Listening to the Voice of the Person with Psychiatric Problems

Abstract

This chapter presents a review of Wengrower and Bendel-Rozow’s article in the light of three aspects: the psychiatric rehabilitation model, the specificity of the artistic therapeutic approach presented, dance movement therapy (DMT), and finally the research and evidence-based contributions that support it. Recent psychosocial rehabilitation models are oriented towards strengthening the capacities of psychiatric patients, improving their quality of life and promoting reconnection with the community, regardless of their clinical condition. DMT shares these goals by offering a nondirective working environment in which the concept of embodiment, the symbolic meaning of movement, and the creative process are the foundations on which the therapeutic alliance is created. These concepts are developed throughout the text emphasizing the need that research methods should be at the service of research questions and the improvement of interventions. This means reconciling the traditionally quantitative methods used in the field with others that may be more appropriate in arts therapies. Ultimately, the introduction of mixed methods research involves listening to and embracing the voice of patients in their therapeutic process.