Allison Rogers, Sedina Hayes, Elise Ahrens, Lilly Revell, Allyson Wagner, Grand Canyon University
Childhood sexual assault (CSA) has profound neurobiological and emotional effects, often contributing to the development of complex trauma-related disorders such as derealization/depersonalization disorder (DDD). DDD disrupts the mind-body connection and is marked by a pervasive sense of disembodiment and identity fragmentation. Symptoms stemming from untreated CSA tend to intensify over time, emphasizing the need for therapeutic interventions that address both psychological and physiological dimensions of trauma. Dance/movement therapy (DMT) offers a promising, body-centered approach that can help restore the mind-body connection, autonomy, and self-awareness disrupted by trauma. This review examines the potential of DMT to alleviate the neurobiological and emotional impacts of CSA-induced DDD and argues for its greater integration into trauma-informed treatment models. By targeting the embodied nature of dissociation, DMT may fill a critical gap in current therapeutic practices for this underdiagnosed and often misunderstood disorder.
Keywords: childhood sexual assault, derealization/depersonalization disorder, dance/movement therapy, neurobiological implications