What are somatic/body-based and dance/movement therapies?

Somatic means “of the body.” Somatic therapies tend to focus on aspects such as neurobiology (internal factors), perception (external factors), and embodiment (felt senses ie the subjective experience of being in a body). There is a wide range of somatic techniques; my specific training in dance/movement therapy focuses on state-shifting, befriending the nervous system, and exploring movement as a way of processing emotions and building resilience. A movement-based session often includes attention on the breath and spine, mindfulness, and deep internal discovery.

Although I am a registered dance/movement therapist, I will collaborate with you to find the style of counseling that best fits your needs. There is never a demand to move, only invitations to comfort and curiosity. Group movement therapy is common and provides additional benefits of social connection, feeling seen, and community support.

Learn more at my blog: demystifying body/movement therapy.

Is somatic or dance/movement therapy is right for me?

This approach is great for those who want to slow down and reconnect to their feelings, for those who may have difficulty communicating verbally, or for those who want to explore their relationship to their body. I’ve found that somatic psychotherapy tends to work well for addressing:

  • ADHD/Autism (including late and new diagnoses)

  • Anxiety & Depression

  • Isolation and loneliness

  • Recovering from burn-out

  • Processing trauma

  • Gender and identity exploration or transition

  • Healthy attachment during/after pregnancy

  • Individuals who have prior therapy experience but did not fully achieve their therapeutic goals with talk therapy

Movement is our first form of communication.

from “An Introduction to Dance/Movement Therapy” by Nana Koch, 2016