Abstract
This literature review explores the meaning, interventions, and therapeutic functions of rhythm in Dance Movement Therapy (DMT). As the field lacks a unified definition of rhythm, this study proposes a conceptual definition to guide future research and inform evidence-based embodied interventions in DMT. A systematic search for peer reviewed articles in English was conducted in the following databases: APA PsycInfo, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Of the 70 articles initially retrieved, 16 met the inclusion criteria, including both the search terms “rhythm” and “dance movement therapy” in the title, abstract or keywords. Thematic analysis of 16 articles revealed three themes describing the meaning of rhythm in DMT: (a) the rhythm of music, (b) the rhythm of movement, and (c) the rhythm of interaction. Rhythm-based interventions were grouped into three categories: (a) the systematic use of musical rhythm, (b) the systematic use of movement, and (c) attending to the rhythm of movement. Therapeutic functions of rhythm include: (a) inducing physiological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral effects in individuals; (b) organizing action and enhancing communication, coordination, integration, and cohesion within groups; and (c) fostering intersubjective understanding between client and therapist, thereby supporting an empathetic therapeutic relationship. This review concludes that while rhythm – embedded in music, movement, and therapeutic interaction – is integral to DMT, further multidisciplinary research is needed to investigate and systematize the implementation of its foundational healing properties.