Dance Movement Psychotherapy

What is Dance Movement Psychotherapy?
 

Dance Movement Psychotherapy is a creative art therapy that uses movement to explore, unpack, and embody experiences working towards our mental well-being through a confidential, inclusive and non-judgemental space, oriented with psychodynamic and movement theories. 

 

 

Association of Dance Movement Psychotherapy, UK (ADMPUK) defines DMP as:

 

"DMP recognises body movement as an implicit instrument of communication and expression. It is a relational process in which client(s) and therapist engage creatively using body movement and dance, as well as verbal and non-verbal reflection.

When used in psychotherapeutic context, dance movement is utilised for a range of neurological, psychological, relationship, and social problems. It also provides opportunities for people who wish to develop their own creative potential. "

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Is it a Dance Class?

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DMP is not a dance class and you don't need have to be a trained dancer to attend DMP sessions. We use creative ways to indulge in the therapy session, using our own individual movement, props etc. The sessions may also include music.

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Who is it for?

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DMP is for everyone, it can benefit Individual, groups, organisational teams and more across all age groups. We work with people experiencing, for example, mental or emotional distress, trauma, psychosis, eating disorder, anxiety, depression, addiction, learning and sensory difficulties, physical disabilities.

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Session Structure:
 

Talk- Move-Talk

The session starts with a check-in, verbal or non-verbal

 

Followed by the main therapeutic section which revolves around facilitated and shared creation of movement and gesture.

 

At the end we reflect back verbally or non-verbally. Sessions may include music, sound, art, or play, and are not necessarily dance based.

 

Every session is tailored to fit the need of the client, following a client-centric approach


How Can DMP Help?
 

Dance Movement Psychotherapy can help support :

• an increase in self-awareness, self-esteem, self-confidence, personal autonomy, and self-expression through the integration of emotional, cognitive, physical, and social aspects of self

• discovery of inner resources through contained creative movement play

• the development of tools with which to express or manage overwhelming feelings or thoughts

• expansion of resources and skills in communication and social interaction

• trust within relationships through opportunity to test the impact of self on others in a safe and contained environment

• space to test the relationship between inner and outer reality and opportunity to increase and rehearse adaptive coping behaviours

• the potential for physical, emotional, and cognitive shifts as DMP promotes experiencing links between actions, feelings, and thoughts

• exploration of relational and developmental issues arising from early infancy through to older age

 

(ADMPUK 2021)

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My Work Experience: 

I hold a professional membership registration (R DMP)  with ADMP UK. 
 

As a Trainee Dance Movement Psychotherapist (Goldsmiths, University of London)

 

• Springfield University Hospital (2022-Current)

Worked in the forensic services across three wards (2 medium secure and 1 low secure unit) as a part of the  Psychology and Psychotherapy Department . I ran one-on-one session with a service user diagnosed with Paranoid schizophrenia  for 16 sessions till his discharge and co-facilitated an open group (on-going)  on a MSU.  On the wards the diagnoses ranges form Schizophrenia,  Borderline personality disorder, Bi-polar along with neurodiverse service users. As a part of the team, I also facilitated Mentalization Based Therapy- Information (MBT-i) on the Male and Female ward. Along with attending DMP supervisions I also had  the opportunity of being a part of systemic supervisions facilitated by a highly qualified UKCP registered systemic psychotherapist which enabled a  systemic outlook while working with my clients.

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• Sarah Bonnell School (2021-22)

Held DMP sessions on an individual bases for three  neurotypical and neurodiverse children on the Autistic Spectrum and ADHD,  closely and collaboratively  working with the SEND team to provide therapeutic interventions.

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AS A DANCE MOVEMENT THERAPEUTIC PRACTITIONER

 

• Founder of The Yellow Oyster: An initiative to promote mental health and well-being (2018) (Instagram ID: the.yellow.oyster)

• Conducted a session for teachers and probation officers of Children’s Home, Dongri. (2020)

• Conducted sessions at Don Bosco Shelter for boys, Mumbai. (2018)

• Co-facilitated session for Udaan Foundation, Mumbai.(2018)

• Conducted a workshop at the SOHO House, Mumbai. (2019)

• Conducted multiple workshops in Mumbai and Delhi (2018-2021)

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To know more please see the About Me section.