Becoming bonded through Developmental Movement Play: review of a parent and child movement group incorporating the theory, practice and philosophy of Sherborne Developmental Movement

This paper is a reflection on a Developmental Movement Play (DMP) programme based on Sherborne Developmental Movement (SDM) for parents and their young children experiencing emotional, behavioural and/or mental health difficulties. Participants in the programme were referred through multi-disciplinary agencies with concerns for the parent-child relationship. A focus on embodiment through movement experiences, dance and relationship play (Sherborne, 2001) is described within the programme and discussed in relation to the bonding between parent-child, which takes place through the shared movement experiences.

The study uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods to investigate the effectiveness of using DMP/SDM to facilitate changes in attitudes, feelings, moods and parenting styles. Results of the research are discussed and an examination of theory underpinning SDM explores Laban’s principles of human movement (1998) and attachment theories (Bowlby 1951; Ainsworth, 1971) in order to identify the psychotherapeutic nature of the programme. The limitations of the study are recognised alongside recommendations for further work.