About me
Hello, my name is M Gallego, and I am a Registered Dance Movement Psychotherapist (RDMP) with ADMP UK, Neurodiversity Specialist, and founder of MBODIMENT.
I offer Dance Movement Psychotherapy and body-based therapeutic support for adults, young people, and communities across London. My approach is particularly beneficial for individuals who find it difficult to express themselves through words alone, feel disconnected from their bodies, or have not found traditional talking therapies helpful.
Alongside my private practice, I manage a Neurodiversity Support Programme in South West London, supporting autistic, ADHD, and late-diagnosed adults. I have extensive experience working with neurodivergent individuals, mental health difficulties, disability, chronic illness, trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, complex PTSD, emotional regulation challenges, and experiences of isolation and low self-esteem.
Dance Movement Psychotherapy is a creative, relational psychotherapy that recognises the connection between mind and body. Sessions do not require dance experience, fitness, or performance. Together, we may use movement, body awareness, creativity, imagery, rhythm, music, or verbal reflection to explore emotions, relationships, patterns, and personal growth in a safe and supportive environment.
My professional background includes over a decade as a Ballroom and Latin Dance Instructor in London and Los Angeles, alongside my work as a psychotherapist. I am passionate about creating inclusive spaces where people can feel seen, understood, and supported to explore healing, connection, and well-being at their own pace.
I welcome clients from all backgrounds and have particular experience supporting neurodivergent, disabled, blind, Deaf, and mental health communities, as well as carers and family members.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications
- MA Dance Movement Psychotherapy (Distinction), University of Roehampton
- Registered Dance Movement Psychotherapist (RDMP), Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK (ADMP UK)
- BA Religious Studies, Azusa Pacific University, California
- AA Humanities
- AA Behavioural Sciences
Professional Experience
I have worked therapeutically with adults, young people, and families across community, educational, and mental health settings. My experience includes supporting individuals with a wide range of mental health, neurodevelopmental, and physical health needs.
Alongside my private practice, I manage a Neurodiversity Support Programme in South West London, providing specialist support for autistic, ADHD, and late-diagnosed adults. This role includes facilitating psychoeducational groups, providing one-to-one support, developing therapeutic programmes, and supervising a multidisciplinary team.
I have extensive experience supporting individuals experiencing:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Dyspraxia and Dyslexia
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- OCD
- PTSD and Complex PTSD
- Emotional Regulation Difficulties
- Personality Disorders
- Psychosis and Schizophrenia
- Eating Difficulties and Body Image Concerns
- Addiction and Recovery
- Loneliness and Social Isolation
- Suicidal Ideation and Crisis Support
I also have extensive experience working with blind and visually impaired individuals through inclusive dance programmes and partner dance instruction, including supporting visually impaired dancers participating in Blackpool ballroom dance events. Through this work, I have developed specialist skills in accessible teaching methods, non-visual communication, consent-centred practice, adaptive learning approaches, and creating inclusive environments that foster confidence, connection, and self-expression.
Clinical Experience
My clinical training placements included working with neurodivergent children and young people within educational settings, as well as adults experiencing complex mental health challenges within community services.
I have over five years of experience working within mental health and recovery services in London, including crisis support environments where I have supported individuals experiencing significant emotional distress, mental health crises, and social exclusion.
Additional Training
- Mental Health First Aid
- Safeguarding Adults
- Safeguarding Children and Young People
- GDPR and Information Governance Training
- Ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Neurodiversity, Trauma, Mental Health, and Inclusive Practice
Prior to training as a psychotherapist, I worked for over ten years as a Professional Ballroom and Latin Dance Instructor in Los Angeles and London. This background continues to inform my understanding of movement, relationships, non-verbal communication, and embodied therapeutic practice.
Member organisations
ADMP UK is the professional organisation for the profession for Dance Movement Psychotherapy in the United Kingdom.
They aim to support the development of DMP in the UK and internationally; foster communication among Dance Movement Psychotherapists (DMPs); and promote the use of DMP throughout the United Kingdom and abroad.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
I have experience supporting individuals with a range of physical disabilities, learning disabilities, long-term health conditions, and sensory impairments. This includes working alongside people with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, visual impairment and blindness, Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, speech and communication differences, and individuals who use non-verbal forms of communication. I have also supported people navigating the emotional and psychological impact of disability, illness, injury, changes in physical functioning, social exclusion, and barriers to participation.
My approach is grounded in accessibility, adaptation, and collaboration, ensuring sessions are tailored to each person's communication style, sensory needs, physical abilities, and personal goals. I am committed to creating inclusive therapeutic spaces where individuals can communicate, connect, and express themselves in ways that feel meaningful and accessible to them.
- Physical Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities
- Down Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- Visual Impairment and Blindness
- Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Individuals
- Speech and Communication Differences
- Non-Verbal Communication Needs
- Chronic Illness and Long-Term Health Conditions
- Disability Adjustment and Identity
- Carers and Family Members
Therapies offered
Fees
£85.00 per session
Additional information
Concessionary pricing available to a limited number of clients. Pricing plans available. M strives to keep M-BODIMENT affordable. Feel free to chat with me about any concerns you may have.
Further information
- Over 10 years' experience as a Professional Ballroom and Latin Dance Instructor in London and Los Angeles.
- Specialist experience supporting late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD adults.
- Experience developing and managing a large community-based Neurodiversity Support Programme in South West London.
- Experience facilitating both individual and group therapeutic interventions.
- Experience working within crisis and recovery services.
- Experience supporting carers and family members of neurodivergent individuals.
- Inclusive practice with disabled, blind, visually impaired, and neurodivergent communities.
- Experience using movement, rhythm, music, drumming, creativity, and non-verbal communication within therapeutic settings.
- Experience working with individuals who find traditional talking therapies challenging.
