Squishy toys for dance and movement therapy: how they can assist in movement therapy

 

Movement therapy refers to a form of psychotherapy that makes use of physical movement to support and facilitate the emotional, cognitive, and social integration of an individual. While there are many tools and techniques that can be used in movement therapy, one that has shown great promise is the use of squishy toys. In this article, we will explore the ways in which squishy toys can be utilized to assist in dance and movement therapy.

 

Firstly, squishy toys can serve as an effective way for clients to release tension and emotions. Often clients come to movement therapy to work through deep-seated emotions that they may find difficult to express verbally. By providing squishy toys to clients as a way to ground and connect with their bodies, they can release any tension they may be holding onto and feel more at ease.

 

Squishy toys can serve as a valuable tool in dance and movement therapy by providing clients with a safe and non-judgmental way to explore different movements and postures. By manipulating or holding a squishy toy in certain ways, clients can push themselves to try new movements that they may not have felt comfortable attempting otherwise.

 

For example, a client who may be hesitant to practice balance exercises might find it easier to do so if they are holding a squishy toy, as it can provide a sense of stability and security. Similarly, a client who may feel self-conscious about their movements can use the squishy toy to engage in playful and expressive movements that allow them to feel more comfortable and connected with their bodies. Overall, squishy toys can be a fun and effective way to help clients engage more actively in their therapy and unlock new possibilities for movement and expression.

 

Furthermore, squishy toys can be used as a way to help clients develop greater body awareness. By having clients use squishy toys to explore different sensations and textures, they can become more attuned to the way their body is moving and how it feels in different postures. This can help them develop a deeper sense of self-awareness, and ultimately make more informed choices about how they move and interact with their environment.

 

Moreover, squishy toys can be used to help clients with disabilities. For instance, a client who has difficulty with fine motor skills may be able to use squishy toys to practice manipulating objects, while a client who has difficulty with balance may use a squishy toy to practice stability exercises. The tactile stimulation provided by squishy toys can also help such clients achieve a greater awareness of their motor movements.

 

Finally, squishy toys can be used to facilitate group movement exercises. For example, a facilitator could pass around a squishy toy and ask group members to add a movement or gesture to the object before passing it on to the next person. This type of exercise encourages group members to work together in a creative, fun way, and to build greater group cohesion.

 

In conclusion, squishy toys have the potential to be a powerful tool in dance and movement therapy. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as releasing tension and emotion, exploring movements and postures, developing body awareness, assisting clients with disabilities, and facilitating group movement exercises. Their tactile and interactive nature makes them a particularly engaging and effective tool for clients of all ages and abilities. Whether used in individual or group sessions, squishy toys can help clients connect with their bodies, express themselves creatively, and achieve greater self-awareness and emotional well-being.