Besides medication, people with Parkinson’s disease can benefit from many other forms of therapy, including physical, occupational, speech, music and art therapy. One form of therapy they may not be as aware of is dance/movement therapy (DMT). It is provided by certified dance/movement therapists and may be covered by insurance. DMT is based on the idea that changes in the body affect changes in the mind and vice versa. Evidence supports the assertion that the mind, body, and spirit function together and are inseparable. In this episode, Erica Hornthal, a dance therapist and president of Chicago Dance Therapy in Illinois, describes what DMT is, the training of DMT therapists, what goes on during a therapy session, and how people can find a therapist or program.
Related Resources
- A Body Guide to Parkinson’s Disease: Fitness Counts (book)
- Expert Care Experience: Dance/Movement Therapy
- Feel the Rhythm: Music Therapy and Parkinson’s Disease
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About This Episode
Released: October 23, 2018
Erica Hornthal, LCPC, BC-DMT
Erica Hornthal, LCPC, BC-DMT, is CEO of Chicago Dance Therapy. She is a clinical counselor and board-certified dance therapist who specializes in working with individuals living with movement and cognitive disorders. Additionally, Erica works with people of all ages and abilities to connect the mind and body to promote self-awareness, self-expression, healthy attachments, compassion and improved quality of life.
