Therapists in San Francisco, CA

Photo of Abbie Endres, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Abbie Endres
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94131  (Online Only)
I believe in the benefit of mindfulness, movement, and creative practices in therapy and life.
You've begun a courageous search. Take heart, healing is possible. My work is rooted in the body/mind connection, nourished by the imagination, and anchored in the support of our therapy relationship. My style includes both directing and listening. I understand that your timing and willingness to explore your concerns are unique and must be navigated with respect. We work together to take stock, talk about your goals, and gather the tools needed - from your own strengths, the training I bring, and a community of resources - to help you continue your journey of wellbeing.
I believe in the benefit of mindfulness, movement, and creative practices in therapy and life.
You've begun a courageous search. Take heart, healing is possible. My work is rooted in the body/mind connection, nourished by the imagination, and anchored in the support of our therapy relationship. My style includes both directing and listening. I understand that your timing and willingness to explore your concerns are unique and must be navigated with respect. We work together to take stock, talk about your goals, and gather the tools needed - from your own strengths, the training I bring, and a community of resources - to help you continue your journey of wellbeing.
(415) 322-3318 View (415) 322-3318
Photo of Maria Lentzou, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Maria Lentzou
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, NTP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as a Licensed Psychologist from Greece, specialized in Authentic Movement and Expressive Arts Therapy.
I work with children, teens and adults, in individual sessions and groups. Adults and teens: I see you as creative, resourceful, and whole on your own. I am here to help you heal wounds that keep you stuck and don't let you believe in your own strengths and intuition. I can offer curious questions, valuable resources and tools to add to your own toolbelt, new perspectives, and challenges that honor your goals and what you need to live your best life. I also provide Authentic Movement groups and experiential creative workshops.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as a Licensed Psychologist from Greece, specialized in Authentic Movement and Expressive Arts Therapy.
I work with children, teens and adults, in individual sessions and groups. Adults and teens: I see you as creative, resourceful, and whole on your own. I am here to help you heal wounds that keep you stuck and don't let you believe in your own strengths and intuition. I can offer curious questions, valuable resources and tools to add to your own toolbelt, new perspectives, and challenges that honor your goals and what you need to live your best life. I also provide Authentic Movement groups and experiential creative workshops.
(415) 862-1656 View (415) 862-1656
Photo of Max Kopeikin, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Max Kopeikin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, PgDip, BA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
I am trained in Expressive Arts Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Somatic Psychology, Yoga-Based Mindfulness Approaches, and integrative talk therapy.
I help adults and teens looking to become more aware, learn and better themselves. Maybe there is something that needs to shift/change or maybe it is just a growth-oriented process. I have done a lot of my work with people who identify as Trans/Gender Non-Conforming/Nonbinary. Other queer populations who I have a lot of experience helping include couples, polyamorous relationships, the Latinx community, long-term HIV survivors, and gay/Queer men. My work celebrates diverse genders, sexualities and kink identities. My ideal client is open to work in a way that combines talk therapy, yoga/somatic approaches and art-based therapies.
I am trained in Expressive Arts Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Somatic Psychology, Yoga-Based Mindfulness Approaches, and integrative talk therapy.
I help adults and teens looking to become more aware, learn and better themselves. Maybe there is something that needs to shift/change or maybe it is just a growth-oriented process. I have done a lot of my work with people who identify as Trans/Gender Non-Conforming/Nonbinary. Other queer populations who I have a lot of experience helping include couples, polyamorous relationships, the Latinx community, long-term HIV survivors, and gay/Queer men. My work celebrates diverse genders, sexualities and kink identities. My ideal client is open to work in a way that combines talk therapy, yoga/somatic approaches and art-based therapies.
(628) 244-3943 View (628) 244-3943
Photo of Rodrigo Caldera, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Rodrigo Caldera
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
As a somatic psychotherapist and licensed MFT, I combine movement, expressive arts, and transpersonal approaches alongside evidence-based practices like EMDR.
You seek a compassionate therapist to help regulate emotions, address trauma, and provide a sounding board. Embracing courage and creativity, you see therapy as a resource and a mindset. You yearn to be heard, process, feel supported, and gain insights while being mindful to accountability. You are willing to take charge of your healing journey, know your destination, and welcome guidance along the way. Open to offerings, you try on new things while remaining authentically you- able to accept or decline invitations. You welcome going deep and exploring the quiet places within you. You are ready to explore beyond talk therapy.
As a somatic psychotherapist and licensed MFT, I combine movement, expressive arts, and transpersonal approaches alongside evidence-based practices like EMDR.
You seek a compassionate therapist to help regulate emotions, address trauma, and provide a sounding board. Embracing courage and creativity, you see therapy as a resource and a mindset. You yearn to be heard, process, feel supported, and gain insights while being mindful to accountability. You are willing to take charge of your healing journey, know your destination, and welcome guidance along the way. Open to offerings, you try on new things while remaining authentically you- able to accept or decline invitations. You welcome going deep and exploring the quiet places within you. You are ready to explore beyond talk therapy.
(650) 648-4144 View (650) 648-4144
Photo of Maite Andrea Imaz, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Maite Andrea Imaz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
My practice is further informed by Jungian Psychology, Transpersonal Psychology, Neuroscience and the Social Liberation Movement.
With genuine positive regard and a creative approach, my practice is committed to fostering awareness, healing and empowerment. The therapeutic relationship ultimately deepens the relationship with oneself and how we navigate challenges in the art of living. I facilitate with getting to the heart of the matter, gleaning meaningful insight, and building upon internal and external strengths. I have worked professionally for over 20 years, supporting a diverse population of hundreds of adults, youth, children, couples and families through and beyond, trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, life transitions and relationship difficulties.
My practice is further informed by Jungian Psychology, Transpersonal Psychology, Neuroscience and the Social Liberation Movement.
With genuine positive regard and a creative approach, my practice is committed to fostering awareness, healing and empowerment. The therapeutic relationship ultimately deepens the relationship with oneself and how we navigate challenges in the art of living. I facilitate with getting to the heart of the matter, gleaning meaningful insight, and building upon internal and external strengths. I have worked professionally for over 20 years, supporting a diverse population of hundreds of adults, youth, children, couples and families through and beyond, trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, life transitions and relationship difficulties.
(206) 207-8798 View (206) 207-8798
Photo of Rebecca Gotterer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Rebecca Gotterer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW NJ, LCSW NY, LCSW CA, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I offer a safe, compassionate space for you to be seen, heard, and supported to become the person you aspire to be. I am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and also find Internal Family Systems to be a helpful model. With a background in dance, yoga, and meditation, I have a holistic outlook, and rather than focusing on one methodology, I tailor my approach based on your needs. I begin by helping you clarify what you want from therapy and then facilitating your way there as you access your strengths.
I offer a safe, compassionate space for you to be seen, heard, and supported to become the person you aspire to be. I am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and also find Internal Family Systems to be a helpful model. With a background in dance, yoga, and meditation, I have a holistic outlook, and rather than focusing on one methodology, I tailor my approach based on your needs. I begin by helping you clarify what you want from therapy and then facilitating your way there as you access your strengths.
(973) 755-2235 View (973) 755-2235
Photo of Sara R. van Koningsveld, Counselor in San Francisco, CA
Sara R. van Koningsveld
Counselor, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (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 Kim C. Stevens, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Kim C. Stevens
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94103
I have specializations in dance/movement therapy, expressive arts therapy, body oriented/ somatic psychology, mindfulness-based psychology and Internal Family Systems.
With compassion, presence and warmth, I am here to be your partner and guide on your growth journey. I partner with you to heal emotional trauma and gain self-acceptance through my specialized mind-body approach. I support you through healing limiting beliefs about yourself, developing excellent boundaries, and connecting with your inner-wisdom. You are unique and so is your therapy process, so we tailor our work together to your specific needs and goals. I serve empaths and highly sensitive people, supporting you in coming home to who you really are. Internal Family Systems. Somatic. LGBTQ+. Check out my TEDx talk via my website!
I have specializations in dance/movement therapy, expressive arts therapy, body oriented/ somatic psychology, mindfulness-based psychology and Internal Family Systems.
With compassion, presence and warmth, I am here to be your partner and guide on your growth journey. I partner with you to heal emotional trauma and gain self-acceptance through my specialized mind-body approach. I support you through healing limiting beliefs about yourself, developing excellent boundaries, and connecting with your inner-wisdom. You are unique and so is your therapy process, so we tailor our work together to your specific needs and goals. I serve empaths and highly sensitive people, supporting you in coming home to who you really are. Internal Family Systems. Somatic. LGBTQ+. Check out my TEDx talk via my website!
(925) 268-7763 View (925) 268-7763
Photo of Laura Bulchis, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Laura Bulchis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Many challenges we experience in daily life relate to conflict between parts of ourselves. Each part reflects our body’s own loving attempts to care for us in the ways it knows. When we shift one part of the feedback loop, the whole system rearranges - in our bodies, & in our relationships. My approach to individual & couples therapy is holistic, somatic & client-centered. I start with creating a non-judgmental, inclusive space for you to come as you are. As we form & reach for your goals, our work may include movement, developmental psychology, trauma work, regulation practices, behavior/communication coaching, & creative guidance.
Many challenges we experience in daily life relate to conflict between parts of ourselves. Each part reflects our body’s own loving attempts to care for us in the ways it knows. When we shift one part of the feedback loop, the whole system rearranges - in our bodies, & in our relationships. My approach to individual & couples therapy is holistic, somatic & client-centered. I start with creating a non-judgmental, inclusive space for you to come as you are. As we form & reach for your goals, our work may include movement, developmental psychology, trauma work, regulation practices, behavior/communication coaching, & creative guidance.
(415) 268-2970 View (415) 268-2970
Photo of Karen Wolfe, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Karen Wolfe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Therapy with me is casual and warm, while providing you a space for direct guidance and embodied meditation practices to help you on your journey. I specialize in relationships and intimacy and support to improve communication, work through anxiety, and create a fulfilling life. I have training in both holistic East-West Psychotherapy as well as relationship and embodiment-focused life coaching. I have offices San Francisco and Oakland, CA. This holistic, embodiment-oriented psychotherapy offers individuals and couples concrete skills to tackle anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges in a safe and inviting space.
Therapy with me is casual and warm, while providing you a space for direct guidance and embodied meditation practices to help you on your journey. I specialize in relationships and intimacy and support to improve communication, work through anxiety, and create a fulfilling life. I have training in both holistic East-West Psychotherapy as well as relationship and embodiment-focused life coaching. I have offices San Francisco and Oakland, CA. This holistic, embodiment-oriented psychotherapy offers individuals and couples concrete skills to tackle anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges in a safe and inviting space.
(415) 868-4515 View (415) 868-4515
Photo of Honeycomb Wellness Group, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Honeycomb Wellness Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
We believe that the value of your health goes beyond just your physical health. Emotional, psychological and social health are important in creating overall health and well being. It is our goal at Honeycomb Group to help you become the person, couple or family you want to be, and uncover your full potential.
We believe that the value of your health goes beyond just your physical health. Emotional, psychological and social health are important in creating overall health and well being. It is our goal at Honeycomb Group to help you become the person, couple or family you want to be, and uncover your full potential.
(415) 338-9366 View (415) 338-9366
Photo of Brigitte Knight, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Brigitte Knight
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94112
I specialize in therapeutic services for children birth to adolescence, families & adults. I use a trauma-sensitive, strengths-based approach & believe that through the therapeutic relationship one develops the ability to make change, process past & present challenges, and learn coping skills for specific needs and overall wellness. I support and respect clients to develop goals & intentions for their wellness, at their own comfort level and pace. Upon request, I provide case coordination with other providers. I have provided therapeutic services in schools & the SF Bay Area community for over 25 years in English and Spanish.
I specialize in therapeutic services for children birth to adolescence, families & adults. I use a trauma-sensitive, strengths-based approach & believe that through the therapeutic relationship one develops the ability to make change, process past & present challenges, and learn coping skills for specific needs and overall wellness. I support and respect clients to develop goals & intentions for their wellness, at their own comfort level and pace. Upon request, I provide case coordination with other providers. I have provided therapeutic services in schools & the SF Bay Area community for over 25 years in English and Spanish.
(415) 366-3636 View (415) 366-3636
Photo of Shawna Brevik, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Shawna Brevik
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
Do you have trouble identifying why patterns keep repeating themselves in your life? Maybe you are someone who is longing for a deeper connection to self and the world around you. Perhaps you are a couple reading this looking for support in navigating some of human relationships most challenging conflicts, or it could be you're just looking to strengthen the relationship. Wherever your inquiry lies I am confident our work together can facilitate meaningful change.
Do you have trouble identifying why patterns keep repeating themselves in your life? Maybe you are someone who is longing for a deeper connection to self and the world around you. Perhaps you are a couple reading this looking for support in navigating some of human relationships most challenging conflicts, or it could be you're just looking to strengthen the relationship. Wherever your inquiry lies I am confident our work together can facilitate meaningful change.
(341) 766-0669 View (341) 766-0669
Photo of Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
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Photo of Jordana del Feld, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jordana del Feld
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFA, AMFT, APCC, CMT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
Are you ready to create a new life? ———Overwhelm. Anxiety. Loneliness. Sometimes we can all feel stuck in a never-ending story. I'm here to help you choose your own adventure. Creatives, entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, freelancers, inventors, philosophers, athletes, magicians, pirates, heretics, and renegade chocolatiers...I am here for you. You too can claim a compassionate yesterday, craft a clear today, and create a confident tomorrow.
Are you ready to create a new life? ———Overwhelm. Anxiety. Loneliness. Sometimes we can all feel stuck in a never-ending story. I'm here to help you choose your own adventure. Creatives, entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, freelancers, inventors, philosophers, athletes, magicians, pirates, heretics, and renegade chocolatiers...I am here for you. You too can claim a compassionate yesterday, craft a clear today, and create a confident tomorrow.
(415) 763-1527 View (415) 763-1527
Photo of Joshua Cross, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Joshua Cross
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
Do you know what you want? Do you want to be free? Happy? Relaxed in your body? Content? Passionate and sexy? Courageous in the face of fear? More connected to your partner or to the Divine? How do you get in the way of living the life you want? Do you constantly judge yourself? Noticing all the ways you "fail" to live up to way you "should" be. Or do you tend to direct that criticism outwards? Blaming others, feeling envy, or always waiting for external circumstances to line up just right so you can finally live how you want.
Do you know what you want? Do you want to be free? Happy? Relaxed in your body? Content? Passionate and sexy? Courageous in the face of fear? More connected to your partner or to the Divine? How do you get in the way of living the life you want? Do you constantly judge yourself? Noticing all the ways you "fail" to live up to way you "should" be. Or do you tend to direct that criticism outwards? Blaming others, feeling envy, or always waiting for external circumstances to line up just right so you can finally live how you want.
(415) 968-5393 View (415) 968-5393
Photo of Debra Warshaw Taube, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Debra Warshaw Taube
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
Psychotherapy isn't one size fits all. It's a unique relationship that develops and responds to your needs, life-experiences, gender/ethnic/cultural identity, challenges and resources. You may be feeling stuck-repeating painful patterns, wanting to make changes but not knowing how. Or you're a survivor of sexual violence and the ways you've been coping aren't working anymore. I meet you where you are and bring my clinical and life experience, deep listening, compassion, acceptance, warmth and creativity. Together we create and draw on the power of a safe, accepting therapeutic relationship to support your growth and wholeness.
Psychotherapy isn't one size fits all. It's a unique relationship that develops and responds to your needs, life-experiences, gender/ethnic/cultural identity, challenges and resources. You may be feeling stuck-repeating painful patterns, wanting to make changes but not knowing how. Or you're a survivor of sexual violence and the ways you've been coping aren't working anymore. I meet you where you are and bring my clinical and life experience, deep listening, compassion, acceptance, warmth and creativity. Together we create and draw on the power of a safe, accepting therapeutic relationship to support your growth and wholeness.
(415) 949-1174 View (415) 949-1174
Photo of Kim Gengler, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Kim Gengler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117  (Online Only)
Do you often feel “unloveable," "wrong," or "not enough?" Are you stuck in shame spirals? You know, those intense self-loathing narratives and overwhelming emotions that erode your ability to live well. If this sounds familiar, I’m here to help. I support people who want to live bigger and brighter, but have struggled with self-esteem, relationship challenges, neurodiversity, sexual abuse/assault, and body-image issues. By showing you how to bring compassion to these issues, and the shame spirals they cause, I can help you learn to love yourself, others, and the world around you.
Do you often feel “unloveable," "wrong," or "not enough?" Are you stuck in shame spirals? You know, those intense self-loathing narratives and overwhelming emotions that erode your ability to live well. If this sounds familiar, I’m here to help. I support people who want to live bigger and brighter, but have struggled with self-esteem, relationship challenges, neurodiversity, sexual abuse/assault, and body-image issues. By showing you how to bring compassion to these issues, and the shame spirals they cause, I can help you learn to love yourself, others, and the world around you.
(628) 265-8071 View (628) 265-8071
Photo of Haley Hewitt, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Haley Hewitt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, E-RYT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Waitlist for new clients
My name is Haley Hewitt and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, mental illness/mental health issues, gender and/or sexual identity, and LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, DBT/CBT & Somatics.
My name is Haley Hewitt and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, mental illness/mental health issues, gender and/or sexual identity, and LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, DBT/CBT & Somatics.
(925) 275-5742 View (925) 275-5742
Photo of Ben Chris Shuts, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Ben Chris Shuts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
I offer a down-to-Earth, easy-to-access approach. Therapy can facilitate achievement of your life goals, help you move through transitions with ease, and peacefully nurture ongoing relationships. Offering a compassionate and collaborative environment, I can help you develop coping strategies that promote acceptance and healing.
I offer a down-to-Earth, easy-to-access approach. Therapy can facilitate achievement of your life goals, help you move through transitions with ease, and peacefully nurture ongoing relationships. Offering a compassionate and collaborative environment, I can help you develop coping strategies that promote acceptance and healing.
(415) 598-9194 View (415) 598-9194

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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.