Dance / Movement Therapy

This is a creative and somatic method that invites in body awareness as well as expressive movement. Movement signifies vitality, change, adaptability, and is the opposite of stuckness and stagnation. When we mindfully allow thoughts and emotions to move, we can ride the waves of life with grace.

We experience life with our bodies & eating disorders, while definitely mental disorders are also a fight between the body, mind, and soul. To only focus on the mind leaves much out of the recovery equation. Don’t get me wrong, I love talk therapy (I better since I'm a therapist), but I also believe there are times talking can only go so far. Yoga is a unique healing modality, offering individuals safe, supported, healing practices & tools to navigate the challenges of recovery.

DMT is the therapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration of the individual, based on the empirically supported premise that the body, mind and spirit are interconnected. Movement is used as a catalyst, and a means into the person's inner feelings and a way to express, cope, interact with others, and integrate their experiences. Is it fancy? No! Movement&dance can be anything from breathing, posture, communicating, the way we hold ourselves.

Throughout my life, I have held countless positions in the field of dance and movement. I have been a conscious dance facilitator for over a decade. Before I attended graduate school, I had a private somatic practice in which I engaged clients in embodiment sessions in a dance studio setting, often accompanied by music. I love incorporating movement into my somatic sessions with therapy clients.

I trained as a Dance/Movement Therapist at Lesley University. Additionally, I completed an intensive 2 year training in the practice of Authentic Movement. I always offer my clients the option of movement during sessions. My approach to therapy is heavily inspired by the theoretical foundations of DMT: I recognize and celebrate strengths, meet each client in the present moment, and inherently trust in the wisdom of the body.

Dance/movement therapy is defined by the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) as, "the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance to support intellectual, emotional, and motor functions of the body. As a modality of the creative arts therapies, DMT looks at the correlation between movement and emotion." I hold a master's degree from an ADTA approved program at Drexel University.

The tension, stress, and negative memories are often held physically in our bodies. Have you ever noticed when you are stressed you might have shoulder pain, a clenched jaw, or a headache? Yoga-informed therapy sessions may consist of talk therapy, mindfulness techniques, breath work, and yoga. Through this combination of techniques, you will gain the tools to regulate your nervous system, integrate your experiences in mind/body/spirit, and overcome the obstacles that are holding you back.

As a yoga instructor, I have seen and experienced the power of breath, movement, and stretching to increase the connection between your mind and body. I am passionate about yogic philosophy and developing a relationship that allows you to listen to your body. By implementing mindfulness, grounding exercises and guided meditations, I provide space for you to be present and learn to be comfortable with discomfort.

Dance therapy is effective for several reasons. It combines physical movement with emotional expression, allowing individuals to access and release emotions that may be difficult to express verbally. Dancing activates the body-mind connection, promoting self-awareness and self-expression. The rhythmic movements, music, and creativity involved in dance can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase feelings of joy and vitality. Dance therapy also promotes physical health and flexibility.

As a yoga teacher I incorporate yogic philosophy as well as asana (postures), mindfulness, and meditation into sessions.

Dance/movement therapy (DMT) isn't about perfect choreography or athletic prowess. It's about exploration, self-expression, and the joy of moving your body. It's a safe, playful tool that can help you reclaim your peace, ignite your creativity, and reconnect with yourself on a deeper level.

I am a registered Dance/Movement therapist and also incorporate other expressive arts modalities into my work.

I use Embodiment practices to help my clients feel into where the body is directing you to resolves issues. This can include movement and expression .

I have a master's degree in dance/movement therapy and counseling and have worked in a variety of settings such as psychiatric hospitals, schools, and community mental health.