Part One of this presentation explores the need for inclusion and culturally affirming movement frameworks in the field of dance/movement therapy. Participants are invited to review the impact of unconscious bias as it relates to cultural rhythmic patterns, movement styles, and music choices in therapeutic practice. The historical context that has contributed to the field of dance/movement therapy will be examined while outlining culturally affirming and ethical considerations in practice as it relates to cultural and racial identity. Common themes will be summarized, notating the effects of oppression, bias, and trauma on populations of historically underrepresented communities with specific emphases on Black/African American cultural identity. With consideration toward action steps, Part Two will explore culturally sensitive interventions and movement observations for development toward a more inclusive and equitable field.

Learning Objectives:

1. To explore white body supremacy and movement bias in Dance/Movement Therapy.

2. To examine how white body supremacy and movement bias has historically presented itself within Dance/Movement Therapy.

3.  To discuss the effects of oppression, bias, and trauma on historically underrepresented communities.

Continuing Education Credit : 1.0 ADTA CE, 1.0 NBCC CE, 1.0 NY LCAT

Presenter Bio:

Ebony T. Nichols M.A., R-DMT, CAT-LP is a somatic mental health and wellness practitioner, registered dance/movement psychotherapist, and Creative Arts Therapist (LP). She completed her Bachelor of Arts at The College of New Rochelle in psychology and master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Dance/Movement Therapy at Lesley University. Ebony has been the proprietor of Locks of Nu Natural Hair Spa since 2003. Utilizing their mission of "Healing the Community Follicle by Follicle," her primary focus was to create a therapeutic environment within the African American community; this was her genesis for connecting artistic/cultural aesthetic expression, self-care and psychology. Trained in ballet and modern dance, Ebony found her love for the freedom of movement in the NYC house dance community. In 2005, she co-founded Afro Mosaic Soul Dance Collective, using social dance and music as a tool for emotional healing and expression.

Ebony has experience in partial hospitalization/inpatient psychiatry and mental health care facilities, working with psychotic and behavioral health concerns, and with individuals who are developmentally diverse and experience physical, emotional, and sensory challenges. She has also worked with a non-profit organization in partnership with New York City public schools to develop social-emotional resiliency from an anti-oppressive strength-based lens and has provided services internationally while exploring the dynamics of underrepresented communities.

Ebony has co-presented her research, Moving Blind Spots: Cultural Bias in the Movement Repertoire of Dance/ Movement Therapists at the American Dance Therapy Association's (ADTA) Annual Conference (2018) and co-facilitated the American Dance Therapy Association's 2019 Plenary, Honoring Multiplicity: An Embodied Keynote Experience. Ebony is the Multicultural and Diversity Committee Chair-Elect for the ADTA and was awarded the honor of "Leader of Tomorrow" by the organization. Her research is rooted in cultural/race identity and trauma-informed care, with plans to complete her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.