Dance Movement Therapy in Chicago, IL
If you or someone you love are feeling overwhelmed with life, relationships, school or work, I can help. I have over 25 years' of helping people achieve the results they want. Another set of eyes focused on your difficulty is instrumental in finding lasting solutions. I work with adults. Therapy occurs in a safe, caring and confidential relationship. My approach is uniquely tailored to you and your needs. If you are looking for a relaxed, comfortable environment where you can feel safe to explore your difficulties without fear or judgement then reach out and improve your situation right away.
If you or someone you love are feeling overwhelmed with life, relationships, school or work, I can help. I have over 25 years' of helping people achieve the results they want. Another set of eyes focused on your difficulty is instrumental in finding lasting solutions. I work with adults. Therapy occurs in a safe, caring and confidential relationship. My approach is uniquely tailored to you and your needs. If you are looking for a relaxed, comfortable environment where you can feel safe to explore your difficulties without fear or judgement then reach out and improve your situation right away.
As a dance/ movement therapist I assist individuals in strengthening the connection with themselves through developing a relationship to movement and their body.
Have you been feeling alone or tense? Are you looking to make some changes? I know what it feels like to want to let go of the behaviors and thoughts that no longer serve you. Let’s start with acceptance and honoring every part of you, as the only way over is through. You are not alone. I can support and help you navigate this process.
As a dance/ movement therapist I assist individuals in strengthening the connection with themselves through developing a relationship to movement and their body.
Have you been feeling alone or tense? Are you looking to make some changes? I know what it feels like to want to let go of the behaviors and thoughts that no longer serve you. Let’s start with acceptance and honoring every part of you, as the only way over is through. You are not alone. I can support and help you navigate this process.
Biana Mavasheva
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Rev, LCPC, QMHP
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I’m grateful to have this opportunity to connect with you. The therapeutic process is a sacred journey. Here we can share in a safe, non-judgmental place. If we have suffered addiction, anxiety, depression or trauma we can uncover the aspects of ourselves that need healing. The quality of our lives is directly connected to the quality of our relationships - with ourselves and with others. When our relationships are suffering, everything is impacted. For that reason, in our therapy sessions we explore whatever is unfolding in your relationships and we discover how to bring awareness and skill to these crucial connections.
I’m grateful to have this opportunity to connect with you. The therapeutic process is a sacred journey. Here we can share in a safe, non-judgmental place. If we have suffered addiction, anxiety, depression or trauma we can uncover the aspects of ourselves that need healing. The quality of our lives is directly connected to the quality of our relationships - with ourselves and with others. When our relationships are suffering, everything is impacted. For that reason, in our therapy sessions we explore whatever is unfolding in your relationships and we discover how to bring awareness and skill to these crucial connections.
My work integrates talk therapy, movement, mindfulness, and identity exploration.
I help clients reconnect to themselves through trauma-informed, culturally aware, and body-based practices. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, grief, burnout, or self-discovery, I offer a space to heal, reflect, and grow using talk therapy, movement, and mindfulness based tools.
My work integrates talk therapy, movement, mindfulness, and identity exploration.
I help clients reconnect to themselves through trauma-informed, culturally aware, and body-based practices. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, grief, burnout, or self-discovery, I offer a space to heal, reflect, and grow using talk therapy, movement, and mindfulness based tools.
Melissa St Jean
Licensed Clinical Professional Clinical Counselor, LCPC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As a board-certified dance/ movement therapist and graduate Laban movement analyst, I bring an integrative perspective to treatment.
I believe that healing and personal growth are deeply intertwined with the quality of our relationships, both with others and with ourselves. In my therapeutic practice, I prioritize creating a safe and nurturing environment for my clients, drawing upon principles of trauma-informed care, authenticity, and compassion. Through a collaborative approach, my goal is to empower clients to cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and their innate capacity for healing.
As a board-certified dance/ movement therapist and graduate Laban movement analyst, I bring an integrative perspective to treatment.
I believe that healing and personal growth are deeply intertwined with the quality of our relationships, both with others and with ourselves. In my therapeutic practice, I prioritize creating a safe and nurturing environment for my clients, drawing upon principles of trauma-informed care, authenticity, and compassion. Through a collaborative approach, my goal is to empower clients to cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and their innate capacity for healing.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, self esteem, substance use, or prioritizing self care? These are just some of my most common treatment areas. I also help clients process trauma, adverse childhood experiences, attachment wounds, and grief. Together, we will explore your thoughts and feelings, identify needs, cycles, and patterns, implement boundaries, and introduce self care practices and coping skills. You will gain self awareness and motivation that fosters resilience and improves your functioning and mental health. I use evidenced based modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, self esteem, substance use, or prioritizing self care? These are just some of my most common treatment areas. I also help clients process trauma, adverse childhood experiences, attachment wounds, and grief. Together, we will explore your thoughts and feelings, identify needs, cycles, and patterns, implement boundaries, and introduce self care practices and coping skills. You will gain self awareness and motivation that fosters resilience and improves your functioning and mental health. I use evidenced based modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing.
We offer compassionate and effective mental health support to clients across the lifespan. We understand that clients navigate a wide array of challenges, including difficult life transitions, persistent anxiety and worry, overwhelming feelings of sadness and depression, complex issues within relationships, and the often-lasting impact of trauma. Our clients are seeking a safe, accepting, and empowering space to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to find healing from past experiences and current struggles, and to develop greater inner strength, resilience, and a renewed sense of hope for a more balanced and fulfilling future.
We offer compassionate and effective mental health support to clients across the lifespan. We understand that clients navigate a wide array of challenges, including difficult life transitions, persistent anxiety and worry, overwhelming feelings of sadness and depression, complex issues within relationships, and the often-lasting impact of trauma. Our clients are seeking a safe, accepting, and empowering space to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to find healing from past experiences and current struggles, and to develop greater inner strength, resilience, and a renewed sense of hope for a more balanced and fulfilling future.
With 31 years of experience, I am a seasoned dance/ movement therapist.
The client drives the process and can choose to explore any of the above approaches, EMDR, Parts Work, DBT, ADHD education, or traditional talk therapy. This is the case for all of my clients dealing with a variety of challenges as well as my clients who have survived brain injuries and strokes...my area of expertise.
With 31 years of experience, I am a seasoned dance/ movement therapist.
The client drives the process and can choose to explore any of the above approaches, EMDR, Parts Work, DBT, ADHD education, or traditional talk therapy. This is the case for all of my clients dealing with a variety of challenges as well as my clients who have survived brain injuries and strokes...my area of expertise.
As a Registered Dance/ Movement Therapist (R-DMT), I bring a gentle recognition to how your body shows up in the space, allowing room for both verbal and non-verbal reflection and processing.
Every body holds uniquely personal truths. My work is grounded in curiosity, intentional care, and respect for each individual’s lived experience. My approach is relational and creative, rooted in the understanding that healing is nonlinear and emerges through reconnecting the mind and body. I honor past experiences, support presence in the moment, and collaborate with clients in nurturing their future goals. Trauma, whether personal, collective, or generational, shapes the layers of our inner and outer worlds. I welcome the full range of human emotions and strive to create an environment where they can be safely explored.
As a Registered Dance/ Movement Therapist (R-DMT), I bring a gentle recognition to how your body shows up in the space, allowing room for both verbal and non-verbal reflection and processing.
Every body holds uniquely personal truths. My work is grounded in curiosity, intentional care, and respect for each individual’s lived experience. My approach is relational and creative, rooted in the understanding that healing is nonlinear and emerges through reconnecting the mind and body. I honor past experiences, support presence in the moment, and collaborate with clients in nurturing their future goals. Trauma, whether personal, collective, or generational, shapes the layers of our inner and outer worlds. I welcome the full range of human emotions and strive to create an environment where they can be safely explored.
I am a Board-Certified Dance/ Movement Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who specializes in supporting adolescents, adults, and families navigate through challenges related to significant life transitions, work and life stressors, trauma, relationship and attachment difficulties, emotional challenges, and maternal mental health issues.
My work with my clients is collaborative as you uncover new aspects of yourself on your healing journey. My style as a therapist is calm, supportive, goal-oriented guidance that taps into highlighting your strengths. Building healthy relationships with ourselves and others is foundational. Reach out to me to discuss your needs and therapy with me.
I am a Board-Certified Dance/ Movement Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who specializes in supporting adolescents, adults, and families navigate through challenges related to significant life transitions, work and life stressors, trauma, relationship and attachment difficulties, emotional challenges, and maternal mental health issues.
My work with my clients is collaborative as you uncover new aspects of yourself on your healing journey. My style as a therapist is calm, supportive, goal-oriented guidance that taps into highlighting your strengths. Building healthy relationships with ourselves and others is foundational. Reach out to me to discuss your needs and therapy with me.
My training as a dance/ movement therapist and yoga teacher allows me to attend to your whole body/mind/spirit in our work.
I believe my role as a therapist is to help you hold and find meaning in your pain, and delight with you in what is playful and pleasureful in your life. My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. I am interested in creating a genuine, transparent and accountable relationship with you. My hope is that within our relationship we can identify and interrupt harmful patterns that may emerge in your relationships and reinforce patterns that bring you joy and connection. Therapy is inherently political, and I aim to engage with my clients in ways that are liberatory, anti-racist and affirming of their intersecting identities.
My training as a dance/ movement therapist and yoga teacher allows me to attend to your whole body/mind/spirit in our work.
I believe my role as a therapist is to help you hold and find meaning in your pain, and delight with you in what is playful and pleasureful in your life. My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. I am interested in creating a genuine, transparent and accountable relationship with you. My hope is that within our relationship we can identify and interrupt harmful patterns that may emerge in your relationships and reinforce patterns that bring you joy and connection. Therapy is inherently political, and I aim to engage with my clients in ways that are liberatory, anti-racist and affirming of their intersecting identities.
My vision: 1. provide therapy and life coaching to population that feels that their concerns are not major enough to go an office base setting 2. Avoiding the stigma of others knowing that you are seeking mental health assistance 3. Provide services at a reasonable cost Benefits instead of Future 1.The service is available to anyone that has access to a computer or smart phone 2. There is no specific time to talk to your therapist or coach 3. Receive assistance from anywhere that is comfortable for you 4. I want a good source of positive interactions for teens and college students
My vision: 1. provide therapy and life coaching to population that feels that their concerns are not major enough to go an office base setting 2. Avoiding the stigma of others knowing that you are seeking mental health assistance 3. Provide services at a reasonable cost Benefits instead of Future 1.The service is available to anyone that has access to a computer or smart phone 2. There is no specific time to talk to your therapist or coach 3. Receive assistance from anywhere that is comfortable for you 4. I want a good source of positive interactions for teens and college students
I offer telehealth to clients throughout Illinois. I help adults and adolescents who are navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, and life transitions find relief and reconnect with themselves. Many of my clients are survivors of childhood sexual abuse, childhood trauma, or loss, and others are neurodivergent (ADHD, autism, dyslexia) and are simply exhausted from masking or pushing through systems that weren’t built for them. Therapy with me is about unlearning shame, building coping tools, and learning to trust yourself again.
I offer telehealth to clients throughout Illinois. I help adults and adolescents who are navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, and life transitions find relief and reconnect with themselves. Many of my clients are survivors of childhood sexual abuse, childhood trauma, or loss, and others are neurodivergent (ADHD, autism, dyslexia) and are simply exhausted from masking or pushing through systems that weren’t built for them. Therapy with me is about unlearning shame, building coping tools, and learning to trust yourself again.
I’m a dance/ movement therapist, an immigrant, a survivor, and a mother—among many other identities.
My therapeutic approach is holistic and collaborative, combining insight-oriented dialogue with movement-based interventions. I offer sessions in both Japanese and English, creating a healing space that honors the connection between body and mind, while also equipping you with practical tools to support everyday life.
I’m a dance/ movement therapist, an immigrant, a survivor, and a mother—among many other identities.
My therapeutic approach is holistic and collaborative, combining insight-oriented dialogue with movement-based interventions. I offer sessions in both Japanese and English, creating a healing space that honors the connection between body and mind, while also equipping you with practical tools to support everyday life.
Have you had an unexpected loss, death, or life changing experience and feel faced with your own mortality and purpose? Trauma does that. Loss does that. It makes you question who you are, why you are here, and what impact you have had on those you love or the world around you. Your emotions, physical body, spiritual connections, purposes, and relationships all make you - you! I believe you are the guide in your healing. You don't need me to tell you what to do. You seek to trust and listen to yourself, honoring your experience, your truth, and that of those you love.
Have you had an unexpected loss, death, or life changing experience and feel faced with your own mortality and purpose? Trauma does that. Loss does that. It makes you question who you are, why you are here, and what impact you have had on those you love or the world around you. Your emotions, physical body, spiritual connections, purposes, and relationships all make you - you! I believe you are the guide in your healing. You don't need me to tell you what to do. You seek to trust and listen to yourself, honoring your experience, your truth, and that of those you love.
Holistic Healing with Creative Arts Therapies: Grounded in mindfulness and creative arts therapies—art, movement, music, and drama—we believe that the path to clarity, growth, and empowerment involves more than just talking.
Our sessions will holistically explore all aspects of your experience, helping you gain new skills to cope with stress, trauma, relationships, loss, or life changes. Our therapists offer suggestions on creative ways to address your needs, but you always choose how much or how little you want to engage. We highlight your strengths, intuition, and abilities.
Holistic Healing with Creative Arts Therapies: Grounded in mindfulness and creative arts therapies—art, movement, music, and drama—we believe that the path to clarity, growth, and empowerment involves more than just talking.
Our sessions will holistically explore all aspects of your experience, helping you gain new skills to cope with stress, trauma, relationships, loss, or life changes. Our therapists offer suggestions on creative ways to address your needs, but you always choose how much or how little you want to engage. We highlight your strengths, intuition, and abilities.
Relationships can be the source of our greatest joy and our greatest pain. I work with women of all ages who are traversing changes and challenges in current life stage and especially in the context of relationships-friendships, partnerships, family, motherhood, romantic, and more. Do you need relief from worry, anxiety, depression and want to explore the relational content associated with overwhelming feelings? Are you looking to practice communication strategies including boundary setting and expressing needs? Do you hope to improve your relationship with your Self? Are you experiencing burnout at work/home/life?
Relationships can be the source of our greatest joy and our greatest pain. I work with women of all ages who are traversing changes and challenges in current life stage and especially in the context of relationships-friendships, partnerships, family, motherhood, romantic, and more. Do you need relief from worry, anxiety, depression and want to explore the relational content associated with overwhelming feelings? Are you looking to practice communication strategies including boundary setting and expressing needs? Do you hope to improve your relationship with your Self? Are you experiencing burnout at work/home/life?
I also bring in Dance/ Movement Therapy, which could involve anything from calming relaxation practices to playful, creative movement.
Take a breath with me, and let's build a space together where the weight you’ve been holding can be shared. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you’re coming back to further your healing, you deserve support on the journey. I strive to provide a space where all parts of you can be seen and accepted. I want to hear your story and support you as you cultivate a more compassionate relationship with your body and mind.
I also bring in Dance/ Movement Therapy, which could involve anything from calming relaxation practices to playful, creative movement.
Take a breath with me, and let's build a space together where the weight you’ve been holding can be shared. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you’re coming back to further your healing, you deserve support on the journey. I strive to provide a space where all parts of you can be seen and accepted. I want to hear your story and support you as you cultivate a more compassionate relationship with your body and mind.
Rooted in dance/ movement therapy, somatic practices and positive psychology, UniversALL Healing blends therapeutic trauma-informed care to nurture the mind-body connection through a compassionate, strength-based approach.
Whether you’re untangling anxiety, softening grief, mending old wounds, or transitioning into new life chapters, UniversALL Healing honors each unique story — spoken and unspoken, still and in motion.
Rooted in dance/ movement therapy, somatic practices and positive psychology, UniversALL Healing blends therapeutic trauma-informed care to nurture the mind-body connection through a compassionate, strength-based approach.
Whether you’re untangling anxiety, softening grief, mending old wounds, or transitioning into new life chapters, UniversALL Healing honors each unique story — spoken and unspoken, still and in motion.
The longest journey that a man must take in his lifetime is the 18 inches from his head to his heart." This is the essence of Head/Heart Therapy. Utilizing various therapeutic methods, each client is treated as a unique individual to facilitate healing. Head/Heart Therapy is a private therapy practice where clients can experience non-judgmental, open, and authentic therapy. We value working with unique people from diverse backgrounds, life styles, and points of view.
The longest journey that a man must take in his lifetime is the 18 inches from his head to his heart." This is the essence of Head/Heart Therapy. Utilizing various therapeutic methods, each client is treated as a unique individual to facilitate healing. Head/Heart Therapy is a private therapy practice where clients can experience non-judgmental, open, and authentic therapy. We value working with unique people from diverse backgrounds, life styles, and points of view.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Dance Movement Therapy Searches for Chicago
See More Dance Movement Therapy Dance Movement Therapy Therapists
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.
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.