Application of Virtual Reality in Dance/Movement Therapy

Abstract

This article is an informed practice and approach to the application of virtual reality (VR) in Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) within a telehealth setting. It explores how VR can be incorporated into Dance/Movement Therapy. VR has been proven to be affective in other forms of therapy including: exposure therapy, music therapy, and art therapy. However, there is no existing literature showing how effective it can be in Dance/Movement Therapy. As the use of telehealth continues to increase, there is a need for interventions that are engaging and offering opportunities for connection between clinicians and the patient. This practice was developed at a university in a large city for adolescents aged 18-25 during the COVID-19 pandemic shut down and continues to be implemented in virtual DMT. This approach explores what theoretical approaches and existing DMT interventions could be used in VR within a telehealth experience. Current literature was reviewed from relevant topics including virtual reality history & design, therapeutic VR interventions, medical applications, and VR in creative arts therapies. Existing VR applications such as YouTube VR, In Mind VR, vTime XR, and Rec Room were used during this practice as there is no existing VR applications for Dance/Movement Therapy. Dance/Movement Therapy VR interventions were provided over a six-week period to three participants in accordance to their presenting concerns. Themes were extracted and discussed for future applications. The results displayed potential interventions for addressing grief, depression, and chronic pain. Participants also felt more engaged using the VR & Dance/Movement Therapy in sessions. There were also opportunities to enhance exposure therapy by incorporating DMT interventions to address symptoms produced by anxiety inducing phobias.