This article discusses how psychodynamic principles can be combined with techniques in dance/movement
psychotherapy (DMP) to deal with non-verbal traumatic memories. It revisits the conceptualization of using
experiential processes as what I term “interpretation in action, “ i.e., incorporating bodily, movement-based, and
non-verbal exploration and creation, either by the patient alone or in interactions with the therapist. The
contribution of interpretive action is examined, especially in cases where very early memories, from the realm of
the unthought encoded in the body-psyche are triggered. These memories often involve somatic imprints of early
traumatic events. A clinical case study illustrates the application of interpretative action in a patient struggling
with anxiety and fears related to pregnancy stemming from her own premature birth. At a pivotal point in
therapy, the patient was physically held by the therapist for a few minutes, similar to a mother cradling her.
Subsequently, the experience was processed through artistic creation, involving sensorimotor play. This leads to
the presentation of a new conceptualization of DMP involving sensorimotor play as a resource when addressing
early life trauma. This type of play emerges spontaneously during therapy through authentic movement, dance
improvisation, and artistic creation and can reconnect with early traumatic experiences to enable the creation of
new meaning and the healing of the impact of the early trauma.