Table 1 Dynamics of the DMT sessions

Connection with one’s

Breathing exercises

–Participants observe the impact of deep breathing in their bodies.

self

– Breathing in circle: A touches her stomach and the back of B,

B touches her stomach and the back of C, and so on.

Use of light and sustained movements.

– Participants observe their own breathing and the one of the

other’s.

Body awareness

Exploration with

–Participants move an object through different parts of the body

objects

and observe the impact of this contact and the difference between

the parts of the body that have not been touched.

Use of light, free, direct, and sustained movements.

Interaction among the

Movement in pairs

– Participants work in pairs:

participants

– A touches B and B responds by accepting or rejecting the touch.

–A touches B and B moves that part of the body. Light, indirect movements.

– A touches B and B resists by putting force in that part of the body. Strong,

direct movements.

Exploration of limits

Exploring the space

– Participants use objects (e.g., wool, elastics, fabrics) to visualize

their personal space.

- Exploration with elastics: First each participant uses an elastic

band to integrate her muscles in movement and explore her limits.

As a next step, they continue this exploration in pairs, sharing

one elastic band. Use of different movement qualities.

Group cohesion

Group games

– First in a circle, participants pass each other the ball in a certain

order, saying the name of the person that the ball is directed to.

They continue in the same order without saying the names.

Movement and music can be introduced and the pace can be varied.

– Use of fabrics: After experimenting individually with a fabric,

participants get together in small groups and create a group dance.

Empathy

Movement exploration

-One participant chooses a place in the room and closes her eyes

(optional). Other group members slowly approach her and offer the

touch they think she needs (e.g., holding a hand, gently touching the

head). This activity can be proposed once there is sufficient

confidence in the group. Participants are advised to say no if they

feel uncomfortable. Use of light, direct, and sustained movements.

Reflection

Group circle

– After experimenting with different movement qualities (e.g. fluid,

robotic) participants are invited to share their associations with

these, and possibly relate them to their personal lives and ED

symptoms.

– Participants use different objects to transmit to the group what

they felt during the session.