dance therapy

the use of various forms of rhythmic movement—classical, modern, folk, or ballroom dancing; exercises to music; and the like—as a therapeutic technique to help individuals achieve greater body awareness and social interaction and enhance their psychological and physical functioning. See also movement therapy. [pioneered in 1942 by U.S. dance professional Marian Chace (1896–1970)]

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Psychology term of the day

December 22nd 2024

autassassinophilia

n. a paraphilia in which sexual arousal and the achievement of orgasm are facilitated by the fantasy or belief that one is in danger of being killed. This may include the individual staging a sexual encounter characterized by extreme masochism with the real potential for his or her own murder. Also called autoassassinatophilia. Compare homicidophilia.