Chapter Announcement by Sissy Lykou (UK)
Sissy Lykou recently published her chapter, “Relational Dance Movement Psychotherapy: A New Old Idea,” in Helen Payne’s edited volume Essentials of Dance Movement Psychotherapy: International Perspectives on Theory, Research, and Practice (Routledge, 2017).
The main focus is on tripartite connections between (a) relational psychoanalysis, (b) contemporary person-centered psychotherapy, and (c) relational body psychotherapy, then linking the resulting integration with the theory and practice of Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP).
The first part of the chapter follows the traditions of the relational psychoanalytic and humanistic schools that see the therapist enhancing the therapeutic alliance by taking risks, while also highlighting how the therapist carries his/her own kinetic and emotional baggage. Then there is the impact on therapy of the client being seen as an active self-healer, maintaining his/her own power, with the potential to move concern for others into a wider set of social and cultural concerns, and becoming an “activist” client. The overall focus is on the client-therapist dyad and how both are active in, and co-creators of, the therapeutic relationship.
The second part explores the way in which non-verbal exchanges (i.e. our embodied communication) can be the relational vehicle for the co-creation of a therapeutic alliance. Relationality and embodiment are seen through intrapsychic, interpersonal, and world-oriented lenses.
The third part highlights the process in which embodied movement in the therapeutic relationship inspires awareness of the performative aspect of relationships. The differences between embodied, somatic, and kinetic countertransferences are defined and illustrated with cases.
Sissy Lykou, MA, PGCert is a UKCP registered psychotherapist and an ADMP UK registered dance movement psychotherapist who trained as a counseling psychologist in Greece. She practices in London privately and in community psychotherapy projects for children under five years of age and their parents/carers. She lectures on several university and professional training programs in the UK and Europe. She has worked on EU research projects at the Universities of Heidelberg and Athens. In addition to publishing papers and chapters, she serves on journal editorial boards, was a member of the Steering Group of Psychotherapists and Counselors for Social Responsibility and coordinates the therapists’ community at Stillpoint Spaces London.
Sissy Lykou, MA, PGCert
Email Sissy Lykou
Website: www.lykoucounselling.co.uk
Website: www.london.stillpointspaces.com
