Dance Movement Therapy in 90211
Sara R. van Koningsveld
Counselor, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90211 (Online Only)
Beyond "talk therapy", I am a Board Certified Dance/ Movement Therapist, yoga teacher, and wellness educator.
Life gets difficult and may have you feeling uncomfortable, overwhelmed, anxious, sad or even depressed. -Maybe you are creatively stuck, changing careers, had a significant relationship end, or experienced a major shift or transition in your life. -Really, you want to feel "better", but how does that happen? Through short-term life coaching, brief counseling or longer-term psychotherapy (to address deeper patterns and/or trauma), I am here to support you on this journey of life. Maybe you found your way here because you are ready to let go, to grow, and are seeking something new, different, and better for your life. -Let's chat.
Beyond "talk therapy", I am a Board Certified Dance/ Movement Therapist, yoga teacher, and wellness educator.
Life gets difficult and may have you feeling uncomfortable, overwhelmed, anxious, sad or even depressed. -Maybe you are creatively stuck, changing careers, had a significant relationship end, or experienced a major shift or transition in your life. -Really, you want to feel "better", but how does that happen? Through short-term life coaching, brief counseling or longer-term psychotherapy (to address deeper patterns and/or trauma), I am here to support you on this journey of life. Maybe you found your way here because you are ready to let go, to grow, and are seeking something new, different, and better for your life. -Let's chat.
See more therapy options for 90211
Dance Movement Therapy
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.