One of the main characteristics of those with eating disorders is a loathing of one's body. Exercise is often performed as a way to promote punishment and disassociation from a "not good enough" body/self. Instead, one can use exercise and movement to self-sooth and feel good in one's body, which is essential in the transformation of a negative body image. While working in clinical and private therapeutic settings, dance/movement therapist, Kimberly Dye, developed several award-winning movement tools that facilitate the development of body center, body boundaries, and active weight needed in assertiveness. She will demonstrate their use and versatility from a developmental perspective both in a didactic and experiential format. You will learn movement exercises that you can teach your clients that:
Provide positive, sensory experiences
Establish connection between the expressive self and body
Embody concepts of body center, boundaries, and assertiveness
Questions:
1. What are two exercises that promote a good enough holding environment? a. Self-soothing movements: rocking, breathing, self-touch, skin pressure-BodySox, Slo-mo ball, CooperBlanket
2. What is the first step in building positive body schema? a. Connection to breathing, mechanics (image of accordion or umbrella) b. Visualization of spirit, life force, energy, connection
3. What are some tension release exercises? a. Large muscle groups, strong rhythmic music and movement with a CoOperBand
4. How can I direct movement that will develop personal boundaries? a. Body boundaries- skin pressure, CoOperBlanket b. Kinesphere-BodySOX
