Dance therapy is considered an expressive therapy in which movement is used to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of an individual. On a physical level, dance therapy can provide exercise, improve mobility and muscle coordination, and reduce muscle tension. Movement experienced during dance therapy sessions also has positive effects on the circulatory, respiratory, skeletal, and muscular systems. Dance therapy can help individuals gain insight into patterns of behavior, as well as create new options for coping with problems. It is particularly effective in treating learning disabilities, as it helps individuals develop better organizational skills. It can also help with physical handicaps, as it improves body image and motor skills. On a mental and emotional level, it can be used as a tool to reduce stress and anxiety as well as depression. It is also said to improve self-awareness, interaction with others, and self-confidence.

In dance therapy, both therapist and patient focus on the connection between the mind and body. It is believed that as body and mind interact, a change in movement will affect the functioning of the body or give clues as to the individual’s particular problems. Dance therapists help individuals develop a nonverbal language which they can use to express what is going on in their bodies. The therapists then observe this nonverbal language expressed through movement, make an assessment, and design a program tailored to the needs of the individual. Dance therapy can be practiced in an individual or group setting by people with social, emotional, cognitive, and physical troubles.