Date of Award

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

MS in Dance/Movement Therapy

First Advisor

Elise Risher

Abstract

Bicultural individuals often navigate complex cultural landscapes that shape their identities, experiences, and psychological well-being. This thesis explores the embodiment of culture and the influential dynamics on bicultural identity, molding both the perception and expression of the self. By integrating the frameworks of liberation psychology, body story, embodied activism, and liberating movement, dance/movement therapy offers a multicultural-competent approach for addressing the complexities of bicultural identity. This integration enhances the therapeutic process by aligning with the social justice goals of the field, facilitating transformative restoration from oppression through personal and cultural narratives of individuals. Furthermore, this approach empowers those marginalized within their cultural contexts to promote an enriched sense of autonomy and resilience. With cultural identity as the priority, this enhanced approach respects and honors the rich tapestry of experiences that bicultural individuals bring into therapy, nonverbally and verbally, making it a powerful modality for addressing the specific needs and challenges of this population.

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