Background: Optimizing psychosocial functioning by reducing the severity of negative symptoms are important outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia. Movement-based interventions could be uniquely capable of addressing the non-verbal nature of negative symptoms. Aims: To examine the treatment effects of a 10-week group dance/movement therapy program on negative symptoms and psychosocial functioning of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Methods: A mixed methods intervention design (with explanatory intent) was used in which a randomized controlled trial was followed by semi-structured exit interviews. Participants diagnosed with schizophrenia (N = 31) were randomized to two conditions: treatment as usual (TAU) and dance/movement therapy (DMT). Before and after the program participants reported on negative symptoms and psychosocial functioning outcomes. Fifteen participants completed interviews. Results: Quantitative data showed no improvement nor worsening of clinical status in the DMT group. Qualitative data suggested that participation in DMT had a physical impact, resulted in enhanced interpersonal connectivity, sense of integration, emotional support, and symptom management. Conclusions: Qualitative but not quantitative findings suggest that DMT has potential to enhance psychosocial functioning and to reduce severity of negative symptoms for schizophrenia.

Deficits in decoding and encoding emotion and intention are inherent in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The interface of neuro-deficit, epigenetic influences, relational challenges, weaknesses in social-cognition, and affective dysregulation are embedded in keystone theoretical perspectives, further informed by recent research findings. Highlighting the importance of developmental potentials and nonverbal behavior, as well as facilitating parental resolution and reflectivity in the wake of diagnosis, a mentalization-framed therapeutic approach is described wherein the child exercises holding the therapist’s mind in mind, while developing a richer portrait of a mentalizing and relating self. Verbal exchanges invite perspective taking, inducing the patient to help the therapist know what is unknown and vice versa. Such inducement is explicit and implicit. Interpersonal coordination of nonverbal processes in the therapeutic context enables progress toward ‘embodied mentalization.’ A therapist’s challenge includes awareness of one’s own (and the patient’s) bodily experiences and kinesthetic identifications that promote experiences of empathy and collaborative trust. These allow the patient to feel capable of knowing and being known. The Kestenberg Movement Profile (KMP) illuminates such bodily processes and their possible meanings. De-vitalized and/or rigidified states can secondarily serve defenses. Video-feedback is sometimes warranted within the context of therapy.