Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) belongs to a group of psychological therapies described as arts psychotherapies. DMP utilises creative expression and exploration (and particularly improvisational movement) as a way-in to unconscious material. In creative psychotherapy we pay attention to what moves us and how our relational body holds past experience, relationships and trauma. Engaging with creative process, as part of the therapeutic work, allows us to gain a deeper understanding of our presenting issue through the use of symbolism, reflection and perspective taking. Artistic expression also allows us to give form to experiences which we may otherwise find difficult to put into words.

As a registered dance movement psychotherapist with the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK (since 2007), my clinical experience in the NHS includes individual and group therapy in adult mental health services, mother and baby units and continuing care units for dementia. I have also worked in outpatient services in the community including a local authority early intervention family service. 

As a therapist I have moved with newborn babies, older adults in their nineties and all age groups in between. I have moved with people of different sexual orientations, abilities, cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, with gender conforming and non-conforming individuals and with people who are new to creative practice as well as with experienced movers and artists. 

Our capacity for connection (with ourselves and others) may be undermined or disrupted by crisis (internal or external), major life transitions or events, illness, loss, environmental factors or lifestyle patterns. Psychotherapy allows us to integrate (address, review, accept) parts of ourselves previously unseen or suppressed as meaningful pieces in our life’s story.