By Elio Shackelford, intern at OUT Maine

Growing up, I often felt like my body wasn’t truly mine. I always felt a quiet discomfort in my own skin, and moving through the world felt like performing a role rather than existing authentically. This experience is all too common for queer and trans people. Societal pressures to conform to heteronormative standards often stifle genuine self-expression, making it difficult to discover one’s true identity. Gender dysphoria and trauma can further deepen this disconnect, making it even harder for queer and trans individuals to feel at home in their bodies. I believe reconnecting with the body is a radical form of self-love, a way to reclaim a sense of autonomy and wholeness. Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) is a growing form of therapy that creates a space for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to heal and express themselves through movement. I want to clarify that I am not a licensed therapist, but as an undergraduate student of psychology and dance, I have a deep interest in this field, one that I’m excited to explore and share with you!

The idea behind DMT is that by tuning into our bodies, we can better understand our thought patterns and emotions, and even begin to transform them over time. With the guidance of a dance/movement therapist, clients are encouraged to explore movement in a way that feels natural to them, using techniques that help release tension and process emotions. Movement in DMT is seen as a form of communication—an expression of emotions, memories, and experiences that might be difficult to put into words. By tuning into physical sensations, gestures, and rhythms, individuals can gain insight into their inner world and process emotions in a holistic way. Whether through structured exercises or freeform movement, DMT provides a space for self-discovery, healing, and deeper connection between the mind and body.

An intersectional approach to DMT acknowledges that each person’s lived experience is shaped by multiple, interconnected identities—such as race, gender, ability, sexuality, and socioeconomic status. By taking an intersectional approach, DMT practitioners can create a more inclusive and supportive space, recognizing how factors like culture, identity, and systemic barriers shape a person’s relationship with their body and healing process. For those with marginalized identities, reconnecting with their natural movement and self-expression can be a powerful way to reclaim their sense of self, challenge societal limitations, and affirm their right to exist fully and unapologetically. When therapists embrace intersectionality in their practice, DMT becomes not just a tool for healing but a profound act of empowerment and reclamation.

Reconnecting with the body can be challenging, especially for those who have felt disconnected or unseen, but movement can be a powerful tool for healing. While therapists specializing in DMT can be hard to find and access, any form of therapy or support can be valuable, and I encourage everyone to seek out whatever resources are available to them. In my next post, I’ll share some simple movement practices you can try at home to explore self-expression and connection with your body.

Further Reading

Pope, Lauren, “Embodied Social Action: How Dance Movement Therapy Can Support Resistance Against Systems of Oppression” (2024). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 826. https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/826

Tonaki, Aaron, “Heteronormativity: How Dance Movement Therapy Can Change the Narrative Around the Societal Norms and Expectations Created Around Sexuality and Gender” (2023). Dance/Movement Therapy Theses. 89. https://digitalcommons.slc.edu/dmt_etd/89

Gomes, Norma, Sandrine Cochet, and Alice Guyon. 2021. “Dance and Embodiment: Therapeutic Benefits on Body-Mind Health.” Journal of Interdisciplinary Methodologies and Issues in Science 2021 (Methods to Assess the Effects of Sensory Stimulations on Wellness). https://doi.org/10.18713/JIMIS-02072021-9-4.

Kuntz, Rachel, “Moving Towards Intimacy: A Literature Review on the Use of Dance/Movement Therapy with Couples” (2020). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 296. https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/296

“The benefits of dance and movement therapy for Queer clients – The Expansive Therapy blog.” n.d. https://expansivetherapy.com/blog-detail/let-s-dance

“Mind-Body Connection Is Built into Brain, Study Suggests” U.S. National Science Foundation, 2023. https://new.nsf.gov/news/mind-body-connection-built-brain-study-suggests

Elio Shackelford is a current intern with OUT Maine and a first-year student at Bennington College, where he is studying psychology and dance. He is passionate about exploring the intersection of mental health and movement, with a particular interest in dance/movement therapy as an avenue for self-expression and healing. Elio is especially interested in how embodiment practices can support mental health and foster resilience within the LGBTQ+ community.