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HOW
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how Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) works
Sometimes I call my work Movement Psychotherapy and I leave the word 'Dance' out, as it fills some people with the fear that they need to be able to dance in order to access this form of therapy. That is not the case at all. No formal dance training or dance 'ability' is needed at all. In the same breath there is no need for the ability to speak, or speak in the same language, or for any spoken words to be exchanged. Many of my sessions do not involve dance as people imagine it, but you could argue that any kind of communication or exchange that occurs between two or more people could be seen as a dance.
And that is exactly what makes DMP so special, it takes into consideration that type of dance, the dance of communication, of being with someone in body, mind and spirit. And so once I've estabelished this it feels more comfortable for people to say dance movement psychotherapy. DMP is one of the creative arts psychotherapies, where movement and dance are the creative form of expression. Alongside the opportunity for talking, it offers you the opportunity to engage in a creative process that enhances commmunication and furthers the integration of the cognitive, physical, emotional, social and spiritual self *. Like other psychotherapies DMP is informed by contemporary psychological theories and therapeutic practices.
Sessions are open to everyone, verbal and nonverbal. The inclusive nature of DMP makes it accessible to people of all ages and abilities, including those with learning, physical, emotional or mental health difficulties. It is beneficial to both those who struggle to express themselves with words and also to those who are confidently articulate, yet find that words can get in the way. My approach to therapy enables us to both listen to you and focus on what the body is communicating beyond words.
And that is exactly what makes DMP so special, it takes into consideration that type of dance, the dance of communication, of being with someone in body, mind and spirit. And so once I've estabelished this it feels more comfortable for people to say dance movement psychotherapy. DMP is one of the creative arts psychotherapies, where movement and dance are the creative form of expression. Alongside the opportunity for talking, it offers you the opportunity to engage in a creative process that enhances commmunication and furthers the integration of the cognitive, physical, emotional, social and spiritual self *. Like other psychotherapies DMP is informed by contemporary psychological theories and therapeutic practices.
Sessions are open to everyone, verbal and nonverbal. The inclusive nature of DMP makes it accessible to people of all ages and abilities, including those with learning, physical, emotional or mental health difficulties. It is beneficial to both those who struggle to express themselves with words and also to those who are confidently articulate, yet find that words can get in the way. My approach to therapy enables us to both listen to you and focus on what the body is communicating beyond words.
* ADMP UK, definition of DMP
Photo credit: Archie Binamira
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Photo credit: Lisa Bodenstein
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People often ask me what a session 'looks' like. Each session is unique and takes on a different quality depending on your needs and what arises in the moment. I can only offer you a glimpse into an example of how some sessions have run. I encourage clients to 'trust the process' and know that what arises is exactly what needs to arise in the moment. Trust your inner wisdom to reveal what it needs to when it needs to at a pace that is safe for you. You could choose to have 'one to one' or where available group therapy sessions. Both provide a safe space for you to further deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you. Group therapy can provide insights through sharing and witnessing alongside others in a confidential setting. |
one to one session
eg.1: We begin by taking a few breaths, slowing down, truly allowing you to arrive. You may know straight away what it is you want to share. You may choose to take more time to notice how your body is feeling and where your thoughts might be and what emotions you may be experiencing. We could use a number of interventions to explore what arises spontaneously or focus on a particular issue, sensation or experience you wish to bring to the session. There will be time for both verbal and non-verbal creative expression and reflection after which we may share a period of acknowledging what you have shared in the space before we close allowing time to reflect on the session and preparing you for your journey back into everyday life.
eg.2: Perhaps you struggle to express your struggles and emotions. If you have a particular topic of interest this can be a great way into exploring how that shapes your life and then from there we can explore different themes. It may be that a client is passionate about football for example. After a brief check in to see how you are we may begin with a physical warm up which could then unfold in the form of an adapted game of football. As the process unfolds reflections can be made on themes and challenges as they arise. I may not be a football expert but using football, or something else that you are familiar and confident with can be of huge value and insight into who you are and how you experience life. It can be used as an avenue to explore a variety of themes or life patterns in a way that is non-threatening for you. You may choose to share further before we take time again to acknowledge what we have witnessed and give you time to reflect on how you'd like to enter back into or approach the rest of the day or even week ahead.  Photo credit: Lisa Bodenstein
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group session
eg.3: A session may begin with music playing in the background as we wait for the group members to arrive. When all group members are present I invite everyone to sit in a circle. This gives time to welcome new clients, share any news and for everyone to offer a 'check-in' to help the group get a sense of each other's moods and energy levels and abilities for the session. Themes may arise from this or clients may have ideas for themes they which to explore in the session. You may choose to work with or without music for your physical warm up which may then lead into the exploration of these themes. Props, like fabric, balls or instruments as an extension of your creative movement, artistic or verbal expression and music to explore themes further.
You and other clients may observe, witness, offer verbal or non-verbal feedback and reflect on their experiences as they arise and develop. As the session draws to a close you are all invited to gather in a circle. You have the chance to offer reflections on what you have witnessed and experienced and how this may impact upon your lives. Time is taken to hear, see and acknowledge this. Together you can then choose how you wish to signal the ending of the session before leaving the space and heading out into the rest of your day.
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mindful mornings
I also hold Mindful mornings, which are either one to one or group sessions. Although these sessions can be therapeutic in nature they are not therapy sessions. They are usually tailored to a small number of people no larger than 8. We sit on chairs thoughout and begin by sharing how we are, followed by a brief and gentle seated warm up, engaging different parts of the body. This can help to release tension and relax the muscles and joints further before coming to sitting still. I then might invite you to observe your breath before we do a guided meditation to help support you through the rest of the day. You may choose to close your eyes. There is be time to be still. I then encourage some kind of reflection before gently opening eyes and re-engaging the muscles and joints as we reflect either individually or if the group wants to, we can share a bit before easing our way back into the day. Depending on the venue there is sometimes the opportunity for a cuppa tea before seizing the rest of the day.
The first session is about getting to know what it is that you and the group likes. I am happy to make adjustments and offer different ideas for you to choose from. I tend to offer Mindful mornings for a month at a time, depending on availability and demand. In some cases they may run for several months at a time.
In my experience sessions are relaxed and joyful, leaving you feel calmer or more inspired, depending on what you need. We are all different, for some people the experience extends into the afternoon or the rest of the day, for others it filters in through the rest of their week.
The first session is about getting to know what it is that you and the group likes. I am happy to make adjustments and offer different ideas for you to choose from. I tend to offer Mindful mornings for a month at a time, depending on availability and demand. In some cases they may run for several months at a time.
In my experience sessions are relaxed and joyful, leaving you feel calmer or more inspired, depending on what you need. We are all different, for some people the experience extends into the afternoon or the rest of the day, for others it filters in through the rest of their week.