What is Dance Movement Psychotherapy? (DMP)

DMP integrates both the body and mind through movement expression. Movement taps into the body’s non verbal expression, providing information with which our words cannot. However DMP does not dismiss the spoken word, instead integrating the two to create space for creative expression. Dance Movement Psychotherapy can bring awareness of emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical aspects of self.

Through verbal and non-verbal expression, DMP works with psychological and emotional challenges of both the present and past. It is an approach to psychological therapy that does not rely on verbalising experiences as the sole method of building solutions.

A therapeutic relationship is a vital foundation for this method of psychotherapy, cultivated through shared experience, engaging in an empathic creative process, and moving in relationship to one another.

A DMP session takes the client as they are. We work in the present moment and deal with what is in the room rather than immediately revert to past experiences. Through working in the present, we can have a clearer picture of the story we have to tell.

No dance experience is necessary, only an interest and willingness to move into a body/mind connection. DMP is practiced within settings such as NHS, community and charities as both individual and group collectives.

I am a Registered Dance Movement Psychotherapist (RDMP) working in and around the Hertfordshire area. I am able to offer one to one and group psychotherapy sessions.

What does a DMP session look like?

As each therapist has their own theory of practice and individual skills, no two DMP sessions look the same. The general structure of a session will include:

A check-in amongst the group. Grounding and opening of the safe space.
A warm up led by the therapist. This warm up will begin with the therapists direction, later becoming a group experience where the therapist pulls from what movement is presented by the group. This is to get the body moving, as well as shake off any cautiousness of being seen within the group.
Movement and exploration of a group theme or rhythm. This is dependant on what clients bring to the session and how the group reacts as a whole to the experience. The therapist guides the group, allowing for authentic movement and connection between clients. This may include the use of props and music to aid the creative processing of feelings and thoughts. Movement is combined with verbal and creative use of props to aid the self and group exploration.
Reflection and cool down. As a group we discuss how the movement felt, how this helps us to understand our experiences and emotions. I always end my sessions with a cool down and relaxation/guided meditation. It is important that clients leave the session feeling grounded, with their voice heard and their experience shared closed off properly.

This structure allows for a safe therapeutic space for self exploration, gaining an understanding of self and a safe shared group experience. We aim to move, breathe, vocalise, and be present in the moment of the session.