Kestenberg Movement Profile (KMP) Approaches to Working with Young Children and Caregivers in Dance/Movement Therapy

In this article we will explore concepts drawn from Kestenberg Movement Profile (KMP) theory and methodology that are relevant to working with young children and caregivers in a community setting. The KMP approach encourages new parents to learn about their baby’s movement behavior and what to expect as their baby grows. This approach heightens caregivers’ awareness of new phases of development and when the child is ready to explore new movement patterns. Goals in working with young children are: the enhancement of social, emotional, motor and cognitive development, attachment through movement attunement, and meeting the child’s developmental and transitional needs through dance/movement therapy (DMT) interactions and interventions. Topics addressed are: the creation of a safe holding environment; the development of trust, attunement, and attachment; the importance of transitions, and channeling antisocial behavior into creative movement forms of self-expression. These concepts and interventions may be modified for clinical work with older children and adolescents. We will examine Kestenberg’s psychomotor developmental framework, present issues that may arise for families, and offer clinical case examples in DMT. The coauthors will present the KMP approach at a creative movement group setting for young children and caregivers.