COMING HOME TO THE BODY
Somatics and Dance movement therapy acknowledge the intrinsic connection between the body and the brain. Movement is our first language and it forms the fundamental basis of our relationship with the body, our awareness of self and our relationships with others. As babies we reacted and responded to the touch and movement of limbs in contact with the external environment, and from here we built a deep sense of self and how we respond to life. Your sense of agency, what supports you or triggers you, so much of this is formed through the experiences and the attendant choices made in each moment. From this awareness, habitual patterns emerge in the body and in the mind, and choices are made which consciously or unconsciously, influence what we seek or avoid. The body and the mind, and thus the sense of self are shaped. Like trees in the forest we grow in relationship. Often so much of the awareness of who we are as an individual is shut down, or disconnected from, in order to survive trauma, or indeed in order to simply function in this busy, chaotic world.
Reconnection can start with the body. Somatics and Movement therapy meets the mover exactly where they are. Using somatics and movement therapy we explore the relationship between mind and body. Methods include movement and dance, tactile verbal therapy and somatic exercises. Healing and reconnection of the mind and body through this work can support a greater sense of connection and integration on a physical and psychological level, which can impact beneficially on physical and psychological health, relationships and life choices.
There is a growing body of evidence to support the use of Somatics and Dance/Movement therapy as a therapeutic tool for a broad range of clinical populations, including assisting people with mental health issues, cancer care and support, in aged care, and with adults or children with physical and developmental disabilities.
The essence of my work is to facilitate connection with the body through somatics, dance and movement. I work with the client to discover new skills and resources to nourish and enrich how they move through life.
MY STORY
How I Began and Where I’m Headed
I am an Occupational therapist, and Dance Movement Therapist, a dancer, and mother. I have been on a personal journey to understand the terrain of body, brain and spirit in relationship with earth, and my fellow human beings, since my early teens. This journey has taken me on a path of deep exploration into psychology, spirituality, the human body, and occupational therapy. I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology, and Masters of Occupational Therapy and completed Graduate Diploma of Somatics and Dance Movement Therapy with Tensegrity Training. I am also an Open Floor Teacher with Open Floor International and am Therapy in Movement informed.
I have worked in community mental health and in acute health care settings over the last 20 years. This includes working with adults and children with disabilities.
In addition to working in a busy tertiary hospital, I also work with private clients in the community. I combine my occupational therapy skills and experience, with my somatics and dance movement therapy approaches to inform my therapeutic practice.
I have a bring a lifelong passion and background in dance and movement to my work with clients.
It is my dream to bring the gifts of embodied movement practice to health care in my community.
Through coming home to the body, we can find a greater sense of connection to ourselves, eachother and the world around us.
I live in beautiful Denmark, Western Australia, with my husband, 2 children and 2 cats.
CONTACT
I offer 1:1 sessions and group programs both in person and online. Please email me to talk more about how this work may be able to benefit you. Bookings currently via arrangement with me, see My Services for more details.
My Services
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