What is Dance and Movement Therapy?

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Dance and Movement Therapy uses dance techniques to facilitate therapy. Proponents of this type of therapy recognize that the body and mind are connected and that physical movement, stretches, and techniques can help individuals improve this connection.

Dance and Movement Therapy is a form of creative expression. Creative expression in therapy can help you process your inner experience. You can use movement to express emotions. Emotions are a vital part of any therapeutic growth and healing.

While verbal communication is vital in therapy, sometimes it is easier for people to communicate nonverbally. Nonverbal communication through dance and movement is appealing for some.

There are physical benefits to Dance and Movement Therapy that provide some people with stress relief. Overall health increases by improving cardiovascular strength, muscle tone, and flexibility. Additionally, physical movement can trigger endorphins that enhance overall mood. The physical and emotional aspects come together in Dance and Movement Therapy to promote the integration of the whole self.

Your Dance and Movement Therapist will guide you through various body movement exercises to assess your functioning and provide intervention to make you feel better mentally while focusing on improving self-esteem and developing a positive self-image.

Your therapist will work with you to understand your individual goals and needs and develop appropriate dance and movement interventions that help you heal from mental health concerns.

Therapists Who Specialize in Using Dance and Movement Therapy

Ifetayo Kitwana

Chicago

Illinois

You can be happy, hurting and healing all at the same time. Accept and honor every part of you. Feel your feelings. Separate your experiences from who you are. Be real with yourself, all the time. Real action only comes after real acceptance. I can support you and help you navigate through this process. I am a dance/movement therapist who serves individuals and families ages 10 and up. My...
Juliet is an independent Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She received her Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Dance/ Movement Therapy from Lesley University and her Bachelors of Science in Human Developmental and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Juliet has worked with clients across the lifespan in various settings including assisted living, partia...
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Are you anxious, exhausted, depressed, or otherwise overwhelmed? Do you feel as though you work very hard at home and at work, and yet you don’t feel satisfied with either? Are you struggling to manage a relationship, a family and a career? (And a pandemic?!) Are you curious about the issues that seem to be holding you back from having the life you want? Do you feel misunderstood? Congratulatio...
Life can be overwhelming; from the chaotic daily stressors, to life changing transitions. Are you wondering how to tackle these challenging situations? Do you know something is "off" with your energy, but not quite sure what it is or how to access it? Seeking counseling services from a dance movement psychotherapist could provide you with some insight that words simply are not able to express!...

Max Kopeikin

San Francisco

California

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I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Dance/Movement Therapist. I specialize in trauma-informed care for children (especially ages birth-6 years old) and adults. My background includes working with children and adults who have experienced various forms of trauma, such as abuse, neglect, loss, and disrupted attachments, as well as supporting children on the autism spectrum. Our...
Have you noticed a change in your child's mood or behavior? Is your child isolating themselves from others, including you? Have you witnessed them crying at times, and it seem to have come out of nowhere? NO WORRIES! I am here to help! I have lots of experience helping children and adolescents develop solid coping skills that will address what they are going through. I also offer family counsel...
My practice combines both mind and body approaches to support change. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Dance and Movement Therapist. I have experience treating a wide variety of psychological and emotional difficulties in adult, teenagers and children. I feel very grateful for the opportunities to work with those seeking a greater sense of well-being, satisfaction ...