Dance Movement Psychotherapy
Dance Movement Psychotherapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance through which a person can engage creatively in a process to further their emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration. It is founded on the principle that movement reflects an individual’s patterns of thinking and feeling. Dance Movement Psychotherapy may also incorporate other media such as singing and the voice, visual images, story and writing, and touch. It is practiced as both individual and group therapy in health, education and social service settings and in private practice. Dance Movement Psychotherapists work with a wide variety of clients including people who are emotionally distressed, people with learning difficulties, those with physical or mental illness and people who want to use the medium for personal growth. Dance Movement Psychotherapy may be recommended as a primary service or as a complement to other forms of on-going treatment, rehabilitation or education. The therapy can be short or long term and is available for adults and children.
A Dance Movement Psychotherapy Session
In a Dance Movement Psychotherapy session movement and dance are used as the basis but work with story, visual images, singing and voice, and writing may also be used. The therapist moves between different media as the need arises. Each session develops according to the needs of the individual client or group.
Issues for which Dance Movement Psychotherapy can help
• Self-esteem, confidence, assertiveness
• Anxiety, stress, trauma, bereavement
• Social interaction and communication skills
• Personal development
During your initial consultation you will have the opportunity to discuss the issues you are facing and to ask any questions you may have about the process and practicalities of being in therapy.
