What is Dance Therapy?

Dance movement therapy is the relational and therapeutic use of movement, which recognises the body mind and spirit are interconnected. It exists on a continuum within an embodied counselling framework, ranging from dance and movement for strength and vitality of health and wellness, to the felt sense of emotions, expressivity and creative process.

The therapeutic use of movement is a powerful tool for self-expression, communication, and transformation, and to unify the cognitive, emotional, psychological and spiritual expressions of an individual’s lived experience. In a dance movement therapy session, we can explore ways that your body likes to move and support a range of benefits towards:

• A healthy, expressive physical body

• Social skills and reciprocal relationships

• Healthy regulated emotions and communication

• Healthy cognition - attention, memory, executive functioning

• Embodied wholeness and vitality- a sense of integration

Why the Body?

Our body is a landscape for lived experiences, and the inner psyche of a person can be expressed in how they move and breath, as well as body posture, muscular tension and somatic responses. Connecting to this innate wisdom of the body in a therapeutic framework, supports positive change and restoration of a more embodied and integrated self. Dance therapy recognises the premise of the mind body connection, and that change and growth in one, supports change and growth in the other.

Humans have a need for expression, authenticity, and to be able to connect to their body and emotions for guidance. Dance movement therapy offers a rich therapeutic process into the psychology of the body, to explore unconscious material and complex emotions that are often difficult to express with words. It enables people to express feelings imaginatively and symbolically which can improve agency and self-understanding.

What Dance therapists do:

Dance therapists combine the elements of dance, movement systems, creative processes, somatic practices and psychological and scientific theories, in a safe and transformative space to explore, heal, and grow, at a pace that is just right for you. The use of creative processes, imagination and a sense of play opens people to new possibilities and new perspectives on both themselves and the world.

Sessions are tailored to the specific needs of a group or person, and offer a rich multi-sensory experience. Sessions may include a combination of rhythm, music, exercise based movement, dance choreography, improvisation, props and various mediums for creative expression.

A unique benefit of dance therapy is that it stimulates the body, mind, and emotions simultaneously, which supports integration of lived experiences and promotes holistic healing.

Who is it for?

Suitable for all ages, bodies, abilities, backgrounds and beliefs, individuals & groups. No dance experience is necessary.

Services are evidence based and trauma informed, to support areas of mental health, community development and wellbeing. Some of the areas we work with: Children & Adults Mental Health, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Domestic Violence, PTSD, Parents & Babies, Selective mutism, Stroke, Parkinson’s, Aged Care, Disability.

Creative Arts Therapies & Mental Health

Dance Movement Therapy is recognised in Australia as a form of Creative Arts Therapies within health and education systems and ANZACATA. Creative Arts Therapists use creative processes to help clients explore and express unconscious material that is often difficult to articulate in words. These methods are innovative, participatory and practical: they provide a supportive space for participants to 'try on' and practise new behaviours, and this can be more effective than merely talking about change.

Creativity harnesses the imagination and a sense of play. This can help those who have limited choices in their life to use the safe space of the therapeutic environment and want to:

• learn to tolerate the uncertainty of the unknown, and

• become more comfortable to be able to improvise and

• open up new possibilities in their lives.

Contemporary neurobiological research into trauma suggests that trauma has a powerful physical component and thus an essential step in addressing trauma should be to attend to embodied trauma responses. Because the Creative Arts Therapies are based on body awareness they can effectively address trauma and emotional and physical dysregulation. Creative Arts Therapies can increase resilience by improving the sense of agency and self-understanding through the ability to express feelings symbolically.

NDIS Participants

Dance Movement Therapy is an evidenced and body movement based creative arts therapy that NDIS participants can effectively utilise to improve their mobility, communication and social skills, build better relationships and gain self-confidence. Creative Arts Therapy is funded under the NDIS. It must be undertaken by a Creative Arts Therapist, registered with ANZACATA. The participant must have funding allocated for Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living Skills and it must be deemed 'reasonable and necessary'. The Therapist will work with the participant to make a plan, conduct sessions in accordance with the goals of the participant and report to the NDIA on progress with the participant in reaching their goals. ANZACATA Funding Schemes

At Dance Therapy Melbourne we offer individual and group therapy programs, for both private and NDIS clients. Based in Fairfield we also offer outreach services to homes, schools, and organisations. To register your interest in group dance therapy: Group Dance Therapy

To enquire please get in touch with us at info@dancetherapymelbourne.au