Creative movement, breathwork and mindfulness for improved mental wellbeing.
Creative movement is a way of processing emotions and unsticking patterns held in the mind and body. Participants are encouraged to explore their own movement through awareness and improvisation and the session usually ends with a time of reflective relaxation. The session is guided, but the movement will come from the participants. Dance skills and ability are not necessary.
This Movement Therapy session is not like a dance class or fitness workout, but instead offers an opportunity to develop embodied awareness and expression in a safe and supported way. Guided by a qualified Movement Psychotherapist, the movement aspects are not taught, and they don’t require any experience or skill. The underlying principle is that body, mind, and emotions are interconnected. Therefore changes experienced physically are reflected in changes on emotional levels as well. The improvised content is guided, but the movement is generated by the participants allowing their body to respond authentically. In this way, they are exploring their own stories with embodied awareness through movement.
The sessions draw on a range of therapeutic movement modalities, often using imagery or visualisation to prompt movement or bring focus. There is no right or wrong way to move. The intention is not to perform or create, but to deepen awareness of the connection between mind and body. In this way, embodied self reflection which can lead to more freedom in the body, bringing focus to the mind and a sense of peace to the spirit.
Every session is different, but generally involves movement, reflection, body awareness and mindful relaxation. No one is expected to do anything they don’t want to – everything comes from the participant themselves. Participants may remain seated for all or part of the session and stillness is always an option.
