PURPOSE OF THE GROUP

The group aims to provide the framework for somatic exploration and
expansion of the personal movement vocabulary as well as the self-
expression and creativity enhancement through the use of verbal and non-
verbal means such as movement, art-making and vocals.

Additional objectives of the group are the increase of somatic awareness as
well as the training of participants in body-oriented methods of relaxation,
grounding and nervous system discharge.

Participants will be encouraged to focus on physical sensations, allowing the
movement to be initiated mainly from their body cues rather than from the

thoughts and the mind. This way, we will be reinforcing the sense of
embodiment and comfort/pleasure seeking movement.

Additionally, through the group experience we will explore and enhance our
connection to others. In particular, the use of non-verbal means will allow us
to deepen the connection and can act as highly useful self-awareness tool
regarding our needs, desires, our difficulties and the overall way we relate.

WHAT TO EXPECT

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• Simple breathing exercises

• Grounding techniques

• Structured movement exercises to explore different movement qualities

• Free improvised movement

• Somatic Play

• Movement work in pairs as well as group work

• Use of creative materials i.e. scarfs, balls, art materials

• Verbal check in and check out circles to make sense of the creative movement process

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Benefits of group participation

• Increasing body awareness

• Restoring our vitality

• Strengthening mind-body connection

• Improving the relationship with our body

• Boosting our self confidence

• Enhancing our creativity, self-expression, playfulness

•  Nervous system discharge

• Enhancing the feeling of relaxation

• Improving our connection with others

• Enhancing our well-being and emotional resilience

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GOOD TO KNOW

 

• The facilitator’s main concern is to provide a safe, non-judgmental and inclusive space where participants can freely engage in their creative movement processes.

• All bodies and all levels of movement are welcome. For this reason, no prior experience in movement, dance or any other therapeutic experiences is required. However, the participation in the group requires individual desire and curiosity for personal exploration and growth.

• The group will remain open to new participants until 10/10. Following thisdeadline, it will close to new entries, so that participants can get the most out of this contained group experience.

WHAT IS DANCE MOVEMENT THERAPY

Dance movement therapy is a form of psychotherapy that belongs to the arts
therapies. It is a relational process which integrates the use of body
movement, dance as well as speech in order to facilitate the emotional,
cognitive, social growth of the individual.
The sessions can be short or long-term and can take place in person or even
online. Sessions can be done individually or in a group context. There is no
need for prior dance experience to engage in dance movement therapy.

 

BASIC PRINCIPLES

> The body and the way we relate to it through its movement is inextricably
linked to our thoughts/beliefs and feelings. How we feel and think about
ourselves and our life are all reflected on the body and in the way we manifest
ourselves through it. So, any change in the body/movement level will bring
changes respectively in our emotional and cognitive aspects of ourselves.

>Movement allows us access to unconscious parts of ourselves. As this is
our first language before we even acquire speech as children. That’s why it
can offer us precious information about early experiences that we lived in the
first years of life that somehow shaped who we are today. The way we
connect with the significant Others in our life, what we expect from our
relationships, how much we can be in touch with our authentic selves and our
needs when we relate to others, all are directly linked to life experiences in
our childhood.
 

> The movement beyond functional and communicative has also a symbolic
character. Through movement and creativity, the individual identifies,
acknowledges and expresses aspects of themselves that are difficult to be put
into words otherwise.