What is dance movement therapy?

Dance movement therapy is an expressive arts therapy to help improve mental health and well being. In my groups, I use dance and movement to help improve participants' ability for self-expression and creativity. I include writing as an additional art form to increase insight and improve self-awareness through mindfulness and reflection.

The essence of expressive arts therapy is to enhance the individual's innate ability to heal and become more fully oneself. Combining dance/movement with writing allows each art form to inspire and support the other, what Natalie Rogers called the “creative connection.”

My approach to group work is grounded in the following approaches and modalities:

Is dance movement therapy for me?

Dance movement therapy may be for you if:

• You want to work on breaking some "bad habits" (like slouching shoulders or gripping thighs/hips or tensing arms) and understand why you have them
• You need a stress-reliever
• You need a "break" from thinking
• You want to increase feelings of safety in your body by becoming aware of what is interfering with your ability to relax
• You want to "feel" music and dance without the pressure of having the right steps
  
• You want to explore your fun and creative side
  
• You are looking for a gentle way to move your body and connect more to your ability to self-heal (if you're experiencing mental health issues like depression, low mood, or anxiety)
  
• You have experienced trauma or adverse experiences and feel self-conscious around others; having a trauma-informed therapist leading the group in a calm and gentle manner can be beneficial
  
• You want to increase your self-expression and creativity in a no-pressure and supportive environment
  

Benefits of dance movement therapy combined with writing:

• Improved creativity
  
• Reduce tension
  
• Improved body and mind co-ordination
  
• Increased self-confidence
  
• Increased connection to emotional experience
  
• Increased self-awareness
• Improved focus and attention
  
• Enhanced ability to express yourself more freely
  
• Support for self-healing through dance/movement, mindfulness, writing, connection with others, and reflection
  
• An opportunity for an embodied experience to break free from the stressors of daily life
  

Do I need dance experience?

No dance experience required. Simply come with an open mind, comfortable clothes, and some water and be ready for some fun.

I'm not really a writer. Do I need to be a writer?

Nope. The writing component is an opportunity for reflection. Sometimes people prefer to draw or doodle. These aren't writing assignments. They are simply part of the reflection component of the experience, however you like to express your thoughts.

Bring your own journal or if you don't have one, notepaper will be provided.

Contact Form for future workshops: