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I am a registered dance movement therapist and have offered dance/movement therapy groups in a variety of settings –
Over the last 20 years I have been writing, teaching and consulting in the field of addictions and dance/movement therapy. I provide consultation, training and supervision to other mental health professionals, dance therapists and students and continue to research and write about work in this field. Consultation:
Supervision:
Definition - Dance/Movement Therapy The American Dance Therapy Association defines dance/movement therapy as the “psychotherapeutic use of movement as a process that furthers emotional and physical integration.” It is based on the idea that the body and the mind are integrally connected and that experiences on a body level can impact the functioning of the psyche in an immediate and positive way. Since humans first experience their world physically, it makes sense that a kinesthetic approach can engage people very directly and powerfully. Thus a dance/movement therapist uses a kinesthetic form of empathy to engage and reflect. By mirroring the client’s posture, gesture, energy level or movement, a therapist makes a non-verbal connection and establishes an arena for understanding and communication that does not necessarily require words.In groups, a dance/movement therapist uses a structured movement process to help participants identify and express feelings. Movement experiences are designed to release tension in a modulated manner and to focus on skills such as organization, impulse control and self-regulation. Movement interaction, music and playful exchange makes the group experience a powerful one. |