Photo of Kevin Stansbury, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Kevin Stansbury
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93305
Hi, I’m Kevin. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over ten years of experience working in the mental health field. I’m passionate about helping my clients come to a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships with others, their perception of life and the world, and discover how to move forward on their own path into an ever-expanding sense of connectivity, meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.
Hi, I’m Kevin. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over ten years of experience working in the mental health field. I’m passionate about helping my clients come to a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships with others, their perception of life and the world, and discover how to move forward on their own path into an ever-expanding sense of connectivity, meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.
(323) 616-2406 View (323) 616-2406
Photo of Helaine Harris, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Helaine Harris
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93311
Hello, I'm Helaine Harris, License LMFT15327. I am a spiritually inclined therapist with over 35 years of experience, trained in many modalities, to add another dimension of healing. Clients call me "The Wound Detector," because of my intuitive ability of getting to their core issues & rapidly turning those challenges around. My main client focus is anxiety and depression, getting through past negative experiences, relationships, and life stress. I also work with couples, groups, and children. I am a certified business coach as well. I often work on hypnotherapy and somatic work with clients.
Hello, I'm Helaine Harris, License LMFT15327. I am a spiritually inclined therapist with over 35 years of experience, trained in many modalities, to add another dimension of healing. Clients call me "The Wound Detector," because of my intuitive ability of getting to their core issues & rapidly turning those challenges around. My main client focus is anxiety and depression, getting through past negative experiences, relationships, and life stress. I also work with couples, groups, and children. I am a certified business coach as well. I often work on hypnotherapy and somatic work with clients.
(657) 837-0877 View (657) 837-0877
Photo of Robert Schetter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Robert Schetter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
(661) 927-4387 View (661) 927-4387

Online Therapists

Photo of Cecelia Gillespie, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Cecelia Gillespie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Porterville, CA 93257
Hello, my name is Cecelia Pooley Gillespie, LCSW, SEP. I work with all ages, with a recent focus on youth and families, including those in rural and Indigenous communities.. I can help with anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, parenting, life transitions, and more. My therapeutic approach is strengths based and solution focused. While I find the cognitive and behavioral lens of CBT, DBT and Narrative Therapy to be valuable, I believe it can be important at times to also incorporate Experiential Therapy, such as creativity, movement, and expression, as well as Somatic work for exploring the mind-body connection.
Hello, my name is Cecelia Pooley Gillespie, LCSW, SEP. I work with all ages, with a recent focus on youth and families, including those in rural and Indigenous communities.. I can help with anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, parenting, life transitions, and more. My therapeutic approach is strengths based and solution focused. While I find the cognitive and behavioral lens of CBT, DBT and Narrative Therapy to be valuable, I believe it can be important at times to also incorporate Experiential Therapy, such as creativity, movement, and expression, as well as Somatic work for exploring the mind-body connection.
(559) 380-4114 View (559) 380-4114
Photo of Paulette Rochelle-Levy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Paulette Rochelle-Levy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Creativity Coaching, Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Yoga, Meditation.
I am here to help you make better choices. Healing is now! You have probably done your best to pull yourself out of sadness and fear but still feel stuck. Perhaps you find yourself going round and round in hurtful patterns in your relationships and still feel unseen. Maybe your creative path has reached an impasse. I am here to see you and hear you. I am committed to helping you find joy, passion, love and deep respect with your loved ones. The therapy relationship is sacred.
Creativity Coaching, Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Yoga, Meditation.
I am here to help you make better choices. Healing is now! You have probably done your best to pull yourself out of sadness and fear but still feel stuck. Perhaps you find yourself going round and round in hurtful patterns in your relationships and still feel unseen. Maybe your creative path has reached an impasse. I am here to see you and hear you. I am committed to helping you find joy, passion, love and deep respect with your loved ones. The therapy relationship is sacred.
(424) 329-5017 View (424) 329-5017
Photo of Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic, Psychologist in Kern County, CA
Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic
Psychologist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91790
Want to try somatic therapy? We want to help you by providing trauma informed yoga, art, and dance therapy.
Our Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic provides comprehensive psychological evaluations and therapy to kids, teenagers, adults, and seniors. We provide trauma informed individual, couples, group, and family sessions including yoga, mindfulness sessions, and art therapy. We are specialists in trauma informed therapy and our practice provides individual and group therapy services to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and violent crimes. Our licensed and skilled team of therapists is devoted to providing quality services and our social justice team is committed to seeing you thrive in the community.
Want to try somatic therapy? We want to help you by providing trauma informed yoga, art, and dance therapy.
Our Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic provides comprehensive psychological evaluations and therapy to kids, teenagers, adults, and seniors. We provide trauma informed individual, couples, group, and family sessions including yoga, mindfulness sessions, and art therapy. We are specialists in trauma informed therapy and our practice provides individual and group therapy services to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and violent crimes. Our licensed and skilled team of therapists is devoted to providing quality services and our social justice team is committed to seeing you thrive in the community.
(213) 996-0522 x701 View (213) 996-0522 x701
Photo of Romi Cumes Somatic Therapy, P.C., Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Romi Cumes Somatic Therapy, P.C.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CMT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Although I am a clinically-trained and licensed therapist, new clients should know my approach and style is unique, as I draw from over 20 years of healing arts experience across the spectrum of psychology, bodywork, energy-healing, yoga and movement.
I understand that you may be seeking a recalibration, an awakening, or a new way forward. As a somatic psychotherapist and intuitive healer, my intention is to support individuals to get in touch with the lived experience of the body, especially as it pertains to body-mind-spirit healing, personal development, and relational growth. My approach is theoretically holistic, supporting clients to identify, explore, and transform stuck patterns, so they become more capable of living happy, balanced lives. Learn more about my practice by visiting RomiCumes.com. (Please note: Anthem patients will be referred to our skilled Associate MFTs)
Although I am a clinically-trained and licensed therapist, new clients should know my approach and style is unique, as I draw from over 20 years of healing arts experience across the spectrum of psychology, bodywork, energy-healing, yoga and movement.
I understand that you may be seeking a recalibration, an awakening, or a new way forward. As a somatic psychotherapist and intuitive healer, my intention is to support individuals to get in touch with the lived experience of the body, especially as it pertains to body-mind-spirit healing, personal development, and relational growth. My approach is theoretically holistic, supporting clients to identify, explore, and transform stuck patterns, so they become more capable of living happy, balanced lives. Learn more about my practice by visiting RomiCumes.com. (Please note: Anthem patients will be referred to our skilled Associate MFTs)
(805) 335-6814 x1 View (805) 335-6814 x1
Photo of Jas Tilghman, Psychologist in Kern County, CA
Jas Tilghman
Psychologist, MEd, PhD
Verified Verified
Be True To You! I’m a generalist psychologist working with a lot of different concerns with a special niche in working with creative performers and entertainers! Are you a passionate, creative, business-minded, diligent, performer, entrepreneur, or want to explore your identity and potential to be more? True To You Psychotherapy & Consulting provides services for performers including those who are or aspiring to be entertainers, executives, athletes, first-responders, performers, etc. Services include individual, couples or group therapy and consulting, workshops, team building, life coaching, and movement therapy.
Be True To You! I’m a generalist psychologist working with a lot of different concerns with a special niche in working with creative performers and entertainers! Are you a passionate, creative, business-minded, diligent, performer, entrepreneur, or want to explore your identity and potential to be more? True To You Psychotherapy & Consulting provides services for performers including those who are or aspiring to be entertainers, executives, athletes, first-responders, performers, etc. Services include individual, couples or group therapy and consulting, workshops, team building, life coaching, and movement therapy.
(323) 918-4766 View (323) 918-4766
Photo of Sara R. van Koningsveld, Counselor in Kern County, CA
Sara R. van Koningsveld
Counselor, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90036  (Online Only)
Beside "talk therapy", I am a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist, yoga teacher, and wellness educator.
Life gets difficult. -Our distress may make us uncomfortable, overwhelmed, anxious, angry, sad and/or depressed. -Maybe we experienced a job loss, have to move, had a significant relationship end, or experienced a major shift, change, or transition in our life. -Really, we want to feel "better" and "happier", but how do we get there? Short-term counseling or coaching can help and sometimes we needed to address deeper issues and patterns through psychotherapy. Each of us is different, but maybe you found your way here because you are ready to let go, ready to grow, and ready for something new, different, and better for your life.
Beside "talk therapy", I am a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist, yoga teacher, and wellness educator.
Life gets difficult. -Our distress may make us uncomfortable, overwhelmed, anxious, angry, sad and/or depressed. -Maybe we experienced a job loss, have to move, had a significant relationship end, or experienced a major shift, change, or transition in our life. -Really, we want to feel "better" and "happier", but how do we get there? Short-term counseling or coaching can help and sometimes we needed to address deeper issues and patterns through psychotherapy. Each of us is different, but maybe you found your way here because you are ready to let go, ready to grow, and ready for something new, different, and better for your life.
(323) 210-4786 View (323) 210-4786
Photo of Hang Yin Candy Lo, Counselor in Kern County, CA
Hang Yin Candy Lo
Counselor, MA, BC-DMT, RDT/BCT, CCLS, NCC
Verified Verified
Goleta, CA 93111  (Online Only)
For children and families, I help them navigate the challenges of a medical situation by getting children to understand specific medical procedures and diagnosis, encourage them to be an active participant in their treatment. I also support them to express feelings over their illness, or the illness of their sibling, parents and other family members. For adult clients, I provide 'Pause and Reflect Coaching' service that through dialogue and creative means, (i.e. dance/ movement, role play etc), I facilitate opportunities for you to listen to your heart and make new decisions towards finding meaning in your next chapter in life.
For children and families, I help them navigate the challenges of a medical situation by getting children to understand specific medical procedures and diagnosis, encourage them to be an active participant in their treatment. I also support them to express feelings over their illness, or the illness of their sibling, parents and other family members. For adult clients, I provide 'Pause and Reflect Coaching' service that through dialogue and creative means, (i.e. dance/ movement, role play etc), I facilitate opportunities for you to listen to your heart and make new decisions towards finding meaning in your next chapter in life.
(805) 567-2779 View (805) 567-2779
Photo of High Desert Wellness , Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
High Desert Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Victorville, CA 92395
We use an eclectic therapy approach from traditional cognitive behavioral talk therapies to somatic therapy and movement.
Managing high levels of stress and processing past unresolved trauma/negative emotions (anger, resentment, grief) is critical for our health as stress and anxiety can contribute to a wide array of medical illness, diseases and chronic pain. Using a client-centered approach we specialize in a variety of therapeutic modalities and holistic health services to meet each individual's needs to align the mind, body and spirit. Seeking motivated individuals ready to make peace with their past, rewire/replace unhealthy habits in the present and evolve towards the future they choose to create by learning how to self-regulate and self-soothe.
We use an eclectic therapy approach from traditional cognitive behavioral talk therapies to somatic therapy and movement.
Managing high levels of stress and processing past unresolved trauma/negative emotions (anger, resentment, grief) is critical for our health as stress and anxiety can contribute to a wide array of medical illness, diseases and chronic pain. Using a client-centered approach we specialize in a variety of therapeutic modalities and holistic health services to meet each individual's needs to align the mind, body and spirit. Seeking motivated individuals ready to make peace with their past, rewire/replace unhealthy habits in the present and evolve towards the future they choose to create by learning how to self-regulate and self-soothe.
(760) 913-1324 View (760) 913-1324
Photo of Zamira Pla, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Zamira Pla
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90048
To explore your path and goals I use creative approaches/methods that include expressive arts (visual arts, music, dance/movement, writing, storytelling, and theater), sound therapy, embodiment coaching and yoga, Jungian techniques, sandtray and play therapy.
Many of us come to therapy because we are experiencing symptoms, feelings or circumstances that we want to change. Only to discover that there might be deeper things that we desire, that the symptoms are only the surface. We discover that we want to find our purpose or calling, that we want freedom from expectations, freedom from fears. We are seeking meaningful and honest relationships. We wish to communicate efficiently. We crave inspiration, imagination, creativity, and clarity. We long to move forward, wherever that place is. We want to expand and feel the infinity that we are and explore all possibilities in our lives.
To explore your path and goals I use creative approaches/methods that include expressive arts (visual arts, music, dance/movement, writing, storytelling, and theater), sound therapy, embodiment coaching and yoga, Jungian techniques, sandtray and play therapy.
Many of us come to therapy because we are experiencing symptoms, feelings or circumstances that we want to change. Only to discover that there might be deeper things that we desire, that the symptoms are only the surface. We discover that we want to find our purpose or calling, that we want freedom from expectations, freedom from fears. We are seeking meaningful and honest relationships. We wish to communicate efficiently. We crave inspiration, imagination, creativity, and clarity. We long to move forward, wherever that place is. We want to expand and feel the infinity that we are and explore all possibilities in our lives.
(626) 238-1032 View (626) 238-1032
Photo of Nicole Alyssa Morse, Pre-Licensed Professional in Kern County, CA
Nicole Alyssa Morse
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
My therapeutic approach is integrative and holistic, combining: Depth Psychology, Somatic Experiencing, Attachment Theory, Dance and Movement Therapy and Women’s Spirituality.
Do you struggle with emotional eating? My specialization is in women's issues. I take a somatic approach, viewing the body as an incredible resource for uncovering insight, information and healing. I believe the body is an incredible avenue that guides us to know ourselves more deeply. In my practice, I specialize in supporting teens, young adults and Women in the recovery of emotional eating and body image. I hold a warm and compassionate space for the therapeutic journey. Alongside individual therapy, I am a holistic health coach. I lead a virtual online course for Women struggling with emotional eating and negative body image.
My therapeutic approach is integrative and holistic, combining: Depth Psychology, Somatic Experiencing, Attachment Theory, Dance and Movement Therapy and Women’s Spirituality.
Do you struggle with emotional eating? My specialization is in women's issues. I take a somatic approach, viewing the body as an incredible resource for uncovering insight, information and healing. I believe the body is an incredible avenue that guides us to know ourselves more deeply. In my practice, I specialize in supporting teens, young adults and Women in the recovery of emotional eating and body image. I hold a warm and compassionate space for the therapeutic journey. Alongside individual therapy, I am a holistic health coach. I lead a virtual online course for Women struggling with emotional eating and negative body image.
(401) 283-1655 View (401) 283-1655
Photo of Sonja Lindstrom, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Sonja Lindstrom
Marriage & Family Therapist, RN, MFT, CHT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Identifying places in the body where emotions are stuck, helps create movement for release and healing.
It takes a village...Navigating through the transitions and challenges in our lives is meant to be a collaboration with family, friends, elders, wise women and men. However, in the times of instant change and mobility, some may find themselves lost and alone, far from those they confide in and look up to. Sometimes they isolate for fear of vulnerability and the pressure to appear "to have it together". When this self-judgement and drive to be “perfect” eventally takes its toll, one can be left feeling bereft of deep connection to self and others. Finding a therapist you can trust and confide in, can help you find your way.
Identifying places in the body where emotions are stuck, helps create movement for release and healing.
It takes a village...Navigating through the transitions and challenges in our lives is meant to be a collaboration with family, friends, elders, wise women and men. However, in the times of instant change and mobility, some may find themselves lost and alone, far from those they confide in and look up to. Sometimes they isolate for fear of vulnerability and the pressure to appear "to have it together". When this self-judgement and drive to be “perfect” eventally takes its toll, one can be left feeling bereft of deep connection to self and others. Finding a therapist you can trust and confide in, can help you find your way.
(805) 946-1612 View (805) 946-1612
Photo of Sierra Boatwright, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Sierra Boatwright
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93102
As the founder of Santa Barbara Ecotherapy, I recognize that "therapy as usual" doesn't work for everyone. Perhaps you've said, "Nature is my therapy." AND, you need something more. Something like real therapy, in nature. Nature therapy. Welcome! You found it. Let's get to work on self-mastery, insight and clarity, self-honoring choices, healthy boundaries infused with compassion, active inner wisdom, and engagement with Wisdom greater than ourselves to get you the life you desire. Yes, you, too, can move through the world well-rooted yet free-flowing, safe in your right to create a thriving, purposeful life.
As the founder of Santa Barbara Ecotherapy, I recognize that "therapy as usual" doesn't work for everyone. Perhaps you've said, "Nature is my therapy." AND, you need something more. Something like real therapy, in nature. Nature therapy. Welcome! You found it. Let's get to work on self-mastery, insight and clarity, self-honoring choices, healthy boundaries infused with compassion, active inner wisdom, and engagement with Wisdom greater than ourselves to get you the life you desire. Yes, you, too, can move through the world well-rooted yet free-flowing, safe in your right to create a thriving, purposeful life.
(805) 301-9824 View (805) 301-9824
Photo of Anne-Marie Charest, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Anne-Marie Charest
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Is talk therapy just not working for you anymore? Feeling frustrated at the subtle gnawing pain that keeps haunting your soul? Is something in the way of your full potential and life purpose from blossoming? Is that unknown void hijacking your life and dreams? You seem to have tried it all with little to no success and you are just fed up? Feeling stuck, you question yourself, your life, or your capabilities. Drifting, no land in sight, you need a compass to guide you home to yourself. The good news, I’ve navigated this journey and understand it well. And I am here for you and to support you. Trust your intuition and reach out.
Is talk therapy just not working for you anymore? Feeling frustrated at the subtle gnawing pain that keeps haunting your soul? Is something in the way of your full potential and life purpose from blossoming? Is that unknown void hijacking your life and dreams? You seem to have tried it all with little to no success and you are just fed up? Feeling stuck, you question yourself, your life, or your capabilities. Drifting, no land in sight, you need a compass to guide you home to yourself. The good news, I’ve navigated this journey and understand it well. And I am here for you and to support you. Trust your intuition and reach out.
(805) 870-9465 View (805) 870-9465
Photo of Dr. Heather LaFace MOVN Embodiment & Psychotherapy, Psychologist in Kern County, CA
Dr. Heather LaFace MOVN Embodiment & Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Therapy is a place for building confidence, motivation and belonging. In order to help you, we must engage the amazing complexity of you at the multiple levels of your life. No level is privileged. A person is always more than their thoughts and behaviors. A person is always more than their history. Not only do I work to “change” thoughts and behaviors, I work with the whole person-in-their-experiential-context. A good therapist doesn’t just “do therapy”. They sense and do justice to the person in their context. I am a radically different therapist with each person I see. This is because I believe that you are the expert on you.
Therapy is a place for building confidence, motivation and belonging. In order to help you, we must engage the amazing complexity of you at the multiple levels of your life. No level is privileged. A person is always more than their thoughts and behaviors. A person is always more than their history. Not only do I work to “change” thoughts and behaviors, I work with the whole person-in-their-experiential-context. A good therapist doesn’t just “do therapy”. They sense and do justice to the person in their context. I am a radically different therapist with each person I see. This is because I believe that you are the expert on you.
(424) 404-6934 View (424) 404-6934
Photo of Janell Cox, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Janell Cox
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90042  (Online Only)
Do you feel knocked off of your center, disconnected from your true self and isolated from others? Are you heavy and lethargic from burdens and stress? Unhappy or angry, but can't pinpoint why? Are you over-worked and trying to outrun anxiety? Whether you are fusing with others, fusing with alcohol or substances, fusing with phoning, over-doing or avoiding, it might feel like you are crashing. Your pain is real and often we will "crash" in order to shift; but you don't have to crash for something to change. You can be called into your truth, peace and love now.
Do you feel knocked off of your center, disconnected from your true self and isolated from others? Are you heavy and lethargic from burdens and stress? Unhappy or angry, but can't pinpoint why? Are you over-worked and trying to outrun anxiety? Whether you are fusing with others, fusing with alcohol or substances, fusing with phoning, over-doing or avoiding, it might feel like you are crashing. Your pain is real and often we will "crash" in order to shift; but you don't have to crash for something to change. You can be called into your truth, peace and love now.
(323) 772-5912 View (323) 772-5912
Photo of Nicholle E. Lovely, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Nicholle E. Lovely
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lancaster, CA 93536  (Online Only)
Are you someone who is struggling with relationships, anger issues, substance use, depression, and/or anxiety and need support now? Then you have already taken the first step to achieving a better life for yourself! Most people's intention is to live a happier, healthier, more peaceful life. You can do this! Build your self esteem and receive assertiveness training, anger management, and mindfulness strategies that enhance your life in order to better cope and be stress free. Nicholle Lovely, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is here to support you with alleviating dis-ease and living your best life!
Are you someone who is struggling with relationships, anger issues, substance use, depression, and/or anxiety and need support now? Then you have already taken the first step to achieving a better life for yourself! Most people's intention is to live a happier, healthier, more peaceful life. You can do this! Build your self esteem and receive assertiveness training, anger management, and mindfulness strategies that enhance your life in order to better cope and be stress free. Nicholle Lovely, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is here to support you with alleviating dis-ease and living your best life!
(510) 738-3944 View (510) 738-3944
Photo of Adonata Pyaga, Counselor in Kern County, CA
Adonata Pyaga
Counselor, MS, LPCC, CCHT, CPT
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93001  (Online Only)
My gift is to set the stage so you experience your deepest well being, free from all emotional upset. Since studying and practicing trauma resolution methods, and understanding the latest brain research, I have developed a unique psychotherapeutic modality,, The Connection Method™. It permanently resolves traumatic experiences and mood disorders. It is a system that goes beyond managing stress, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, psychosomatic illnesses etc. Instead, it transforms them at their core so you can live your full potential. I enjoy working with individuals of the most varied backgrounds, as I myself am from 4 countries.
My gift is to set the stage so you experience your deepest well being, free from all emotional upset. Since studying and practicing trauma resolution methods, and understanding the latest brain research, I have developed a unique psychotherapeutic modality,, The Connection Method™. It permanently resolves traumatic experiences and mood disorders. It is a system that goes beyond managing stress, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, psychosomatic illnesses etc. Instead, it transforms them at their core so you can live your full potential. I enjoy working with individuals of the most varied backgrounds, as I myself am from 4 countries.
(505) 393-7104 View (505) 393-7104

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.