Effectiveness of rhythmic movement therapy: Case study of alexithymia

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of rhythmic movement therapy (RMT) for the treatment of alexithymia in healthy, nonclinical population. Methods: A total of 118 subjects seeking psychological counselling (coaching) were selected at random and assessed with the appropriate questionnaires. Two groups were formed (alexithymics (n = 68) vs. non-alexithymics (n = 50)). Alexithymics were divided into an RMT group (n = 51) and a control group (n = 17). Results: The results demonstrated significant improvement in alexithymia level as well as several other personal variables in subjects of the RMT group compared with unimproved subjects of the control group, although the results of between-group comparison did not show any significant changes in extraversion and neuroticism in RMT group. Conclusion: Substantial changes in alexithymia and psychological state were observed as a result of RMT intervention.