How does Movement Psychotherapy differ from traditional counseling/psychotherapy?
Movement Psychotherapy, which includes talking, focuses on body-centered awareness instead of cognitive and intellectual insights alone. Exploring body sensations, breath and patterns of movement inside of and with the body helps us to realize our truth in the moment in a deeply felt way. From this state, felt truths, realizations, awareness and genuine insights come to us. Instead of thinking our way through a problem or personal growth opportunity, we feel and move our way through it. We can then use these new patterns of movement as a blueprint for sustainable change and growth in all realms of our lives outside of the sessions. The mind can deceive us; the body doesn’t lie.
What would a typical session look like?
Each session would be unique and relevant to what you would co-create with me. I provide a safe, contained and permissive environment for us to build rapport and trust and to get to know each other as inter-connected beings. In a natural and relaxed pace we might then explore breath, body sensations (location, movement, texture) as you would talk about an issue you want to explore. We might then identify and get creative with noticed patterns of movement within the body and with body parts, noticing any emotions, insights and truths that might arise spontaneously. We might also script or sculpt movement exercises that would enhance the depth of awareness of these patterns and possibly experiment with changes to them to find different ways of moving through or being with an area of exploration. We might also use elements of 5 Rhythms Movement, exploring the resources and shadow aspects of the 5 Rhythms: Flow, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical and Stillness. Creativity and spontaneity are key elements of the sessions, allowing our true selves to express in the moment with full permission and using a variety of mediums to support the process (meditation, mindfulness exercises, movement, music, dance, sound therapy and possibly even elements of martial arts).
What are the 5Rhythms®?
This practice focuses on putting the body in motion in order to still the mind and allow the student to connect to the spiritual. The five rhythms (in order) are:
- flowing
- staccato
- chaos
- lyrical
- stillness
The 5 Rhythms, when moved in sequence, are known as a "Wave." Many students practice the discipline in weekly classes, during which a typical "Wave" can take 45–90 minutes to move, spending 10–20 minutes in each of the 5 rhythms in sequence. The movement is usually allowed to express itself with minimal instruction, with the teacher allowing the music (DJ'ed or live) to lead the pace of the class, or simply teaching by example. Intensive workshops are also offered for students, ranging from a single day to week long retreats, during which time teachers and students more deeply and purposefully explore each of the five rhythms, identifying how they relate to the individual (the body, the mind, the personality, the soul). http://www.gabrielleroth.com
**N.B. Movement Psychotherapy is not a 5Rhythms® Dance Class but uses the 5Rhythms® as a format for Movement Psychotherapy**
Will I have to dance to do Movement Psychotherapy?
Movement Psychotherapy is about patterns of movement. If we are alive, we are moving. Whether it is in our atoms, cells, heartbeats, breath or body, we are in constant motion. If you walk, run, do yoga, play sports, do manual labour –you move! Using elements of 5 Rhythms Movement can be a part of movement sessions and only if it feels good to you to explore movement in this way.
Is Movement Psychotherapy just as effective as traditional talk therapy?
It is and more. Traditional counselling can allow people to express themselves, have emotional releases and gain insights. However, without a deep connection to the body and the felt-sense of experience, these effects are usually short-lived and we return to our old patterns of behavior. Unless we change how we move, feel and behave about something we are only providing a band aid response to a much deeper issue. For genuine and sustainable change and growth, integration of body, heart, mind and spirit is required.
If we are to change on a cellular level this requires time, commitment, patience and compassion for ourselves and others along the way.
Does Movement Psychotherapy happen in an office?
Our sessions will start in my warm, comfortable and inviting office space in Euro Dance Studio (www.eurostudios.ca). From the grounding cob floor, vibrant wool carpets, comfy furniture, natural light and soothing/healing décor you will feel safe, contained and invited to be yourself. The office opens up via French doors onto a private sprung hardwood dance floor for when/if we decide that more space for movement and exploration is required. Yoga mats, pillows, various apparatus and instruments are available for our use to facilitate body awareness and movement. If sound therapy will be invited into our sessions, we will return to the office to a cushioned platform where you can recline and engage with the healing vibrations of the didgeridoo, the heartbeat of melodic ashiko drums, the ethereal calling of Tibetan Bowls and chimes and the song of the shruti box harmonium with vocals.
What can Movement Psychotherapy help me with?
Movement Psychotherapy can assist with the common issues that people come to see a counselor for. Issues such as:
- Anxiety/Depression
- Substance Misuse/Addiction
- Self-Esteem
- Relationships
- Career/Life Transitions
- Grief and Loss
- Emotion Management (Anger/Violence)
Due to its integrating, body-oriented and relational nature it is especially effective for:
- Physical and Emotional Traumas
- Pain Management
- Body Acceptance Issues
- Sexuality
- Stress, Burnout, Vicarious Trauma or Secondary Trauma
Because of it holistic approach it is ideal for:
Positive Psychology/Personal Growth (Positive psychology is a recent branch of psychology that studies the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. Positive psychology seeks to find and nurture genius and talent and to make normal life more fulfilling, not to cure mental illness.)
How long are the sessions and how many will I need?
Movement Psychotherapy Sessions are between 75-90 minutes in duration. There is not enough time in the traditional talk therapy “50-minute hour” to facilitate the relaxed and accepting environment required for our genuine self to arrive and have permission/safety to engage and explore. Our bodies need more time than the mind does, so the sessions respond accordingly. (Interestingly, we often need the extra time just to get the mind to slow down so we can actually “listen to the body”)
There is no set number of sessions that will be required. Much will depend on a variety of circumstances (time, finances, the issue/growth opportunity, how much you integrate/practice outside of sessions, your own expectations for change, etc.). I would recommend a minimum of 4-6 sessions to start. It usually takes this time before we can really open up and engage in the deeper patterns of movement. Any genuine and sustainable change takes time and practice to occur. Think of a time when you were able to learn or master something. How much practice did it take?
Is counselling confidential?
The short answer is YES, however, there are some exceptions, including: when there is alleged self-harm or harm to others, child abuse, or a court order to release information. The intake forms you fill out during your first appointment with a counsellor fully explain the boundaries of confidentiality.
How much do sessions cost?
Movement Psychotherapy sessions are $95.00 and range from 75-90 minutes in duration. This is in-line with the suggested fees for Canadian Counsellors and Psychotherapists (Master’s Degree level and certified by the BCACC) who do traditional talk therapy for 50 minute sessions.
For those who are interested in committing to explore each of the 5Rhythms (Flow, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical and Stillness) though Movement Psychotherapy. I offer a six session package for $ 495.00.
If you, or your spouse/parent, have an extended health care package through your work/school that covers a Psychologist or a Counsellor, you may be eligible for these sessions through this benefit.
I do have a limited capacity for sliding scale ($75.00 sessions) and pro bono (free) clients for those who haveneed.