empty handed. After discussing with my peers, I was relieved to know I wasn't the only one who found this difficult to navigate.

Hopefully there will come a time when resources such as templates for these documents will be available through Google for DMT.

What to call our time together

It's been a few days since my last post, sorry about that! I was fortunate enough to make it back to Canada to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving with my family. Yay self-care! However, it's back to reality this week and catching up on everything.

At my internship we are drafting up the November calendar. With this arose the discussion of when I will give a trial run of a dance/movement therapy group. It has been decided that November 6 is the big day. This will give me time to give a bit of a "presentation" to the residents about what DMT is and what they can expect which will hopefully encourage participation.

The discussion with my supervisor came to a close with us trying to figure out what to name the group as on the calendar. It seems like my fellow classmates are going through this same process now at their sites too with some calling it "dance/movement therapy" and others using "movin' and groovin'". We came up with a few ideas together but it was decided in the end to ask the residents what they think it should be called so that it will draw people in.

Stay tuned for the results!

Therapeutic dance/movement vs. dance/movement therapy?

Today I realized just how many people are doing expressive arts therapy groups without even realizing it. Maybe I shouldn't say "doing" but instead say "doing something very similar to". After two full days at my internship, I have now seen the Yoga, Tai Chi and Relaxation programs that are run at my site. All of them have aspects that represent expressive arts therapy and the benefits are also similar. Both the Yoga and Tai Chi also have similarities to dance/movement therapy as well.

I have been reflecting on how I can approach my time with the clients so they do not feel as though they are doing the same activities program after program.

This has also brought me to reflect on what the difference is between therapeutic movement/dance and dance/movement therapy. I used to believe the two were more similar than different. However, I am starting to believe that they are in fact extremely different and that what I am witnessing is therapeutic movement and dance.

Both of these require more reflection and I am sure always will.

First Day

Yesterday was the first day of my internship. The day flew by and I think it will be a great match. I met quite a few residents and even had a chance to have a bit of a social hour with them. I answered many questions about Canada and it was decided we would go on an outing so they could take me to the Boston Public Library.  I look forward to it as I've heard it's a beautiful building.

Included in my day was flower arranging and yoga.

Attached is a photo of Copley Square which I walked through on my way home.

Paperwork

Have finally gotten my contract sent in for my internship. Providing everything is approved I will be starting this Friday! The process has been a lot of back and forth which has been a different experience than last year. This contract is also a bit more in-depth and covers many more areas. Reading through the contract with my supervisor was a great experience that allowed us to discuss any concerns we had such as appropriate dress, making a set weekly schedule etc. It has also taught me the importance of being informed of regulations including who and what are covered by which parties' insurance. I think this experience has been one that has taught me what to expect once I join the work force and begin applying for jobs.

Along those lines we discussed SOAP notes in my Clinical Skills and Applications class this week. Having this standard progress note format is a great tool and learning how to complete them accurately and efficiently is important. It gives us a paper trail of all the sessions with clients and is important documentation in any potential lawsuits that may arise. They also provide information to other members of the treatment team. This year we will have practice writing them in class which I am very much looking forward to.

Both of these experiences has reminded me that as a dance/movement therapist, there is still paperwork to be completed and it is not all about the moving.

Dance or Movement?

The weeks are progressing and the readings are still captivating. There have been many interesting discussions and readings, however I would like to share this particular one. It started off with a discussion around what is dance? What is movement? What is therapy? Finally, what is dance/movement therapy?

It was interesting to see how my classmates and I defined each individual word and how the definition changed when all three words were placed together. I had never thought of how I defined the individuals words and how I related those definitions with the term dance/movement therapy. I recommend experimenting with this yourself if you have a few extra minutes to see how your definitions shape how you define dance/movement therapy.

The final piece of this I just finished exploring in a reading. Bruno (1990) takes us through the journey of how dance has come and gone in the field of dance/movement therapy. We explored the history of the field and whether or not dance/movement therapy should be the term used. Should dance be in it? Should therapy be in it? I had to think about this piece last year when at an internship the group challenged the title of being a dance/movement therapy group because "we were not dancing". I think this relates back to how one defines what dancing is. I would argue that the group was dancing. However, to them they were just moving because "we don't know how to dance".

I think that being a part of this field requires us as professionals, students and companions to question the terms used and examine why people have such a difficult time with some terms. We must find that balance of staying true to the field, ourselves and our clients.

Internship

I've finally secured an internship! Received the call today offering me the position and of course I accepted. The site is an independent living facility for seniors and I will be supervised by the head of the activities department. There are 56 residents of varying ages, mental ability and physical ability.

They haven't had a dance/movement therapy student before so it will be a learning opportunity for all involved. I just had my interview yesterday and the facilities look amazing. Before I can officially start the contract needs to be signed and then hopefully I will start shadowing and building relationships with the residents next week.

In the first semester (from now until December) I need to complete 150 hours. So far my supervisor seems to be flexible with scheduling which will come in handy working around classes and maybe even a trip or two home!

Professional membership

Today felt like a big day...I received approval for my American Dance Therapy Association student membership. I can now list a professional membership on my resume! The amount of resources they have for members is plentiful and I can't wait to explore them. See the link for the ADTA website under the menu on the right hand side of the blog.

Photo from the ADTA Twitter page (profile picture), September 11, 2013.

Putting it into a Canadian context

I have now survived the first week and a half of classes. The semester is looking busy but never before have I wanted to do my readings like I do now. I have powered through quite a few today and am forcing myself to take a break. 

What is striking me as I read through chapters on what DMT is and it's history, is how different the field seems to be in Canada. I am not claiming to be an expert on the field, either in Canada or the U.S., but I have noticed a few things. It seems in the early days of DMT it was acceptable in clinical settings with Marian Chace (whom they call the founder of the field) beginning in a hospital, St. Elizabeth's. However, through my practicums at ISIS-Canada, it seemed as though any suggestion of working in a clinical setting was met with some resistance. 

Of course going to school in the U.S. means I will be learning the history of the field in the U.S. but it has sparked my interest in learning the development of DMT in Canada. Why has it practically disappeared there whereas here in the U.S. it is a lively field with 95% of graduates from my program having multiple job offers before they even graduate?

Books have finally arrived

Finally gathered up the last of my books today. Most are specific to dance/movement therapy...how great is that! Can't wait to dive into them!

Lesley GEXTH Orientation

And so the adventure begins. After a busy summer and many hiccups along the way, the paperwork got done in time and I was all set to go. Then I found out I had to be in New Hampshire for the Graduate Student Expressive Therapies Orientation for a week in August. After a 12 hour drive, seeing New York, Vermont and finally New Hampshire, I arrived at Sargent Centre ready for orientation.

There are 120 (give or take a few) students entering the program this year. All modalities were at orientation including the intermodal students and then of course faculty. *For those of you who are wondering what I mean by modalities they are dance, music, art and drama*. Sargent Centre is a huge camp that is in the middle of nowhere that is used for team building activities by companies, schools etc. It was much like summer camp would be I imagine. Sleeping in cabins, eating in a cafeteria, beach to go swimming and so forth.

After getting settled into our cabins and meeting our roommates we were called to the field by a drum. The days generally consisted of breakfast, community warm up in the field, core groups (where we met with the people in our modalities and spent time getting to know each other), lunch, workshops, free time, dinner and finally more workshops or community building activities. The week was a full one and by the second day we were all looking at each other thinking our brains had taken in as much as they could.

They gave a huge selection for workshops that were offered by core and guest faculty. I took part in a narrative workshop in which we worked with Dr. Seuss' "Oh! The Places You Will Go" and then another one that was focused on self-care and meditation. Everyone in the group has their own amazing story of how they found expressive therapies and it is one talented group of people! We had an open mic night our last night and it was unforgettable.

I was the only Canadian in the group, however the group consists of people from all over the world. One of the things that was the most refreshing of the experience was not having to explain what you meant by dance therapy or expressive therapy. Don't get me wrong, it's great when people don't know and you get a chance to spread the word but it was a nice change to talk to someone and not have to explain yourself.

After the week it was another 12 hour drive back home to pack up and say my goodbyes before making the move to Somerville, MA!

It's happening!

So much has happened since the last posts. So much in fact I completely forgot I had a biog let alone how to access it.

I ended the last post with the question, "How do I become a dance/movement therapist?". Well here is how it's happening for me.

I had been attending ISIS-Canada in Toronto this past year. Their program is a 3 year Expressive Arts Therapy diploma program that is not specifically for dance but encompasses all art forms. It was what was affordable and close to home after finding that all the dance therapy schools were either in the Unites States or in Europe.

This past December I was emailed a notice from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA regarding their new low-residency Master's program in Expressive Therapies with a Specialization in Dance Therapy and Mental Health Counselling. I had looked into attending Lesley University when I first started researching DMT but with being an international student there was no way to afford it. However, with the low-residency option now maybe it was possible. I looked into it and then dismissed it for a few different reasons.

A couple of months later, having tea with a friend, I was sharing my concerns regarding not receiving a Master's from ISIS unless I attended the European Graduate School in Switzerland for 3 summers. In my opinion, and from speaking with those in the field, I realized the importance of having a Master's to be able to find a job after graduation. I was also discussing this dream of mine to attend Lesley University. Long story short, we crunched numbers and realized it was the same cost for me to attend Lesley's low residency program as it was for me to attend EGS. With that I applied to Lesley University's low-residency program.

After I had applied I found out I received a scholarship that would help cover costs to enable me to study at Lesley full-time. With that paperwork got changed and the waiting game began. Now, after a couple of months and a few ups and downs, I have received my admission to Lesley for full-time beginning this September!

Now to complete all the necessary paperwork for international students and for a student Visa in time!

How I Found Dance/Movement Therapy

I found dance/movement therapy (or should I say it found me) in my first year of university. I had gone into my first year with the goal of becoming an ultrasound technician and as a result was in an intensive science program at the University of Alberta. I had moved from Ontario to Edmonton to attend this program as throughout high school when anyone asked, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" I always replied with an ultrasound tech.

After struggling through a year full of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics etc. I realized this was not what I wanted to do and would not be happy pursuing this career. Well now what? Time to find another career. A career that would allow me to look forward to going to work everyday and I knew it would not be a desk job.

I had heard of music therapy and wondered if there was something similar involving dance. I had danced all my life at a studio in my home town and loved it. I knew I would never be a prima ballerina as I didn't have the technique or the body and that was fine with me. My studio was in the basement of a church with no mirrors and in my high school years I was the only one in my class. My teacher was and still is a teacher who built up confidence in her students, was there to listen if we needed an ear and made sure we took good care of our bodies. It was never (and probably never will be) a studio who goes into competition. It is a studio where parents feel good about taking their kids and the kids always looked forward to class. Dance became a release for me and a place to go when there was nowhere else.

After doing a quick Google search I found and was introduced to the world of dance/movement therapy. As someone who has always had a passion for working with people and dance this was the new career for me.  Now the next question...how do I become a dance/movement therapist?

Introduction

My first post as a blogger...still trying to figure out what that means but bear with me. The goal of this new endeavour is to document how I will become a registered dance movement therapist and to hopefully inspire other Canadians to take the journey as well.

Living in Canada and wanting to be a dance movement therapist proves to be a difficult position to be in. With no universities or programs currently offered within the country, specifically for dance movement therapy, some (like me) can become discouraged and frustrated trying to sift through all the sites and information on how to work your way through the process while staying in Canada. It's fine to say attend a school abroad but when studying abroad is so expensive it isn't always an option.

This is my journey, my dance, my information that I have found and what I understand to be true. Welcome aboard!