Dance movement therapy and women with breast cancer: The psychophysical impact of the empathic process

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the therapeutic process and possible influence of mirror neurons in kinesthetic empathy using dance movement therapy for breast cancer. Method: Case study methodology was used. A patient diagnosed with breast cancer two years previously was referred to the Department of Physiological Sciences II, University of Barcelona. She attended a dance movement therapy intervention for 5 months (1 hour per week, 20 sessions).The patient’s medical history and a therapist’s records were reviewed. Result: The patient showed an improvement in perceived mental and physical well-being after participating in the program of dance movement therapy. This type of intervention facilitated the collection of physical and psychological patient information. Empathy was vital to this process. Conclusions: The perceived well-being expressed by the patient throughout the sessions enhances the clinical significance of dance movement therapy. It is recommended that a trial is undertaken to assess the effectiveness of dance movement therapy on breast cancer patients’ mental and physical well-being.