Why dance and movement therapy?: A perspective on dance therapy in Washington

When I first encountered dance and movement therapy (DMT) in my undergraduate program, I was thrilled to learn how my two loves - psychology and dance - could be used together. I was struck by how movement could unlock emotions and stories that words sometimes fail to express. It’s a gentle, creative way to explore our inner worlds, and especially here in the Pacific Northwest, this approach is blossoming into something that helps us connect us to each other, too. If you’ve ever felt stuck in traditional talk therapy or simply want to try a new path toward healing, DMT might just be what you’ve been searching for.

What is dance and movement therapy?

Dance and movement therapy (DMT) is, according to the American Dance Therapy Association, "the psychotherapeutic use of dance, movement, body awareness, and embodied communication to foster healing and well-being for all individuals, families, and communities." It's not about learning dance techniques or choreography. Instead, it’s about using your body as a tool to express feelings, process trauma, and connect with yourself and others. Here in Washington, or particularly Seattle and the eastside, I've witnessed how DMT is especially helpful for those who find verbal communication challenging or limiting when trying to describe, say a long-standing communication pattern, or the impact of someone else's choices.

Why choose a dance and movement therapist?

If you've heard of "the Seattle Freeze", then you know what I'm talking about. In an environment focused on "big tech" and innovation, there has been a loss of meaningful interpersonal connection and spontaneous creativity. Here are a few reasons why working with a dance and movement therapist may resonate for you:

• Connection to Body and Movement: You may feel disconnected from your body. Dance and movement therapy often encourages natural, expressive movement to encourage integration.

• Trauma-Informed Care: While many therapists are trained in trauma-informed methods, a dance and movement therapist is particularly well-versed in attachment, security, safety, and consent.

• Community Focus: Dance and movement therapy is not just about how we operate as individuals, it's also about looking at how we engage with the people around us. From our direct relationships to our communities at large, our body-based, automatic patterns can show up and ask for our attention.

  
  

If you’re curious about how this might work for you, consider reaching out to me for a consultation. I offer a compassionate, expert approach that blends creative, somatic, and trauma-informed therapy.

How do you approach healing?

My focus is on creating a safe, nurturing environment where healing can unfold naturally. I understand that every journey is unique and requires thoughtful, attuned support.

Here’s what you can expect from me:

1. Creative expression: Movement, dance, and sometimes art or music are used to help you express feelings that might be hard to put into words. Sometimes I may use creative metaphor or gestures to help describe what I'm noticing.

2. Somatic awareness: You’ll learn to tune into your body’s sensations and signals, which can reveal important insights about your emotional state. One of the most beautiful things about this work is how it invites you to reconnect with your body and emotions in a fresh way via attuning to them.

3. Discussion of loved ones: Harm that happens in relationship often needs healing in relationship. I want to explore your meaningful relationships with you to help put words to the patterns you're noticing that may no longer serve you, and help shift them.

   
   

Practical tips

If you’re thinking about trying dance psychotherapy, here are some friendly tips to help you get started:

• Be comfortable: I encourage comfort for what your body needs. You can take your shoes off, sit cross-legged or lie down, use the floor or the couch - whatever you need to give your body what it needs. It is easier to do hard things when our bodies feel supported and receive softness.

• Be open to experimentation: There’s no right or wrong way to approach this work. Let your body guide you and trust the process, as cliched as that is. There is wisdom in cliche. Be curious.

• Communicate your needs: Don’t hesitate to share your feelings or concerns with me. I will check in with you throughout each session and also throughout our work together on whether you are getting what you need.

• Set realistic expectations: Healing takes time. Celebrate small victories and be patient with yourself. This work is a reminder that healing isn’t always linear or verbal. Sometimes, it’s about the small shifts in posture, the release of tension, or the joy of spontaneous movement. It's about noticing increased ease.

  
  

Starting something new can feel a bit intimidating, but remember, I am focused on you and your journey. It’s okay to take it slow and work on your timeline.

Are you ready to start your journey?

Remember, healing is not just one straightforward path, but it's true that every step counts. You don’t have to do it alone. With attuned support, you can find new ways to express, connect, and grow.

If you want to learn more or take the first step, consider reaching out to me. I am ready to walk alongside you on this transformative path. Your body has stories to tell - are you ready to listen?