Dance Movement Therapy in M4M
Milena Eva Fernandez
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP (Q), MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M (Online Only)
My mission is to guide you so you can explore what is keeping you "stuck" in a reality that doesn't satisfy you, make conscious what is now unconscious and transform the beliefs that are not letting you be where you want to be. I'm passionate about the union of psychotherapy and spirituality, providing a therapeutic space where we can cultivate unconditional compassion and acceptance for oneself, giving you the tools so you can continue this work in between sessions. My ideal client knows that there is healing in self awareness and getting to know themselves, and they are looking for gui dance in this self discovery journey.
My mission is to guide you so you can explore what is keeping you "stuck" in a reality that doesn't satisfy you, make conscious what is now unconscious and transform the beliefs that are not letting you be where you want to be. I'm passionate about the union of psychotherapy and spirituality, providing a therapeutic space where we can cultivate unconditional compassion and acceptance for oneself, giving you the tools so you can continue this work in between sessions. My ideal client knows that there is healing in self awareness and getting to know themselves, and they are looking for gui dance in this self discovery journey.
Steph Paolucci
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M (Online Only)
Everything we experience impacts both our mind & body. Unfortunately, more often than not we end up living in our head as a result of things like stress & anxiety. While our mind can be an insightful place, it can also be isolating if we spend too much time there. The irony in this default pattern is that our bodies are incredibly reliable sources that provide us with valuable information. They have the ability to warn & inform us of our triggers, boundaries, perceptions & fears. “What the mind suppresses, the body expresses." By listening to both, you can begin to understand yourself in a deeper capacity.
Everything we experience impacts both our mind & body. Unfortunately, more often than not we end up living in our head as a result of things like stress & anxiety. While our mind can be an insightful place, it can also be isolating if we spend too much time there. The irony in this default pattern is that our bodies are incredibly reliable sources that provide us with valuable information. They have the ability to warn & inform us of our triggers, boundaries, perceptions & fears. “What the mind suppresses, the body expresses." By listening to both, you can begin to understand yourself in a deeper capacity.
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Dance Movement Therapy Counsellors
What can I expect from dance/movement therapy?
During dance therapy, the therapist will guide the client through dance movements that metaphorically represent a particular challenge, reflect their internal emotional state, or otherwise express physically what is happening for the client mentally. The therapist may “mirror” the client’s movements or simply observe. The client may be encouraged, as they dance, to pay attention to their breath or other physical sensations. Afterward, the therapist and client will often debrief to help the client process the experience.
Is dance/movement therapy evidence-based?
A small body of research has found that dance therapy can help treat conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety, and eating disorders, as well as nonclinical issues like low self-esteem or family conflict. However, some experts caution that the evidence in favor of dance therapy is not as robust as that of other, more established therapies, and some of the published research is of low quality. Many recommend that dance therapy be used as a complementary rather than stand-alone treatment.
Can dance therapy help with depression?
Some research suggests that dance/movement therapy can aid in the treatment of depression, especially when combined with other therapies; some studies, for example, report that dance therapy combined with antidepressants or talk therapy is more effective than those treatments alone. The positive effects of dance therapy may come from the movement itself, as it’s well-known that physical activity can improve mood and bolster motivation in those struggling with depression.
What are the limitations of dance therapy?
People with disabilities or other conditions that hinder movement may find it more challenging to participate in dance therapy, though a well-trained therapist will take a client’s physical limitations into account when designing a treatment plan. Experts also warn that certain conditions, particularly eating disorders, should never be treated with dance therapy alone; it may, however, be used as an adjunct therapy.