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Author Bio

Diana Mota (she, her, hers) is a dancer and arts psychotherapist who studies improvisation in art and its connections with philosophy, ontology, empowerment, and liberation. While lecturing at the Psychology and Educational Sciences Faculty, Coimbra University, Mota participates in inclusive arts learning projects, and serves as a clinical supervisor in private practice. She holds an MA in Drama and Movement Therapy from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, London University, as well as a Degree in Law. Professor Mota has trained in Community Dance Studies and Trauma and Neuroscience in Body Psychotherapy, and is currently studying ontological approaches to teaching leadership.

Keywords

dance therapy, therapeutic relationship, ontological inquiry, authentic listening, somatic countertransference, non-verbal language, verbal language

Abstract

This article explores intersections between dance, psychotherapy, phenomenology, and ontology, addressing how both verbal and non-verbal language enact ways of being in the world. The main aim is to investigate potential contributions of ontological inquiry to the practice of dance psychotherapy, to thereby strengthen the therapeutic relationship. Drawing on her practical experience and theory building in dance and dance therapy, the author presents clinical vignettes from a session as a laboratory to elaborate an ontological-phenomenological model. She concludes by clearly advocating for further exploration of these intersections and argues these fields are mutually enriching and complementary.

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