What is Dance / Movement Psychotherapy?
I am a Registered Dance / Movement Psychotherapist (RDMP), available for work with a range of client groups, or individuals in multidisciplinary settings. For further information on who is it for and its benefits please take a look at www.admt.org.uk/whatis.html
WHAT IS IT?
"Dance Movement Therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance through which a person can engage creatively in a process to further their emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration" (ADMP). Depending on the client/s and their presenting issues, I might be regarded as primarily as a movement psychotherapist or as dance psychotherapist. Either way I use dance/movement and the body psychotherapeutically.
My knowledge of dance, movement and the body draws from my extensive experience and learning as a highly qualified and experienced professional dance teacher, choreographer, coach and trainer of various different styles as outlined on my sister website wwww.strictlylatin.co.uk
TRAINING
During my training, I have had placements in two mental health settings (NHS and MIND in Birmingham) working with adults with mental health issues.
PLACEMENTS
I have worked with a group of 14 young people with learning disabilities at Baginton School, Coventry (2007). I have worked for an ArtsPep project with adults with learning difficulties in Coventry (2007). I worked with elders in two care homes 'The Roundabout' and 'Goodrest' in Birmingham courtesy of Birmingham Centre of Arts Therapies (BCAT) 2007/8. I continued to work over 2008/9 at 'The Roundabout' care home for the elderly by return request. I have just completed a ten week pilot project working with young children in St Columbas Catholic Primary School (2009).
APPROACH
My work is informed primarily by a Humanistic Integrative approach and is currently being influenced by Gestalt Psychotherapy. If appropriate I introduce and integrate music, props and anything else that has therapeutic benefit for the clients. To ensure I work ethically and safely I have regular supervision with a Senior Registered DMP.
Useful Links: Association of Dance Movement Therapists at www.admt.org.uk; www.strictlylatin.co.uk
