The object doesn’t move me

This article explores a dance movement therapy (DMT) process with a 50-year-old woman with borderline personality disorder (BPD), who is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Looking at BPD from a developmental, relational and trauma informed perspective, we focus on the lack of body-mind integration and sense of safety for the conceptualization of this case. DMT provides an effective framework where we can bring the creative and relational body into psychotherapy, and make use of its potential for healing. We integrate psychodynamic theories with specific DMT tools to understand the implicit aspects of the therapeutic relationship. The therapist and patient co-create a safe place that the patient may integrate with time in her own body and identity. Curiosity and the capacity to play are key elements in the therapeutic process. Selected vignettes from the therapist’s notes are presented to illustrate the unique ways in which DMT can contribute to the treatment of persons with BPD.