Dance/Movement Therapy: A Treatment Option for Postpartum Depression

Pregnancy and motherhood are associated with many expectations, guidelines and stressors. To some, these factors have no impact while to others these factors can contribute to symptoms of anxiety and depression. When discussing pregnancy, one may already have a history of depression while others may start to experience symptoms during their pregnancy journey. Unfortunately, many of these women will experience these symptoms (shortly) after delivery as well. These women will be diagnosed with Postpartum Depression (PPD). Using these ideas, this literature review explores and addresses how Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) can be beneficial to those who suffer from depression. Unfortunately, there is insufficient of research specifically discussing postpartum depression and the use of dance/movement therapy. By focusing on the depression diagnosis, I was able to discuss similarities of the diagnoses and how women could benefit from dance/movement therapy as a form of treatment for postpartum depression. Through this process, I was able to see comparisons in the diagnosis as well as how one could integrate the work of dance/movement therapy for postpartum depression clients. Key Words: pregnancy, postpartum depression, dance/movement therap