Movement Psychotherapy is based on the understanding that our deepest feelings are experienced bodily, not just in the mind. Many people who seek help in understanding and resolving troubling emotional issues find it difficult to put their feelings into words. Movement can provide both a means of recognising and communicating what you feel - and an opportunity to explore new ways of finding the personal resources needed to make changes in your life. The Movement Psychotherapist is there to support you in this process.

The therapy room is designed to give you a private space in which to move, with or without music, and will be equipped with mats, cushions and other materials that are there to support your therapy. The therapist will encourage you to be curious about your movements; how they relate to the feelings or difficulties you bring to therapy. There is potential for you to explore, develop and grow more confident through the movement. The best balance between talking and moving is different for everyone and together you and the therapist will discover what is most beneficial.

Individual sessions generally last for one hour and may start with either talking together or sometimes with gentle ‘warm-up’ exercises. You are not expected to learn any movement techniques or move in a particular way and if you are uncertain about how to begin, the therapist will be able to advise. Gradually, as you get to know the therapist and as the experience of moving becomes more familiar, you are likely to find a process unfolding in which you see patterns between what happens in the therapy sessions and the experiences you have in your life more generally. This can open the way to change and new possibilities. 

If you think Movement Psychotherapy might help you, the first step would be to meet the therapist - so that she can learn more about the difficulties you are having and think with you about whether this type of therapy might be suitable. You may also have questions you would like to ask.

If you decide to proceed with a period of therapy, you and the therapist will need to consider whether individual sessions, either once or twice a week, are most suitable or whether you would benefit from joining a group with other people.

One to one sessions can be tailored to the needs of each individual, however group work enables people to experience moving with others who are facing similar experiences. This provides an opportunity for sharing and support, honest feedback and a chance to explore new ways of relating. Everyone who joins a group will be expected to keep the content of the sessions confidential, in the same way that the therapist does. Some people who start with individual sessions decide to join a therapy group at a later date.

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