Counselling Directory
0
menumenu
Are you a counsellor? Log in Join us
Find a counsellor
  • Home
  • What's worrying you?
  • Getting help
    • What is counselling?
    • Types of therapy
    • FAQs
    • Find a counsellor or psychotherapist
    • Worried about someone else?
    • Not sure where to start?
    • Self-care
  • Articles
  • Events
  • Facts & Figures
  • News & Stories
    • Recent news
    • Your stories
Log inJoin us
Saved profiles (0)
  • Home>
  • Expert articles>
  • Moving into well-being

Moving into well-being

2nd February, 20160 Comments

Related information: Dementia, Low self-confidence, Low self-esteem

Dance movement psychotherapy is a form of therapy which can help with your physical, emotional and psychological health by using creativity and body awareness. The main aim of dance movement psychotherapy is to increase your well-being, self-confidence and relationships (both with yourself and with others in your life). 

Dance movement psychotherapy recognises that the way we move our body is an expression of our feelings, emotions and thoughts. Some of us struggle to verbally explain how we are feeling and this form of therapy offers you the opportunity to express yourself without having to use words. 

Therapeutic props are used during sessions, along with music and art materials. These props allow you express your inner creativity and to connect with others. 

Dance movement psychotherapy has proved to be a very effective method for anyone: children, adults and older adults. It can enhance communication skills and social interactions in people affected by mental health problems, dementia and learning difficulties. It is also an excellent way to increase personal confidence through self-expression and the ability to experience feeling in a physical and creative way.

You don't have to be a good dancer for dance movement psychotherapy to be an effective form of therapy. Movement is used in a wide variety of ways and it doesn't actually look like a dance! The session will often start with verbal interactions and a physical warm up. You will then choose which therapeutic props appeal to you and that you'd like to use in the session to express your feelings and thoughts. You can then share any personal insights, discoveries and feedback verbally during the session.

Related articles from our experts

  • Loss without bereavement – the carers journeyLoss without bereavement – the carers journey

    Michaela Rolls Counsellor (Reg.MBACP) Dip.Couns.

    13th April, 2018
  • Why ignoring negative emotions can be dangerousWhy ignoring negative emotions can be dangerous

    Kate Megase MBACP, Registered and Accredited

    28th February, 2017
  • Dementia – How counselling can help both carers and the cared forDementia – How counselling can help both carers and the cared for

    Debs Wallace DipHE MBACP - Harmony Counselling

    7th October, 2016
  • Failure - friend not foeFailure - friend not foe

    Carrie Munday - MBACP (Registered Member)

    16th April, 2018
  • How to be counselled - a beginners guideHow to be counselled - a beginners guide

    Dahlian Kirby

    7th April, 2018
  • What maintains low self-esteemWhat maintains low self-esteem

    Vickie Norris MSc, BABCP CBT Therapist, anxiety specialist

    28th February, 2018

Counselling Directory is not responsible for the articles published by members. The views expressed are those of the member who wrote the article.

Share on: Facebook Twitter Google+ LinkedIn
Find a counsellor or psychotherapist near you
Select multiple
Advanced search

print this pagePrint this page

Get involved Connect with us, we're social.
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
More information
  • About us
  • Recommend us
  • Legal terms
  • Privacy/Cookies
  • Browse by region
  • Press centre
  • Find a supervisor
  • Links
  • Site map
  • Site help

Contact us

  • Counselling Directory, Building 3
  • Riverside Way, Camberley
  • Surrey, GU15 3YL
  • Membership Services Team:
    0333 325 2500 *
  • Contact us
Copyright © 2018 site by Memiah Limited

* Calls to 03 numbers cost the same as calling an 01 or 02 number and
count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls.

Healthy ideas that change the world

Get our free monthly e-magazine straight to your inbox

Find out more at happiful.com