Services

• Individual, couples & family therapy
• Psychotherapy groups & support group therapy
• Stress reduction & meditation classes for individuals and groups
• Dance/movement therapy
• Treatment for chronic pain
• Evalution: psychological testing & evaluation, forensic psychological evaluation, child custody evaluation
• Professional training consultation & supervision for mental health professionals
• Consultations to organizations and businesses

Dance/movement therapy

Re-connecting to our "Native Language" through Dance/Movement Therapy 

Our fast-paced culture with its emphasis on productivity and efficiency seems to disconnect us from our physical selves, along with the valuable, essential information that our body language naturally provides. Attempts to deal with life's stressors by using drugs, eating disorders or other maladaptive coping mechanisms further separate us from the innate wisdom we possessed the moment we entered the world. 

As infants, we seemed to have very little trouble asserting ourselves. We cried when hungry, giggled when delighted, and when frustrated, we left nothing to the imagination! As we grew, we developed verbal language to process and communicate ever-more complex feelings and needs. Originating from deep inside our bodies, our native language remains our most authentic means of expression and connection to others. 

Our body tells us when we are hungry, full, angry, or joyous. It lets us know when we need rest, exercise, companionship, or time alone.  Establishing a living connection to our physical selves helps us avoid injury, respond to important cues in the environment, and tune in to pressing emotional business that needs addressing. Maintaining active communication between the mind, body and spirit promotes a sense of well being and health.

Dance/movement therapy, recognized as one of six creative arts therapies, promotes a feeling of connection to oneself and others in rich and profound ways. Music, a physical warm-up, and loosely structured movement activities unite to encourage participants to discover and externalize their own dance of life "from the inside out." Group members begin to understand their "movement preferences" that may reflect specific ways a person uses to communicate with others. Learning more about these patterns may help the person understand the impact of their behaviors in relationships. In addition, trying different ways of moving helps participants to develop alternative coping skills in order to adapt to life's challenges in new ways.

In short, Dance/movement therapy (D/MT) reconnects a person with their native language, encouraging connection with others and the development of a healthy body image. Sharing experiences and providing one another with support encourages participants to let go of unrealistic expectations, to accept themselves as they are and develop the courage and confidence to learn and grow.

NEXT: Treatment for Chronic Pain >