Dance Movement Therapy in Topanga, CA

Photo of Katrina Dela Cruz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Topanga, CA
Katrina Dela Cruz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CYI, Reiki 2
Verified Verified
Topanga, CA 90290
I have been honored to support many through some of the most significant transitions in their lives. Opening my career with a decade as a hospital clinician, I was especially drawn to the beginning and end of life, and the incredible privilege it is to be welcomed to hold space during these times. In my private practice, I specialize in grief and loss, particularly death and dying, and the emotional and spiritual work surrounding other transitions, rites of passage, and life cycles. This includes work around the end of life, pregnancy loss (including TFMR), traumatic birthing processes, and plant spirit medicine integration.
I have been honored to support many through some of the most significant transitions in their lives. Opening my career with a decade as a hospital clinician, I was especially drawn to the beginning and end of life, and the incredible privilege it is to be welcomed to hold space during these times. In my private practice, I specialize in grief and loss, particularly death and dying, and the emotional and spiritual work surrounding other transitions, rites of passage, and life cycles. This includes work around the end of life, pregnancy loss (including TFMR), traumatic birthing processes, and plant spirit medicine integration.
(805) 667-0631 View (805) 667-0631

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Danielle Elan Brown, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Topanga, CA
Danielle Elan Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402  (Online Only)
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to engage in a supportive, collaborative, and dynamic partnership. Therapy is a creative process of self-exploration, self-discovery and self-understanding. With my clients' goals and needs always leading the work, I draw from my expertise in psychodynamic models of "talk therapy," dance/movement therapy, EMDR Therapy, and experiential mindfulness practices, to help my clients become unstuck and embody health, growth, and change.
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to engage in a supportive, collaborative, and dynamic partnership. Therapy is a creative process of self-exploration, self-discovery and self-understanding. With my clients' goals and needs always leading the work, I draw from my expertise in psychodynamic models of "talk therapy," dance/movement therapy, EMDR Therapy, and experiential mindfulness practices, to help my clients become unstuck and embody health, growth, and change.
(310) 340-6284 View (310) 340-6284
Photo of Therapy By Dassy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Topanga, CA
Therapy By Dassy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sherman Oaks, CA 91411
By integrating traditional talk therapy, somatic therapy, art, music, movement, and energy healing, I am able to tailor therapy to each individual client, aiding them to integrate their mental, physical, and emotional selves.
No one is meant to walk this journey of life alone and unsupported. Seeking help is a strength and the first step toward creating a life that will provide you with meaning and purpose. I work in partnership with my clients toward the goal of facilitating overall well-being by tapping into each person's potential for personal insight and resiliency and guiding them in accessing the tools to cope with life's challenges. As the daughter of immigrants, a married mother of three children and part of the sandwich generation, I am personally familiar with life's many challenges and her to walk with you on your personal journey.
By integrating traditional talk therapy, somatic therapy, art, music, movement, and energy healing, I am able to tailor therapy to each individual client, aiding them to integrate their mental, physical, and emotional selves.
No one is meant to walk this journey of life alone and unsupported. Seeking help is a strength and the first step toward creating a life that will provide you with meaning and purpose. I work in partnership with my clients toward the goal of facilitating overall well-being by tapping into each person's potential for personal insight and resiliency and guiding them in accessing the tools to cope with life's challenges. As the daughter of immigrants, a married mother of three children and part of the sandwich generation, I am personally familiar with life's many challenges and her to walk with you on your personal journey.
(747) 285-7424 View (747) 285-7424
Photo of Rachel Beth Hott, Psychologist in Topanga, CA
Rachel Beth Hott
Psychologist, MMT, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402
I have been working with clients for over 30 years combining my NLP/Hypnosis/Dance Movement Therapy and traditional Clinical Psychology training. My orientation is short term solution focussed. When a client comes for a session we identify their goals and determine what technique(s) would be most helpful. My clients will often say that they have received lifelong tools and have new perspectives and breakthroughs with themselves and their relationships.
I have been working with clients for over 30 years combining my NLP/Hypnosis/Dance Movement Therapy and traditional Clinical Psychology training. My orientation is short term solution focussed. When a client comes for a session we identify their goals and determine what technique(s) would be most helpful. My clients will often say that they have received lifelong tools and have new perspectives and breakthroughs with themselves and their relationships.
(646) 762-0183 View (646) 762-0183
Photo of Kim Hollingdale - The Movemental, Marriage & Family Therapist in Topanga, CA
Kim Hollingdale - The Movemental
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, CMPC
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404  (Online Only)
I help stressed-out, underperforming, or 'just plain exhausted' athletes bounce back from performance slumps, anxiety, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, depression & burnout. My mission is to combine the powerful tools of traditional psychotherapy with sports and performance psychology, somatic, movement and mindfulness practices and make them accessible to the peak performers, the over-achievers, and the ‘I don't have time for that stuff, I’ve got training to do’ crew. No stuffy therapy office to visit, no long wait times, just plenty of real talk, tons of fresh perspective, and tangible performance results.
I help stressed-out, underperforming, or 'just plain exhausted' athletes bounce back from performance slumps, anxiety, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, depression & burnout. My mission is to combine the powerful tools of traditional psychotherapy with sports and performance psychology, somatic, movement and mindfulness practices and make them accessible to the peak performers, the over-achievers, and the ‘I don't have time for that stuff, I’ve got training to do’ crew. No stuffy therapy office to visit, no long wait times, just plenty of real talk, tons of fresh perspective, and tangible performance results.
(424) 425-3906 View (424) 425-3906
Photo of Grishma Gautam, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Topanga, CA
Grishma Gautam
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA(SOM), MA(DMP)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I have MA in Somatic psychology & MA in Dance therapy.
Are you feeling stuck, lost, frustrated or helpless? Did no amount of affirmations or self-talk change the mind? We can't access our full Self from just cognitive. The body reflects the mind & stores trauma unconsciously which disrupts the nervous system & natural ability to regulate, causing symptoms like anxiety, depression, etc. Symptoms can seem like “traits" when they aren’t contextualized in survival defenses, ancestral, interpersonal & social layers. So we will co-create a nourishing space to hear somatic stories, identify triggers, patterns & skills to realign with innate wisdom so you can move helplessness to empowerment.
I have MA in Somatic psychology & MA in Dance therapy.
Are you feeling stuck, lost, frustrated or helpless? Did no amount of affirmations or self-talk change the mind? We can't access our full Self from just cognitive. The body reflects the mind & stores trauma unconsciously which disrupts the nervous system & natural ability to regulate, causing symptoms like anxiety, depression, etc. Symptoms can seem like “traits" when they aren’t contextualized in survival defenses, ancestral, interpersonal & social layers. So we will co-create a nourishing space to hear somatic stories, identify triggers, patterns & skills to realign with innate wisdom so you can move helplessness to empowerment.
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Photo of Deva Connett, Counselor in Topanga, CA
Deva Connett
Counselor, LPCC, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I studied movement therapy and have found this approach can be effective for anxiety, body image issues, and trauma.
Taking the first steps to heal can be the hardest, but I am here to help. For the past 10 years, I have specialized in working with adults and teenagers struggling with stress, relationship issues, disordered eating, self esteem, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Our relationship with ourselves is one of the most important we have in our life. As your therapist, I am a compassionate sounding board for your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. I am also a resource to help my clients find more self acceptance and create the changes they want/need.
I studied movement therapy and have found this approach can be effective for anxiety, body image issues, and trauma.
Taking the first steps to heal can be the hardest, but I am here to help. For the past 10 years, I have specialized in working with adults and teenagers struggling with stress, relationship issues, disordered eating, self esteem, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Our relationship with ourselves is one of the most important we have in our life. As your therapist, I am a compassionate sounding board for your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. I am also a resource to help my clients find more self acceptance and create the changes they want/need.
(213) 463-5749 View (213) 463-5749
Photo of Rae C Hipolito, Marriage & Family Therapist in Topanga, CA
Rae C Hipolito
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401  (Online Only)
Create joy and inner calm in your life. My role is to guide you in coming back to your wholeness. I am passionate about helping you heal your wounded parts. This wounding may show up as depression, anxiety, or PTSD in adulthood. My approach is heart-based; it is a fusion of experiential, somatic/body-oriented (releasing emotional pain which is stored in our bodies), gestalt, cognitive behavioral, EMDR, hypnosis, and internal family systems approaches. I don't focus on analyzing nor intellectualizing your past. We visit the past to let go of any pain or heal trauma.
Create joy and inner calm in your life. My role is to guide you in coming back to your wholeness. I am passionate about helping you heal your wounded parts. This wounding may show up as depression, anxiety, or PTSD in adulthood. My approach is heart-based; it is a fusion of experiential, somatic/body-oriented (releasing emotional pain which is stored in our bodies), gestalt, cognitive behavioral, EMDR, hypnosis, and internal family systems approaches. I don't focus on analyzing nor intellectualizing your past. We visit the past to let go of any pain or heal trauma.
(949) 537-2883 View (949) 537-2883
Photo of Shira M Hefter, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Topanga, CA
Shira M Hefter
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90024
You are a current or former dancer, gymnast or athlete. You have undergone intense training and competition. Now, you feel stuck. You feel high demands, yet you are afraid of your power. You want to be successful and notice that you fear failure. You may even fear success. Performance anxiety and overwhelm have gotten the best of you lately. Bullying/distrust with peers or coaches may be something you feel bogged down by. Because you’re a high achiever, you need extra love and support and wish to feel confident. However, relationships both in and outside of your craft feel unsubstantial.
You are a current or former dancer, gymnast or athlete. You have undergone intense training and competition. Now, you feel stuck. You feel high demands, yet you are afraid of your power. You want to be successful and notice that you fear failure. You may even fear success. Performance anxiety and overwhelm have gotten the best of you lately. Bullying/distrust with peers or coaches may be something you feel bogged down by. Because you’re a high achiever, you need extra love and support and wish to feel confident. However, relationships both in and outside of your craft feel unsubstantial.
(323) 370-0942 View (323) 370-0942
Photo of Chris Sanchez Lascurain, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Topanga, CA
Chris Sanchez Lascurain
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy helping youth, college students, adults, and older adults learn to manage emotional stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, Trauma, and LGBTQ+ issues. Collaborating with clients on goals helps them tap into their authentic selves, helping them identify personalized self-care skills to restructure negative thinking patterns. I think it is important to meet people where they are focusing on their strengths to inspire and motivate them to meet their particular needs or goals. I help my clients find inner happiness through a positive mindset.
I enjoy helping youth, college students, adults, and older adults learn to manage emotional stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, Trauma, and LGBTQ+ issues. Collaborating with clients on goals helps them tap into their authentic selves, helping them identify personalized self-care skills to restructure negative thinking patterns. I think it is important to meet people where they are focusing on their strengths to inspire and motivate them to meet their particular needs or goals. I help my clients find inner happiness through a positive mindset.
(310) 361-5163 View (310) 361-5163
Photo of Alex Weinstein, Marriage & Family Therapist in Topanga, CA
Alex Weinstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
My name is Alex and I'm excited about the potential of working with you in developing a sense of integration and resiliency in your life. Are you feeling stuck? Dissatisfied in your relationships and/or work? Disconnected from a sense of deeper purpose? Feel that there is the potential for greater richness and joy in life, but it is just out of reach? Rooted in a compassionate curiosity and from a holistic lens, we can unpack the how's and why's of your patterns; gaining insight into your emotions and experiences, and work towards greater self-awareness and well-being.
My name is Alex and I'm excited about the potential of working with you in developing a sense of integration and resiliency in your life. Are you feeling stuck? Dissatisfied in your relationships and/or work? Disconnected from a sense of deeper purpose? Feel that there is the potential for greater richness and joy in life, but it is just out of reach? Rooted in a compassionate curiosity and from a holistic lens, we can unpack the how's and why's of your patterns; gaining insight into your emotions and experiences, and work towards greater self-awareness and well-being.
(510) 694-4655 View (510) 694-4655
Photo of Anahata Christa Marie Neuman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Topanga, CA
Anahata Christa Marie Neuman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90077
As a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral) therapist, Anahata uses logic and humor to inspire healing and change. She loves working with thoughts of all varieties and provides a comfortable and supportive environment to ease your therapeutic experience. Anahata explains concepts through metaphors that help new ideas become part of your everyday thinking processes. With over 10 years of experience working with people diagnosed with severe mental illness, she has excelled in learning how to best serve people in her private practice.
As a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral) therapist, Anahata uses logic and humor to inspire healing and change. She loves working with thoughts of all varieties and provides a comfortable and supportive environment to ease your therapeutic experience. Anahata explains concepts through metaphors that help new ideas become part of your everyday thinking processes. With over 10 years of experience working with people diagnosed with severe mental illness, she has excelled in learning how to best serve people in her private practice.
(831) 244-1301 View (831) 244-1301
Photo of Marcy Lynn Stempler, Marriage & Family Therapist in Topanga, CA
Marcy Lynn Stempler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ADTR
Verified Verified
Tarzana, CA 91356
Each one of us has a unique narrative that has been woven together by our life's experiences. I am committed to helping support you in giving a voice to the parts of yourself that have been silent and are ready for self expression. Working collaboratively, we will explore your goals by connecting through compassion and empathy, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or culture. I hope to help encourage you to become authentically true to yourself in a safe, creative and non-judgmental environment. Therapy is learning to embrace all parts of yourself.
Each one of us has a unique narrative that has been woven together by our life's experiences. I am committed to helping support you in giving a voice to the parts of yourself that have been silent and are ready for self expression. Working collaboratively, we will explore your goals by connecting through compassion and empathy, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or culture. I hope to help encourage you to become authentically true to yourself in a safe, creative and non-judgmental environment. Therapy is learning to embrace all parts of yourself.
(818) 835-0208 View (818) 835-0208
Photo of Pam Soffer, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Topanga, CA
Pam Soffer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, CMT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Are you feeling a call to connect more deeply to - to find your unique sense of mature belonging? Are you ready to be with your pain and accept the invitation to discover a more whole, liberated self? If so, I am here to accompany you on your journey back home to your truest self. Together, we will explore your inner life, release limiting patterns, and develop your mind-body connection by learning the language of your nervous system. From a more present embodied space, life's challenges can become opportunities for growth and transformation. Together we can plant the seeds for a new vision of your life.
Are you feeling a call to connect more deeply to - to find your unique sense of mature belonging? Are you ready to be with your pain and accept the invitation to discover a more whole, liberated self? If so, I am here to accompany you on your journey back home to your truest self. Together, we will explore your inner life, release limiting patterns, and develop your mind-body connection by learning the language of your nervous system. From a more present embodied space, life's challenges can become opportunities for growth and transformation. Together we can plant the seeds for a new vision of your life.
(818) 654-4308 View (818) 654-4308
Photo of Katya Kosarenko, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Topanga, CA
Katya Kosarenko
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90024  (Online Only)
It takes a certain person to look for support, and I commend you on taking this first step. Life is challenging, and there are times when no matter how hard we try, things just don’t change. We often find ourselves spinning out of control feeling overwhelmed, scared, sad and tired… beyond tired, feeling alone, stuck and in pain, dealing with distressing thoughts, feelings and body symptoms. And the list goes on.
It takes a certain person to look for support, and I commend you on taking this first step. Life is challenging, and there are times when no matter how hard we try, things just don’t change. We often find ourselves spinning out of control feeling overwhelmed, scared, sad and tired… beyond tired, feeling alone, stuck and in pain, dealing with distressing thoughts, feelings and body symptoms. And the list goes on.
(310) 773-0281 View (310) 773-0281
Photo of Mindful Health Solutions, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Topanga, CA
Mindful Health Solutions
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I practice general psychology and works with clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, prenatal and postpartum issues, anger, parenting challenges, and couples issues. I also have a concentrated interest in the family of origin trauma.
I practice general psychology and works with clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, prenatal and postpartum issues, anger, parenting challenges, and couples issues. I also have a concentrated interest in the family of origin trauma.
(323) 529-0824 View (323) 529-0824
Photo of New Moon Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in Topanga, CA
New Moon Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90265  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Halito! Specializing in Personal & Professional Growth & Development: Are you ready to shed your old skin and live the life you were meant for? Does your grieving seem unending? Do you desire a deeper connection with your life's purpose? Are you not advancing professionally? Do you continue to have the same conflicts with your partner, but nothing seems to change? Does fear keep you running in the same joyless circles? If so, it would be an honor to accompany you on your journey. For individuals and couples, I am only able to offer video sessions at this time.
Halito! Specializing in Personal & Professional Growth & Development: Are you ready to shed your old skin and live the life you were meant for? Does your grieving seem unending? Do you desire a deeper connection with your life's purpose? Are you not advancing professionally? Do you continue to have the same conflicts with your partner, but nothing seems to change? Does fear keep you running in the same joyless circles? If so, it would be an honor to accompany you on your journey. For individuals and couples, I am only able to offer video sessions at this time.
(707) 387-0138 View (707) 387-0138
Photo of Dr. E Pezzini, Registered Psychological Associate in Topanga, CA
Dr. E Pezzini
Registered Psychological Associate, PhD, PCC
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401  (Online Only)
Hello, how are you? This is Dr. Pezzini, an Italian American Clinical Psychological Associate, all throughout California. Sessions are online, via Telehealth. I have been working as a psychologist for over 25 years combined. I specialize in relationship transitions and adjustments, for high profile individuals. Everyone is VIP :) I support groups, too, with the latest methodologies, such as hypnotherapy, animal assisted therapy, and KAP. My other passions are professional certified coaching and applied industrial organizational psychology, all of which I am trained in. dot.cards/drpezzini
Hello, how are you? This is Dr. Pezzini, an Italian American Clinical Psychological Associate, all throughout California. Sessions are online, via Telehealth. I have been working as a psychologist for over 25 years combined. I specialize in relationship transitions and adjustments, for high profile individuals. Everyone is VIP :) I support groups, too, with the latest methodologies, such as hypnotherapy, animal assisted therapy, and KAP. My other passions are professional certified coaching and applied industrial organizational psychology, all of which I am trained in. dot.cards/drpezzini
(408) 676-5292 View (408) 676-5292
Photo of Miriam Lamb, Marriage & Family Therapist in Topanga, CA
Miriam Lamb
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MS HR
Verified Verified
Agoura Hills, CA 91376  (Online Only)
I work with a wide array of clients. If you are self motivated; enjoy exploration and play; (both kids and adults), and are interested in exploring all facets of yourself, please call today. I use a holistic approach, and explore all factors which affect mental health including physical health, nutrition, family dynamics, and relationships.
I work with a wide array of clients. If you are self motivated; enjoy exploration and play; (both kids and adults), and are interested in exploring all facets of yourself, please call today. I use a holistic approach, and explore all factors which affect mental health including physical health, nutrition, family dynamics, and relationships.
(747) 269-6985 View (747) 269-6985
Photo of Counseling Services, Inc., Marriage & Family Therapist in Topanga, CA
Counseling Services, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD, MFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401  (Online Only)
At Counseling Services/LA Peace of Mind.com, we guide people to the light and empower themselves to heal. We help people who seek trust and freedom to be expressive, address life challenges, and barriers that interfere with growth and achieving life's goals. Now offering Neurofeedback in 2024
At Counseling Services/LA Peace of Mind.com, we guide people to the light and empower themselves to heal. We help people who seek trust and freedom to be expressive, address life challenges, and barriers that interfere with growth and achieving life's goals. Now offering Neurofeedback in 2024
(424) 353-4257 View (424) 353-4257

See more therapy options for Topanga

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.