What is Dance Movement Therapy?
“The quickest way to still the mind is to move the body” Gabrielle Roth
Dance and movement has always been an important human activity, both culturally and historically. It allows for individual expression, understanding self and communicating with others. Through shared movement, a sense of belonging and community is fostered and there is a sense of support, which is nurtured through shared experience.
Dance Movement Therapy has traditionally been used for students with additional needs, physical or mental illness, chronic pain, behavioural problems and trauma processing. However, I believe that the elements of dance and movement are beneficial to every person, regardless of their situation or ability.
Movement and dance allows for participants of all capacities and abilities the opportunity to develop their own individuality, in a non-judgemental and non-verbal way. The body inherently holds memories, thoughts and feelings and being able to express these externally through movement, allows for another creative and innovative way to process.
My programs recognise that movement precedes thoughts and language, and values the importance of this as a way of expression and finding meaning and purpose in one’s world.
In addition, Dance Movement Therapy can be an important resource for treatment of trauma because it is helpful for rehabilitation of the body. It provides vital tools for reconnection to the body and to the self. It gains access to the implicit memories that are encoded in the primitive brain as visual, sensory imprints because it uses the language of the body, moving beneath words which often block access to conscious awareness. (Johnson, 1987) The creative play space provides a distance from intense feelings so participants can have a safe way to work with them.
Dance Movement Therapy provides a safe, supportive environment where each participant can discover their body as a source of pleasure, and self-knowledge. As participants learn to trust their bodies, they are more able to trust others and engage in healthy relationships.
“The quickest way to still the mind is to move the body” Gabrielle Roth
Dance and movement has always been an important human activity, both culturally and historically. It allows for individual expression, understanding self and communicating with others. Through shared movement, a sense of belonging and community is fostered and there is a sense of support, which is nurtured through shared experience.
Dance Movement Therapy has traditionally been used for students with additional needs, physical or mental illness, chronic pain, behavioural problems and trauma processing. However, I believe that the elements of dance and movement are beneficial to every person, regardless of their situation or ability.
Movement and dance allows for participants of all capacities and abilities the opportunity to develop their own individuality, in a non-judgemental and non-verbal way. The body inherently holds memories, thoughts and feelings and being able to express these externally through movement, allows for another creative and innovative way to process.
My programs recognise that movement precedes thoughts and language, and values the importance of this as a way of expression and finding meaning and purpose in one’s world.
In addition, Dance Movement Therapy can be an important resource for treatment of trauma because it is helpful for rehabilitation of the body. It provides vital tools for reconnection to the body and to the self. It gains access to the implicit memories that are encoded in the primitive brain as visual, sensory imprints because it uses the language of the body, moving beneath words which often block access to conscious awareness. (Johnson, 1987) The creative play space provides a distance from intense feelings so participants can have a safe way to work with them.
Dance Movement Therapy provides a safe, supportive environment where each participant can discover their body as a source of pleasure, and self-knowledge. As participants learn to trust their bodies, they are more able to trust others and engage in healthy relationships.
Group Therapy Sessions
I offer Dance Movement Therapy group sessions in a range of environments. Working in groups allows space for an increased sense of togetherness and group cohesion. Working in a circle symbolises community, where contribution is equal. It also acknowledges that we are all part of the group and creates a sense of belonging.
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Individual Sessions
Individual sessions can be arranged also. This allows for an even more personalised session, particularly where one-on-one attention is beneficial and needed.
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Benefits of Using Dance and Movement:
- Improved social skills and bonding with self, others and community.
- Better ability to creatively problem solve and think through challenges.
- Better language and communication skills with peers.
- Improved self-awareness and ability to express feelings.
- Increased impulse control.
- Learning how to self-regulate, calm down and relax.
- Increased self-esteem and confidence.
- Expanded motor skills and movement ability.
- A fun experience that is playful and creative
What happens in the program?
As my programs are tailored for individual needs, they vary greatly.
However, all programs will provide:
- Guided meditation techniques, which encourage down time in order for the body to rest physically and mentally
- A variety of activities which promote an increased movement repertoire
- Opening and closing rituals to promote unity within the group
- A supportive, non-judgemental environment which incorporates and celebrates cultural identity and diversity
- A program which is suitable for all levels of physical abilities and capabilities
- A person centered environment which supports both movers and non-movers to achieve the same goals of embodiment and self-awareness
- A program which incorporates, but is not restricted to; movement using props and musical instruments, mindfulness activities, individual and group work, creative movement and yoga
- Creative arts activities to promote reflection at the end of the each session
- Opportunities to share and reflect verbally at the completion of each session about the experience
For more information, i invite you to be curious and contact me!
For more information about Dance Movement Therapy and it's therapeutic benefits, check out these websites...
Dance Therapy Association of Australia http://dtaa.org.au/therapy/
American Dance Therapy Association www.adta.org
Moving Towards Wholeness, Joan Chodorow’s keynote presentation at the 2000 DTAA conference
Dance Therapy Association of Australia http://dtaa.org.au/therapy/
American Dance Therapy Association www.adta.org
Moving Towards Wholeness, Joan Chodorow’s keynote presentation at the 2000 DTAA conference