Dance Movement Therapy
Dance Movement Therapy is an embodied psychotherapy that uses the body and movement within a safe and consistent therapeutic relationship to help integrate all parts of ourselves.
Through dance and movement we learn how to tune in to our physical and emotional parts, and explore new and creative ways to express ourselves and process challenges .
What is dance movement therapy?
Dance Movement Therapy is a holistic approach because it combines both body and mind. We integrate movement with talking, breathe work and play to work through challneges.
At Steady Rhythms we also incorporate the use of art-making and sometimes instruments to provide additional ways to express and explore your needs.
Dance movement therapy promotes the idea that the the body is the hub of our lived experience and movement our primary language. From early development we, as babies, communicate primarily through movement, copying what we see and hear from primary caregivers around us, and we learn to evaluate our environments based on responses and body language of others. This learned behaviour continues throughout our lives, as we are always evaluating and responding to the movements and events around us, even if we are unaware.
What is dance movement therapy based on?
The principles and practices of dance movement therapy are founded in ancient and traditional practices from many western and non-western cultures through history. It borrows from the wisdom that societies have known for millenia - movement and dance are a primary and integral part of expression and healing.
As a western formalised practice of therapy dance movement therapy started in the early 1940’s and 50’s mostly within psychiatric settings - particularly effective for those who found it difficult to express verbally. In present times, DMT has been integrated into clinical and community treatment settings that occurs both in group and individual format.**
In the Australian context, the knowledge that dance is a communal and spiritual ritual that is vital for connection, expression, and healing, has long been held by the Indigenous communities. Steady Rhythms acknoweldges the Aboriginal framework of ‘Knowing, Being, and Doing’ that informs the dance that takes place on these lands, and we acknowledge the wisdom and practices of Elders and custodians past and present.
**I acknoweldge that this history of DMT is a working model that is western-centric and does not adequately acknowledge the work and contribution of non-western, bipoc and culturally and linguistically diverse (Cald) peoples. As I engage more in learning about the field and the voices of those not adequately represented in our formal institutions I will update this historical view and through my work endeavour to promote those voices.
What to expect
The session setup
Sessions take place in a safe, private non-judgemental space.
We usually begin with a verbal check-in and then move to a gentle physical warm-up to get the body prepared for work. This may be followed by creative or expressive movement exploration and finally time for reflection and closure to wrap-up.
Benefits of dance movement therapy
Releases physical tension and cortisol
Increases body awareness (interoception)
Boosts vitality and physical energy
Helps process trauma stored in the nervous system
Enhances self-expression and emotional regulation
Develops self-compassion and body acceptance
FAQs
What services do you offer?
1
I offer individual therapy for clients to address problems of mental or emotional distress, chronic pain, and trauma.
I offer group therapy sessions in small closed groups (max 6 people) to address mental or emotional distress, chronic pain, and trauma.
I offer structured specific themed workshops based on the group needs or to address specific topics. I also tailor group workshops and programs suited to your needs; including in aged care or for children.
How do I get started?
2
Getting started is simple. Reach out through the contact form or schedule a complementary 15 minute call to find out about next steps or to answer any questions.
Usually I prefer clients to meet for an initial consultation for individual therapy and if you would like to continue, then an initial commitment of 4 weeks is best to see if the therapy and the relationship is the right fit. I am happy to discuss this further.
What makes you different?
3
I offer a person-centred approach to support not just the mental stress but also the stress you carry in your body. Sometimes it is hard to talk about how we feel or what has happened to us. In my therapy, you only talk if you want to. I can help you find other gentle and safe ways to process and express whatever you need.
Do I need dance skills to attend?
4
Every body is a moving, dancing body. You do NOT need any specific skills or dance background to attend dance movement therapy. Individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome and sessions will always be tailored to your needs, conditions, and abilities. This includes doing sessions seated or lying down or with mobility aids.
Dance movement therapy is about YOUR movement and your personal expression and so ‘dance’ will be whatever you create and make of it.
You can reach me anytime via the contact page or email. I aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.