Dance/Movement Therapy and Anxiety

"Anxiety is a body/mind split that is constructed in the mind, but felt in the body. Dance/movement therapy is a psychotherapeutic process that creates balance in the nervous system, ownership of one’s own body, and agency through movement by turning anxiety into excitement…and giving it someplace to go." - Jennifer Frank Tantia, PhD, MS, BC-DMT, LCAT
To learn more about dance/movement therapy, visit www.adta.org
About the speaker:
Jennifer Frank Tantia, PhD, MS, BC-DMT, LCAT is a somatic psychologist and board certified dance/movement therapist specializing in anxiety disorders and medically unexplained symptoms. She is on the research faculty at Lesley University and advises dance/movement therapy master’s and doctoral students in somatic research internationally. Dr. Tantia currently serves on the board of the American Dance Therapy Association as Chair of Research and Practice, and is an associate editor of the international journal, "Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy." Dr. Tantia presents her work internationally and has authored several publications in both dance/movement therapy and somatic psychology. Currently she is co-authoring an international handbook entitled, “Embodied Perspectives in Psychotherapy,” scheduled for publication in 2018. She has a full-time private psychotherapy practice in Manhattan. www.soma-psyche.com

[@laurynjessup.soprano]

The key point of this seems to be that anxiety is just excitement that has no way to be released from the body. She points out that neurologically, excitement and anxiety are the same thing. The key difference between the two is how you release it from your body. She proves this in the beginning when she asks everyone to hold their breath. I found this to be very interesting part of this talk. She describes a patient of hers who had anxiety and how she had her use her arms to help make herself feel in control of her anxiety. This was very interesting to me because I’ve always been told that anxiety comes from a fear of being out of control and it makes sense to have a physical action that can help reduce that fear so that the patient can feel comfortable releasing the anxious/excited feeling from their body.

[@rebeccaalterson1644]

As a dancer, whenever I get anxious I turn to dance to help calm my body. I've been using that my whole life but I didn't know dance therapy was a thing until about a year ago. This video does an excellent job on explaining why I felt what I did when using dance to help me calm myself.

[@jordandahlhauser3294]

I played softball myself, but the concept is still the same that movement can help sooth anxiety. If I was stressed, I would just go play softball and almost always felt better afterwards.

[@emilysprague5532]

I can really relate to this since I have been a dancer most of my life. It is my go-to way of relieving anxiety and feeling better. I wonder if people who never received dance training experience dance movement therapy in a different way than people who grew up dancing.

[@bethanywolfman]

This applies a lot to myself. As someone dealing with anxiety, I feel like there are a lot of times where I was wondering why dance classes felt so freeing and overwhelmingly emotional. There were times where I would break down when I finally got to do something that I had created and worked on. I was intrigued by the idea that "movement can turn anxiety into agency". This creates an avenue for me to release the energy that is pent up inside. With dance movement therapy, it allows the client to take over and be listened to as feelings and emotions are brought to the surface. When joined by another, it allowed Sasha to feel cared for. I have felt this in dance classes when able to improvise with people around me. When coming into contact with others, it makes it feel like I have people that are there to support me and what I am experiencing internal. I love the idea that dance movement therapy can take the energy created by anxiety and turn it into movement as a way to get rid of it. It creates a way for the person to feel as though they are in control of what they are feeling.

[@kaylashapiro2732]

Hi Bethany, It's true. Movement allows that anxiety to relieve itself as it puts that negative energy into something that turns positive.

[@mariablohowiak9850]

Hi Bethany, this is beautifully written! movement is essential when relieving anxiety and helps the body convert negative emotions into positive expressions.

[@taylornelson407]

I am currently enrolled in a class that teaches about dance therapy. One of the questions we were asked in class is how might mirroring be a positive experience. I had my own opinions and, after watching this video, I have a better understanding of "mirroring." It's amazing that such a simple practice can make someone feel like they were listened to and valued. I feel like a lot of people were raised by parents who didn't understand how important it is to listen to your child and make them feel like they are valued. This is something that I will always remember when I have my own children. I can see the impact of being treated as unimportant on many of my friends. The story of the young girl showed that her anxiety was coming from being ignored and treated as unimportant by her dad. I wonder what are other causes of anxiety? I know I have anxiety when it comes to school and exams. I know that it stems from my family's high expectations of me and my need to fulfill those expectations. But how does one figure out where their anxiety stems from if they do not know? THIS is why I think dance therapy is so cool. Dance therapy can bring out emotions that may be unacknowledged. As the speaker said in the video, the mind/body connection is re-established through movement.

[@justinmagnus8567]

I love how you started this talk. Really got me engaged and made me think of something I've never thought before. Made me more conscious of my movements.

[@faithpernsteiner1460]

Yes giving us the opportunity to feel the first stages of anxiety gave insight into how the movement therapy can be beneficial.

[@victoriaharris4061]

Definitely agree! It's strange how some of us may have the beginning of anxiety and not even know it.

[@AVAANDERSON-h3r]

I found the start of the video really got me engaged as well. Taking a deep breath got me easied and in the mindset to learn.

[@lucyhenry3619]

"Anxiety is excitement with nowhere to go" is such a well said and true statement. The explanation of the purpose of anxiety and how it has been morphed throughout our history really made me think. When I have a feeling of anxiety, however big or small, movement such as a walk, run or dance class can be a very effective reducer. "Movement can turn anxiety into agency." So well said.

[@WeAreComingHome]

Wow. When you were telling us the story of your client Sasha it felt like you were sharing of my experiences. I learned recently that my therapist is a "drama therapist." I had never heard of this and when I brought it up to her we began experimenting with some of the exercises that you mentioned. During one session when we were mirroring movements, myself as the guide, I found myself overcome with such powerful emotions that I had to sit down and I just cried. I didn't know why. I haven't thought about that for quite some time but hearing Sasha's interpretation of her experience "I feel cared for. Like you care enough to do what I want to do," light bulb moment. Agency. Control over my life and of myself. While I am thankful to be in a much better place anxiety-wise these days, panic attacks and derealization/depersonalization still happen from time to time. I am definitely going to add the grounding technique you showed us where you touch the back of your hand and begin to define that body boundary to my tool kit for the future. Thank you. Great talk.

[@chloedruckrey779]

"The mind is able to respond to these bodily functions" - I think this is a perfect gateway to explain someone about Dance Movement Therapy. I also love how you explain how autonomy is gained through Dance Movement Therapy

[@kaiacollins3123]

I agree with the speaker that anxiety needs to be released in a way that is controlled. I myself struggle with anxiety and how to cope with it in a way that's healthy. I've found that dance movement therapy sessions can help with anxiety in order to feel more self control. In dance classes, I've felt that I am able to release pent up energy or anxiety through dance movements and connecting with those around me through movement by turning anxiety into agency. The example with Sasha was very inspiring, especially when the therapist talked about how she let Sasha be the mover and the therapist would mirror her. This allowed Sasha to feel cared for and seen which is something that every person with anxiety longs for. It also allowed Sasha to feel in control of her body, herself, and her mind by turning her anxiety into movement and giving that movement someplace to go. Such a lovely video, thank you!!

[@abbyfeuer4751]

It's amazing that anxiety and excitement are so similarly felt in the body / nervous system. The fact that DMT can take that energy and move it through the body to switch anxiety into excitement is something that is so beneficial to everyone. I also found that the point of anxiety being created in the mind but felt in the body was a fact that I never truly understood or thought of until watching this video!

[@renakornblum9536]

Excellent. I love the last lines. "Anxiety is a body/mind split that's created in the mind but felt through the body. Dance/Movement therapy take that energy and moves it through the body, turning anxiety into excitement and giving it someplace to go." Great example of how anxiety can be worked on in a DMT session. I also loved the clients comment about how she is listening to herself now. Great talk.

[@natashagyulnazaryan2939]

I always have heard/been told about how anxiety shows up in the body the same way that excitement does, so if you just decide, then you can see your anxiety as excitement. That never really worked for me no matter how hard I tried to decide that my body's reaction was just excitement. After hearing this ADT talk, I think it would be useful for me to try using movement to morph my anxiety into excitement. Additionally, I thought this was a beautiful example of how fun dance/movement therapy can be. There is so much joy in dancing/movement, and "sasha" was able to experience it while also feeling supported and cared for.

[@karolina561]

Im currently taking a non verb communication course at csulb and my professor had a group session that taught us what a Dance therapy session might be like ( however she made it clear that this was not a Therapy session and it would look much different) and he all got into groups and began mirroring eachother. When it came my time to demonstrate my movement for my classmates to mirror i wanted to express how anxiety affects me. When i get anxious my body shuts down and wants to sleep so what i did is i grabbed my body and hugged myself and demonstrated a closed body language, i dropped to my knees and fell to the floor and layed down. Seeing my peers mirror my movement and seeing how each of them manifested stress in their own way was a vulnerable experience and a empathetic moment. I felt less lonely.

[@JACKIEHAWES-l5d]

I love the statement "Anxiety is a body-mind split that's created in the mind but felt through the body. Dance Movement therapy takes that energy and moves it through the body, turning anxiety into excitement and giving it someplace to go." This is a great explanation for people who have physical symptoms of anxiety.

[@katiewalsh3471]

I found it so interesting to think about anxiety as your brain deciding why your body is having a negative response to something, because our hearts race when we're excited or when we're nervous. Sasha feeling cared for when her therapist mirrored her movement was a classic example of how mirroring can relate to empathy and give power to someone that feels powerless. I think this was a great example of one of the many avenues of dance/movement therapy, outside of work with children or extreme cases.

[@tearmad-262]

I love her explanation of anxiety as "energy that has nowhere to go" I obtained the knowledge that excitement and nervous share the same symptom. For me, nervous is a negative word, I feel like I could mess something up any time if I am nervous. On the other hand, excitement is a positive word. So it is up to my choice whether the feeling that I am experiencing is being nervous or excitement. I also love how she is using the lightweight movement to help her client maintain anxiety.

[@AnnaRifkin]

I like that agency was a point of discussion because a lot of anxiety comes from a feeling of lacking control. It's really valuable that movement was discovered as a way to address this concern as it offers a way for people to regain control

[@brianhayes6307]

the body/mind split that is made in the mind but felt in the body is something that really speaks to me. I feel severe physical reactions to anxiety sometimes and it is often when I feel as though I've been pent up or trapped in a way. I learned through dance movement therapy and nonverbal communication that movement is the best way to relieve and avoid these physical sensations. Turning anxiety into excitement is something I'll be taking with me into my daily life after watching this video.

[@ansleylaev2576]

The description of Sasha showing herself care through touch and then feeling another's care by the therapist's mirroring was beautiful. I really appreciated the emphasis of "healthy fear" and what was described as "turning anxiety into excitement and giving it some place to go." I think this approach to anxiety makes a lot more physiological sense and is a healthier way of understanding and then treating it.

[@fionacarpenter4776]

Dr. Tantia's comment about anxiety needing to be released in a way that a person feeling control, really spoke to me. When I used to have extremely bad anxiety in high school, and I would go to my dance classes, all my panic and stress would go away. The movement I was able to do gave me the controlled release I needed to relieve my anxious feelings. My anxiety also turned into excitement because I was going to be dancing. This nonverbal way of releasing stressful emotions can really help clear your head. The movement gets rid of pent up feelings that want to escape and it feels so good. I was fortunate enough to realize dance had this effect on my attitude and feelings while I was going through my anxious period, and I took advantage of it. However, others are not as fortunate to have this release through dance, and dance movement therapy would be incredibly helpful.

[@sprucegoose6933]

As someone with a chronic case of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, watching this talk whilst talking introductory classes on Dance/Movement Therapy was soothing and cathartic for me. I especially appreciated her linking the feelings of anxiety with the evolutionary history of our species. Great talk!

[@chongvue9872]

Thank you for sharing one of your dance therapy experiences. It was beautiful how your client, Sasha, was able to overcome her own anxiety and was finally able to listen to her own thoughts. Her healing definitely will motivate many others to do the same!

[@sierratanji8240]

“Movement can turn anxiety into agency.” This quote stood out to me because as a dancer, this is the reason why I dance. Especially in my college years I have learned to move from a place of relaxation and freedom. Sometimes dance can be stressful, however when you go to its most natural form which is simply moving, it is completely anxiety reducing. She also stated that movement is a cause for creativity and self control. Learning about the nonverbal cues we put out into the universe we can use this form of therapy to help us understand our facial expressions and kinesics. I myself have found that in class I have been very keen on in person sessions rather than zoom sessions which often cause me anxiety. I think the reason I find so much anxiety in zoom meetings is because I cannot read propels nonverbal cues.

[@ellaredmore9016]

When she explained the connection/split between body and mind in an anxiety disorder, it made so much sense how the movement could aid the healing. Movement gives energy somewhere to go, rather than just building up inside you, and being in charge of the movement helps the client not feel so tied down, but rather, freer and in charge of her actions.

[@alicynstephens9136]

When Dr. Tantia described anxiety as being built up energy that needs to be let out and how dance can be a form of that stress reliever I really related to that statement because as someone with anxiety, dance has always been my way of releasing some of that pent up energy and tightness in my chest. It draws my emotions away from my nervousness and focuses the feeling through my body in a positive manner.

[@alyssacanales3390]

I found it interesting how fear and excitement can elicit the same response; anxiety. Also, I loved how you described anxiety as excitement with no place to go. This made me realize that I need to get moving! Nonverbal movements can be help soothe anxiety and regulate our emotions. Nonverbal movements can also help us explain where our anxiety comes from and give us control and relief.

[@khileajessup3648]

Wow! "Dance/Movement Therapy turns anxiety into excitement by giving it someplace to go". I find dance movement therapy to be so profoundly beneficial, especially in today's society where the diagnosis for anxiety is becoming more and more ubiquitous! Dance movement is clearly a form of nonverbal communication. There is a lot to be said and a lot to be healed through our nonverbal communications. I wish more people knew about this form of therapy as it is very much needed in today's society.

[@MICHAELKEEFE-h2y]

I think the idea of anxiety as a body/mind split is very accurate given the difficulty for the body to understand why it is anxious. Sasha's story was inspiring to hear as something like mirroring movement allowed her to feel enough care and support that she could have honest conversations and not only take control of her body but also take control of her life.

[@mrparis028]

"Dance/movement therapy takes anxiety, turns it into excitement, and gives it somewhere to go" -- this statement alone was worth the entire video. Figuring out how movement can do so much for the body and the mind is so astounding. I've never been able to put anxiety into words, because I do feel sort of excited when my anxiety kicks in, but I'm not exactly sure why or what that happens for. Understanding that it is excitement that's unsure what to do with itself but it can be turned into agency through movement was sort of an "a-ha!" moment because it suddenly all made sense to me. The power that movement has to create a window for so much opportunity to heal and understand yourself is great. As Sasha explored herself more and gained access to ownership of what she wanted to do, versus what the therapist was suggesting, it was an experience for her to actually be the leader of her own body and mind. With Sasha just playing around with movement, it created joy, it created freedom of expression and with the therapist accepting everything that Sasha had to offer, it made her feel valid and welcome in her own head, turning her anxiety into agency.

[@WeAreComingHome]

Thank you for this comment. It resonates very deeply with me right now. I definitely had that light bulb/ "a-ha" moment watching this video as well. Best wishes to you on your journey.

[@faithpernsteiner1460]

Jennifer's description of the physiological response the body has when experiencing anxiety gives ample insight into WHY dance movement therapy is effective in treating anxiety. Giving patients an environment to explore their boundaries and bodies allows patients to, "turn anxiety into excitement".

[@kamraj1732]

I found this video to be very informative and insightful. When one first thinks of therapy the first mode that comes to mind is always talk sessions or having to express yourself verbally. I think she was spot on when she stated that anxiety includes the mind AND body. Knowing that one can heal him or herself through their body opens the doors for those who are uncomfortable with just purely talking to someone. I feel as though the more one is in tune with their body, the better they are able to process emotions and trauma altogether.

[@skymy89021]

I am interested to learn more about the connection between anxiety and dance therapy. I would love to see the impacts and benefits of dance therapy on anxiety. I think it is a form of therapy that many people have not explored and I am curious to see the effects.

[@emmaleeedwards3536]

As some one who suffers from anxiety I complete relate with the explanation of how anxiety creates a barrier to the mind body connection of movement. The observance about how anxiety feels like a lot of energy that has no place to go connects non-verbal communication to anxiety by showcasing the overwhelming feeling of anxiety. In the same light, non-verbal behaviors allow that "energy that has nowhere to go", some place to go with out facing the difficult task of finding the right words to say. Altogether, this video meant a lot to me because it allowed me to remember the positive effects that dance and movement have, not only on me, but on other people who have anxiety.

[@TheJrpenguin]

I really enjoyed listening to Dr. Tantia describing the difference between anxiety and excitement. It reminded me of the topic of interoception that we studied in my Nonverbal Communication class because the only difference was your mind's interpretation of physical symptoms. By giving ourselves a chance to have positive body experiences, we can also improve the link between the mind and body, giving us a chance to heal and live healthier and more enjoyable lives.

[@mcdelta28]

I related to this video because I had severe social anxiety after high school. I now understand that anxiety is a body mind that is created in the mind but felt the body. Dance therapy helps take that energy and move it through the body. Turning that anxiety into excitement is something that reminded me of the way the mind can give different meaning to the same symptom of the body. Using dance therapy to engage our bodies to move in ways that activate different parts of the brain, and redirecting it to create an opportunity for connection.

[@emilysprague5532]

I think this speaker did an amazing job at explaining the connection between dance/movement and our mental well-being. Something that stood out to me was when she explained that anxiety is just a build up of excitement that needs to be released. When you feel very anxious, it can seem unbearable and very complex, but you really just need to find an outlet for it to feel better. Many people don't realize this or know what outlet would work for them, so their anxiety continues to wear them down.

[@ellaredmore9016]

As a dancer, I often use movement to expel anxiety from my body, and so when I learned about dance movement therapy and how movement can be used to help anxiety, I was very excited to learn more. I think dance therapy is great because some people may not know how to let out their anxiety, and DMT can help them do that.

[@msweetnam5806]

Yes I really loved this framing too! I feel like it gives new and important context for why moving our bodies is so important. It doesn't need to be about weight loss etc. but about caring for yourself both physically and mentally

[@kevintrinh4756]

One of the concepts that stood out to me from Dr. Tantia's speech is how moving your body can alter neurological patterns and cultivate "agency". The fact that movement can be used as a way to translate the harnessed excitement produced from anxiety into purposeful action is extremely fascinating. I've understood that dance/movement therapy could reduce anxiety, but never considered how the pent-up energy could be personally useful or advantageous. The effects of this can be seen in Sasha's experience with Dr. Tantia. Through dance/movement therapy, Sasha was able to take advantage of the energy produced from her anxiety and use it tell her father things she had always been afraid to.

[@julesredlinger8199]

The idea of finding control as opposed to just relaxation is very interesting and I can see how movement would help someone to do that. That Sasha was given control of the session was powerful, the feeling of being cared for because someone is willing to be there for you and follow you is amazing to think about.

[@gabrielleledesma4024]

I found that this really spoke to me. I have high anxiety and through some of the creative courses Ive taken throughout my life I was able to bring that energy and move my body in ways that felt nice. Ive found a passion through my anxiety creating some sort of isolation from me where I am feeling free to be creative and not feeling like it was wrong to be anxious

[@JaideChen]

I loved this video. In this video, Jennifer Frank Tantia talks about the relationship between neurotic feelings of anxiety and the ways that it manifests in our bodies. This video really highlights the relationship between the mind and body in regards to nonverbals, as she describes anxiety as energy with no place to go. I love this description and found it helpful, along with her point that anxiety and excitement manifest themselves similarly. The way that we provide an escape for this build up of energy is what determines whether the feelings lean more towards an excited or anxious nature. Understanding that we have far more control than we think over our neurotic feelings if we can simply find relieving ways to express them is so liberating. After watching this video, I understand that a lot of times, anxiety for me is likely just me running to seek shelter up in my brain while I leave my body to deal with the wreck. The exercise Dr. Tantia shared of feeling oneself in the back of your hand seems like a very effective exercise to help ground oneself, and return residence to the body comfortably and safely.

[@ameliafeuerer9117]

This story is so powerful and really shows the true essence of how dance therapy can give anxiety into a new form of excitement through dance movement therapy. As well as the deep emotions that come from this healing.

[@noellange3400]

This is such a great demonstration of how dance and movement therapy can affect certain conditions and reverse negative energy into positive energy. The story of the college student and her experience with anxiety demonstrates the importance and value of being in touch with one's own body. The biggest lesson that I learned from this video is that anxieties something that is "created in the mind but felt through the body." This statement just goes to show that we can change our negative energy into something positive, and we can do this through moving our bodies and finding control within them.

[@karinanaze1888]

I love the concept of empowerment through body movement. Taking the initiative and being proactive are often things I struggle with. I find myself settling within the comfortable boundaries set by others rather than exploring ways of being that may better suit my own social/emotional needs. My takeaway from this talk is to allow time for personal growth through creative expression (whether it involves dance/movement or other enjoyable energy/anxiety releases), so that I can learn to better exert my own agency.

[@francescaoh14]

It is wild to know that anxiety started as a healthy fear and has become a self-made anticipation about the future. As someone who has anxiety, learning that "movement can turn anxiety into agency" brought me a lot of peace. Participating in movement labs in my Nonverbal Communication class also brought me a sense of control and that same feeling of peace.

[@makaylatuomi4215]

I liked how the speaker showed how using the mind and power in one's movement, can have a lasting and meaningful impact on a person's psyche. The idea of taking anxiety and turning it into useful emotions truly shows how much control we have from just our mind.

[@marleehalbach4643]

I agree! And it is fascinating to see that our mind can control a situation so fast and change it into something so different. Like they always say, it really is mind over matter.

[@meganhuber4415]

I really liked how Dr. Tantia explained how the body can help calm the mind down with simple movements of expression. I feel like when I have anxiety I try to focus on mindfulness, however sometimes it seems like it doesn't always work. Therefore, I think this perspective can be very helpful.

[@KaylaFuller-25]

I really enjoyed the depiction of anxiety as excitement with no place to go. This helped me view anxiety as less of a negative thing and more as a misunderstood emotion. I really resonated with the comment that anxiety is a body mindset that is created in the mind and felt in the body because I feel my body get extremely tense when I am trying to manage my anxiety. It is difficult to try and get rid of anxiety when my body is harboring the remnants of tension from it.

[@chhaychhin9392]

This is a wonderful video and a great presentation that provide an explanation of the outcomes and benefit of dance movement therapy. The description of the mind and body connection in this presentation deepen my understanding of psychological and physiological connection. One thing that really stood out to me was the statement that "anxiety is the mind and body split that created in the mind and felt it through the body". Anxiety occurs because of what we think in our minds and causes our bodies to react a certain way. I never really understood the power of dance movement, however, the idea that dance movement takes the energy that anxiety creates and turns it into excitement is a form of healthy and mindful therapy that I truly support. The result that Sasha received from the speaker is truly the definition of nonverbal communication. Sasha feels like she is cared for because someone cares enough to do what she does. Nonverbal communication touches deeply, especially through dance movement where minds and bodies are being moved altogether as ones.

[@genli3523]

One thing that I remember is she is talking about the body boundary that is utilized to re-recognize the selfness in relation to the environment. It accentuates oneself to be able to hear oneself and foster a self-communication. Once it's accomplished, self-regulating of the emotion is available. At this point, the psychological being is more important as referring to the fact that anxiety and excitement own same psychical symptom and what we respond to it becomes decisive.

[@WeAreComingHome]

Well said. Re-grounding in the physical is a vitally important first step. Only from there can the mind step in to transform the perception of what is going on.

[@KristinaGarcia-mo9pu]

The idea that excitement and anxiety are physiologically the same but mentally very different is an idea that I constantly remind myself of whenever I do start to feel anxious. Looking at anxiety as a disconnect between the mind and body, where anxiety is excitement with no destination, I realize how powerful dance/movement therapy can be in bringing that connection back. The anxiety is able to communicate itself in the body, but the consequent movement is able to heal what has essentially been lost or disconnected. Excitement is a great feeling, and I am very appreciative towards dance/movement therapy as it may reconstruct anxiety into a positive, excited feeling. And, as much as it may help with dealing with the anxiety itself, dance/movement therapy also opens a safe, caring space, which is even more healing.

[@emilycanizalez2568]

I feel like it should be mandatory for everyone to watch this video. Her definition of anxiety being split by the body and mind makes perfect sense. What I found interesting was how using DMT you can flow anxiety throughout your body and turning it into excitement. I also liked how she talked about mirroring and how it's a "reflection" of your emotions and allows you to listen to yourself.

[@danijelafechushak767]

The mirroring note resonated with me as well and I think that is an important part of connecting with yourself.

[@helenrottier684]

I have GAD and panic disorder, and I have noticed that gentle self-touch on the back of my hands is extremely soothing, especially in anxiety-provoking or social situations. Movement therapy has been critical in my ability to connect to my breath and learn relaxation skills. I like the idea that anxiety is excitement with no place to go, and I'm hopeful that I can direct my anxiety in new directions.

[@PokeMario321]

I resonate with the aspect that anxiety can be described as energy within ourselves that doesn't have an outlet to be expressed. I see this a lot in my dad who experiences consistent anxiety, which also has given stomach issues. I found it interesting how the mirroring technique allowed the patient to experience a feeling of agency and control, which empowered her to talk with her dad.

[@mitchellnguyen3115]

I like how she emphasized the idea of listening to your body and following what makes it feel comfortable. It also resonated with me that she establishes the idea of changing anxiety into a positive energy.

[@nayelicangelosi]

I found the description of anxiety so comforting because of how different of a view anxiety has be seen. I used to always think that anxiety was "bad" energy stored in my body but the way that it was described really changed my views on how it can be perceived. I really liked how dance and movement can be used as a tool to realize anxiety and I really enjoyed the examples and exercises that were present in this video!

[@OliviaMendez-s8s]

I agree that the conversation around perception was very insightful and helped me understand things about myself. As a dancer myself I have seen and felt how movement can help to release energy and turn anxiety into something positive and uplifting.

[@TrinityTompkins]

I totally agree with you! I loved the way the speaker described anxiety as extra energy just waiting to be released. While many people may view anxiety as a "negative" thing, she decided to talk about the beauty of it.

[@joykadowaki7600]

I love the simple concept of, movement gives our anxiety someplace to go. Some nonverbals, like foot tapping, nail biting, pacing, etc, can represent anxiety. Our bodies want to move, but can't because we've been taught to calm ourselves down or relax instead of putting that energy into excitement. I really want to try this the next time I can't seem to calm down no matter how hard I try and use that energy for something good. Rather, use that energy into finding a solution for what was causing my anxiety in the first place.

[@jamesarndt3008]

I find it really interesting to discuss the disconnection of the mind and body. I personally have definitely experienced this and still do. The re-purposing of the energy that manifests as anxiety into becoming excitement and movement is very interesting. This is a wonderful way of DMT as a replacement to verbal therapy.

[@fransheskamartinez7906]

Jennifer Antia described the way anxiety comes to play in role in our dilly life's. movement helps one to be in a calm environment, it also allows one to express freely and it allows our body to deal with anxiety in a healthy way. As a dancer movement has become a big part in my life, i am able o find peace and relation when I'm moving, even though movement can also become difficult it challenges us to learn to overcome our struggles and it shows how creative one can become. Movement can turn anxiety into agency where once can move the body into a beautiful form of art.

[@misakawamitsu1534]

Tantia's explanation of anxiety and how our body and mind react to it really helped me understand what someone who suffers from anxiety might feel. This talk was fascinating because it can help anyone learn how movement can create a sense of control of our body

[@justinmagnus8567]

To me anxiety is something that is hard to define so I agree with you that her explanation of anxiety is very helpful.

[@NicoleMontanezAlicea]

I found the video to be quite engaging and insightful. As someone who works closely with individuals of varying abilities, many of whom may also experience anxiety, I found the information presented to be particularly valuable. The explanations provided for the exercises aimed at managing anxiety were especially helpful, as they offered practical techniques that can be easily integrated into daily routines. What stood out to me was the emphasis on nonverbal movements. These movements not only serve as effective tools for alleviating anxiety but also play a crucial role in helping individuals recognize the signs of impending anxiety attacks or emotional shifts. By being attuned to these nonverbal cues, individuals can develop greater self-awareness and better equip themselves to navigate their emotional landscape. Overall, the insights shared in the video have broadened my understanding of the relationship between movement and emotional regulation, reinforcing the importance of incorporating these techniques into my work. Such approaches can foster a deeper sense of calm and empower individuals to manage their feelings more effectively.

[@victoriaharris4061]

I love the story of Sasha! It really explained how DMT can help someone cope with and eventually overcome anxiety. I never thought of anxiety as a positive thing because it has always been viewed as a negative emotion. So I appreciate the positive spin on the topic

[@kaylashapiro2732]

Yes Victoria! That's exactly right. DMT can help someone cope with anxiety as it's taking that anxious energy and placing it somewhere different, somewhere healthier.

[@msweetnam5806]

I appreciated the framing of anxiety and excitement coming from the same place, and it being a matter of agency to make that positive shift. When you lack control or don’t understand why you’re feeling the way you are, it seems natural that you would be distressed and not enlivened by the bursts of energy you’re experiencing

[@elisakeefner6616]

I like how you reworded this, and I appreciated how Jennifer spoke about anxiety being excitement with nowhere to go. This can definitely be helpful as that excitement can be channeled into movement to help decrease anxiety.

[@peytonbohn1309]

The first few seconds were captivating with the breathing activity. Her story about Sasha and noticing her body and environment was a very interesting technique! Very cool! Great speaker!

[@OliviaMendez-s8s]

As someone with anxiety and a dancer myself, I have felt the way in which movement can help relieve symptoms and release stored energy into something more positive. I found the discussion around perception insightful and interesting. By using movement to become more in touch with ourselves and our bodies we can find different ways to perceive physical symptoms that may have brought anxiety in the past.

[@RebeccaWehrung]

That is awesome that dance has been able to make your life more positive!

[@hannahshimek6852]

I enjoyed hearing about how movement is helpful for anxiety. I have heard many people say that exercise is a great way to help your anxiety but never understood how. I feel people always say to relax when you have anxiety but this video has changed my view on it.

[@oliviapolich451]

I agree with this for sure. I've always heard that as well and it has never made sense to me but now it makes so much more sense that you can release energy in a way of control.

[@marshallmason3485]

I love how she explained DMT and Anxiety. DMT uses the Anxiety, (the body-mind split, created in the mind and felt though the body), and uses movement to shift that energy, turning anxiety into excitement. In other words, Movement turned anxiety into agency (Action, Power, or Operation). It was interesting to see the client perk up when the therapist let her lead the actions, activating the mirror neuron pathway leading her to say " this feels great having someone else care enough to do what I want to do". Powerful!

[@CarolynRandolph-s8j]

This speech thoughtfully engages the audience's sensory experience and the impact of epigenetics on the human experience. DMT offers unique and accessible insight into these topics which are sometimes overcomplicated or detached from real human experience in academia. I look forward to the hands-on learning that goes into cultivating a dance therapy practice for oneself and eventually others.

[@kaitlynleinenweber5563]

I really like what she says about dance movement therapy restoring the resonance between body and mind and how that allows a client to regain self-control. This is such a powerful way to look at the connection between your mind and body and ways to regulate them.

[@AnnaRifkin]

I agree it's really important to consider the connection between the mind and body as they often influence one another

[@ariannasanchez1737]

She explained fear, at first, from an evolutionary biological standpoint in which fear was a tool that was indicative of a sense of something that could harm us or kill us (i.e. lion waiting in hidden grass). However through the "development of our intelligence and nervous system" she explains fear has morphed into an unhealthy fear of the future (not something that is going to realistically kill us). Fear then literally affects all of our systems, physically, characterized by physical symptoms such as panic-attacks which can become debilitating. This explanation of fear shows the clear cause and effect between mind and nonverbal behavior of the body. I feel that her approach in organizing the excess energy that anxiety produces, to proactively and effectively translate it into a heathy nonverbal expression offers a tangible and very helpful holistic medication to help anxiety. When looking at anxiety as "just excitement with no place to go'" and using dance/movement to regulate it, it allows us to take create a more realistic, anxiety-management program in our lives.

[@noelfarmer3840]

One thing that really resonated with me is when she said "anxiety is excitement with no place to go". I thought that was the most accurate description of anxiety that I have heard. She explained to me so well why DMT works with anxiety because anxiety is reduced after all that extra energy is translated into movement.

[@justinmagnus8567]

I like how you called out that she says that it is possible to reduce anxiety by releasing extra energy by movement. Whenever I hear anxiety, I think it is this feeling that can only get better with time. But it is nice to know that there is a way to alleviate anxiety.

[@hannahpedretti5325]

I loved the way this speaker talked about and related anxiety to movement of the body. She said anxiety isn't just cognitive but effects and functioning systems of the body, which couldn't be more true!

[@karlieknoll2241]

I really liked how she introduced another unique tool towards working through anxiety, not just with traditional talk therapy avenues. Using some of those body systems could be a more effective treatment that people just aren't aware of.

[@morganeberhardt6220]

I think this is such an important highlight of the video and it reminds people the importance of releasing this anxiety in our bodies through things like movement and dancing

[@MICHAELKEEFE-h2y]

This is something a lot of times I don't think is discussed enough by relating anxiety to only cognition, people neglect the underlying physical symptoms they're having which is one of the reasons why long-term stressors are prevalent. DMT, I feel provides a much more holistic view of anxiety and the body's response, addressing these symptoms and aspects of anxiety much better than other therapy forms.

[@morganeberhardt6220]

I often struggle with anxiety but I find that moving my body in any way, especially dancing, really helps to calm my anxiety, just like what she talks about in the video.

[@AnnaRifkin]

that's really nice to hear that you've personally experienced the benefits! I also find that movement can help ease anxiety that I'm feeling

[@rafaelaustria1808]

I do this myself, the mind and body feedback loop that can happen between action and feeling. Often times, the mind can lead the body whether conscious or subconscious. The subconscious tends to lead our body action and that process can be reversed by moving in the way that we want to feel "That voluntary action produces a sense of agency" turning anxiety into agency. I practice this now.

[@danijelafechushak767]

The note that anxiety is a "mind split" that the body feels what is created in the mind stuck out. Her story of Sasha gave me a great sense of how changing and calming the body through movement can calm the anxiety created in the mind.

[@msweetnam5806]

Yes I really appreciated this framing too! It also makes me think, next time I'm feeling anxious about something asking myself "what could I be excited about?" And working to focus on that excitement and not just the worry

[@krystleanne2903]

I like how she described the connection between body and mind when it comes to anxiety where the body has symptoms like being light headed and the mind is figuring out what causes it. Dance/movement therapy for these patient allows them to express creative and self expression rather than being in a relaxation state. I think this would be beneficial for college students especially when finals week comes since all of us are full of anxiety.

[@morganpeters2214]

The exercises were really well executed. I had felt feeling she was describing before but had never put labels on them.

[@ethantaylor5234]

Crazy to see that something as complex and scary as anxiety can be slowed down, and even start to be controlled by the therapies of dance. It was amazing to see Sasha start to open up and be in control once again.

[@elisakeefner6616]

I wrote about this above and completely agree how fascinating it is that anxiety can be channeled into movement to help decrease it.

[@AVAANDERSON-h3r]

I found this amazing as well. Sasha was able to listen to her own thoughts and will inspire many to do the same.

[@mckennadallmann2822]

Her comment on utilizing dance therapy to learn where your body ends and the environment begins was very meaningful. While anxiety can make us feel like we've lost control of a situation, her statement exemplifies how an understanding of the capability of our mind/body can enable us take control of the energy from anxiety and turn it into something positive.

[@danijelafechushak767]

So true. The idea of knowing our body's limits helps control our anxiety helped connect the idea that the body just feels the symptoms of anxiety created in the brain.

[@LeonelGurrola562]

“Being excited, or nervous the body has nearly the same physiological response of Anxiety” This awareness that there is tremendous energy balled up with no channels of exercising it is a huge step forward in recognizing and seeking out possible coping mechanisms. The fact that Dance movement therapy can act out as one of those channels is alleviating to know. Approaching anxiety with the perception that there is a burst of energy with no were to go puts other aspects into perspective such as to how and why ones nonverbal behavior provides insight as to how may be feeling. Your body one way or another unconsciously is trying to channel out this excess of energy in which for some people is presented in shakiness, nail biting, finger or foot tapping. All these mechanisms in which our body tries to dispose of this excess energy are signs of someone not actively knowing of techniques such as Dance movement therapy in which can be one can enjoy and simultaneously benefit from health wise by steaming off this bundle of excitement within. The best part of all is that Dance movement therapy is not like a traditional therapy session so it is not as intimidating were as in counseling sessions you sit face to face and actually talk about things. With this method you do not have to speak, but you do have to move, and for this new generation of individuals speaking their mind can be more difficult than expressing it through movement.

[@beccaformella5659]

I love the part in this talk where Sasha was finally able to make a connection of herself and what she wanted; she was finally in control of herself. I think it is so fascinating to see what benefits even slight movements and mirroring can have on someone's confidence and mind/body connection.

[@mariablohowiak9850]

Hi Becca, I also found the story interesting and enjoyed the part where she said at the end of it she was hugging herself!

[@EmmaBenewich]

I found it interesting that movement can turn anxiety into agency. I had never given it much thought before, but it definitely makes sense considering that I find that going on a walk helps me if I am feeling anxious.

[@michaelagain803]

I really enjoyed listening to Dr. Tantia explain her client, Sasha's, experience through DMT. I even joined along when feeling the landscape of the left hand... where the body was and where the environment was. I also find it interesting that anxiety and excitement cause similar responses in the body. It gives me a different perspective of what anxiety really as and how it can be released.

[@ambervillalobos4445]

It is so interesting to see this perspective of dance therapy taking the energy that comes from anxiety and putting it through the body. This relates to nonverbal communication in the sense that it your movements are in return going to convey a sense of excitement. It is cool to hear that patients are also benefiting from dance/ movement therapy through development of creativity and having a sense of control. This is by far my favorite dance therapy video I have watched so far.

[@mariablohowiak9850]

I really enjoyed the exercise Dr. Jennider Frank Tantia did at the beginning and how she related it to two perspectives. I personally did not hold my breath but felt a bit of anxiety as to why she prompted us to take a deep breath.

[@alicynstephens9136]

I think it was a very well thought out way for us to understand both perspectives as well. It helped me understand both sides of her description

[@normagarciaelizondo6369]

Very interesting video! Amazing how anxiety had another lens I never really looked at. Anxiety is felt in the body although it is created in the mind, therefore dance movement therapy grasps all the available energy and transforms the negative feelings like anxiety, into excitement so it overall allows for adventure and positive emotions in the body and mind. It is powerful how feelings of excitement and fear both lead to anxiety and convey the same body responses such as butterflies in your stomach. It is best to let go of feelings of anxiety through movement to let it have somewhere to go instead of bottling everything up which leads to negative actions and feelings.The freedom to move the way you feel has so much power within. Moving and understanding our bodies is extremely therapeutic and allows for positive feelings. The one thing that stood out to me was that “Anxiety is excitement with no place to go” but dance therapy helps anxiety explore positive places to go.

[@abigailcarey6522]

I loved the line "Anxiety is excitement with no place to go". I agree that dance therapy helps turn that feeling of anxiety into a sense of control. Personally, I have found dance very effective in relieving anxiety and giving myself that outlet of relief. It gives me a place to put all of that anxiousness and excitement that is healthy.

[@elisakeefner6616]

This talk was interesting to listen to, especially with example about Sasha. I thought that it was interesting that she asked what movement she could do and was so willing to lead her own movement. I can imagine a struggle for many dance therapists is that initial stage where clients might be nervous to move at all in front of someone else.

[@MADISONLEINENWEBER]

I really liked her point that humans need to release their energy in a way that they can control. Having an outlet to exercise agency in a productive way is so important. And I think that dance allows us to do that without having to put our feelings into words.

[@RebeccaWehrung]

I agree, dance is a great way to use the agency that we are able to develop from feelings of anxiety.

[@morganeberhardt6220]

I too think it is very important to have an outlet to release pent up energy

[@kaitlynleinenweber5563]

I think it is important to give your mind and mouth a break and allow movement to regulate your body.

[@MICHAELKEEFE-h2y]

Yes by having a physical way to release energy is part of why exercise is so important. Using exercise allows people to not only calm themselves and improve cognitive health, but it furthers the amount of time that people are able to move freely and improves their physical health.

[@nataliebergeron7197]

This video was so interesting to watch. Being a person who has anxiety this was very informative. I loved the excercise explanation and it really gave me some tips to help my own anxiety. These nonverbal movements not only help soothe our anxiety but can alert us about some upcoming attacks or emotions.

[@radhikap7250]

I never knew that anxiety was supposed to be a "healthy fear" but Tantia explains what this means and how dance and movement therapy enables one to demonstrate creativity and to relax and even take control of their fears. I like how it can create both calmness and excitement.

[@anettn5030]

I found this video to be very informative on how anxiety connects to the body. I very much enjoyed the introduction because I was able to engage and really connect with her story. I was able to feel body responses that Dr. Tantia was talking about which made my body respond nonverbally and my mind began gaining emotions. Participating in this activity made me connect with this video because I was able to feel those anxiety symptoms such as tension, rapid eye movement, and palpations. All these body signals allowed me empathsize with the story of Sasha. I really enjoyed how mirroring can help build a connection and allow those who are being mirrored to become self aware of their own bodies. This helped Sasha use both her left and right hemisphere. She began with allaying all her thoughts through her movement and focusing on mirroring Dr. Tantia to then being the leader of this activity and eventually using her right hemisphere and looking at the bigger picture and becoming self aware of her presence, thoughts, and emotions.

[@ellaflapan-feig7932]

Listening to your body and being connected to it is very underrated. It seems like a very small thing to do but has extremely big impacts. Dance/Movement Therapy encourages this idea and teaches you tools in order to practice being in touch with your body.

[@oliviapolich451]

I thought the beginning was so cool! I did the exercise with her and exactly what she described happened. I struggle with anxiety so listening to this was really interesting and I am so excited to learn more in class.

[@alicynstephens9136]

I agree olivia, I did this exercise and it helped me as well and was very interesting.

[@tube2746]

It is same story some how I did in my DANC class. Jennifer Frank Tantia, she explains anxiety body/mind how does it effects to our body movement therapy. It shows anxiety would be turned to feeling of excitement. There is mirroring mentioned on the video. I kinda could understand about the all she acted because I learned from my class. It is true that our body and mind are connected each other and sometimes it is reacted together. Facing each other Face to Face and copying each other were mirroring :D As we doing some mirroring activities, I and my classmate did do mirroring in the class, we could feel our feeling was turned nervous to cozy. We did move following the music on the class, it was slow. Once we moved and followed the rhythm on the music our feeling reacted to the body. Excited and nervous > Relaxed and cozy. Through the activity from my class I really could understand what she presented.

[@aileen_lai]

Dr. Tantia starts her speech with a short meditation, which is taking a deep breath. This reminds me of my lecture from nonverbal communication class. Our professor tended to release our stress. Here, Dr. Tantia would like to test her audience's anxious level. From her statement, I realize that anxiety is actually a split of body and mind. We need to release the excess negative energy stored in our mind to decrease our anxiety. From her case study of Sasha, a college student who has a panic attack, derealization, and some disagreement with her dad, she successfully applies dance/movement therapy to decrease Sasha's anxiety. Dr. Tantia instructs Sasha to feel her body boundary by using her hand to touch her another hand or even embrace herself. Surprisingly, Sasha loves this "hugging" style. She feels self-caring and loving. When she asks Dr. Tantia to mirror her movement, she even feels more cares from others. This enables Sasha to listen to her interaction between mind and body. After several treatments session of dance/movement therapy, she was able to confess to her dad, to fully express her real feeling to her father. Her split mind and body were integrated by dance/movement therapy that she found the exit of excess energy and changed it to the excitement. The activation of the nervous system could open up one' mind. The sensational change is significant among anxiety patients since they do need to release their pressure so that they can avoid negative physical symptoms caused by anxiety.

[@hannahsabourin7322]

This was very informative about why movement is helpful with anxiety. I have heard many times that exercise is helpful with anxiety but never understood how or why. I also never quite understood what exactly anxiety is so it was nice that she put it into a simple phrase.

[@chloedruckrey779]

I think Jennifer gives a great explination on how dance and movement helps others with their anxiety!

[@TrinityTompkins]

I found the speakers connection between mind and body very interesting, especially in the context of anxiety. The way she described it as the minds creation which is felt throughout the body was a perspective I had never considered before, and I think it could really impact the way we help patients in the future!

[@OliviaMendez-s8s]

I also found the connection between the mind and body interesting. It is interesting how you can change the perception of your physical sensations.

[@MADISONLEINENWEBER]

I agree. And I think it will be interesting to continue to consider when learning about how different populations experience dance therapy

[@haleyjohnson9487]

I relate to this as dancing has always been something I have used to help my anxiety. Being able to move and understand my body is very therapeutic and, like she said, helps me gain a sense of agency over my body.

[@NEVAEHMALSZYCKI]

With anxiety being more commonly talked about within society in recent years, I find this video rather intriguing. I've never heard of DMT playing as a type of agency on the topic of anxiety. I find it interesting that DMT has the power to shift anxiety to excitement. It could be considered a little shift, but it would result in a huge outcome.

[@BayleyREHMAN]

I could relate on a personal level to this video, as I find dance to be an outlet and a place were I no longer feel anxious. I danced growing up and never once had anxiety, but as soon as I stoped dancing I had symptoms of anxiety. It is crazy to me how simple movement can affect such a big mental illness.

[@karlieknoll2241]

It is almost as if the mind also clears and focuses entirely on the task at hand. She also mentioned how dance can give you agency over those feeling of anxiety as you have much more control over the actions you take while dancing.

[@TrinityTompkins]

While I am not a dancer, I feel the same way about working out. Whenever I am stressed out or anxious, the first thing I do is go on a walk or head over to the gym. I think it is such a great outlet to take your mind off of things and decompress!

[@ilovemickeymouse27]

Wow, as someone who suffers from anxiety I found it really interesting how the dance therapy made Sasha more assertive and in tune with her emotions. I found it interesting that the dance therapist suggested feeling aware of her own body, done by the hand exercise she mentioned. I found myself trying it as I watched the video and I didn't realize how much it helps ground you. Something that a lot of anxiety sufferers struggle with during an anxiety attack is feeling like you aren't in your body. Many people who don't suffer from anxiety don't realize that anxiety is a constant thing, just humming in the background of your body. The hand exercise made me unexpectedly ground myself and remember that anxiety are just my thoughts, and not who I am as an individual.