Question 1

What is Dance Movement Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Dance Movement Therapy (as defined by the DTAA) is the relational and therapeutic use of dance and movement to further the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, cultural and spiritual wellbeing of a person. Elements of dance, music, movement systems, props, creative processes, and psychological and scientific theories are used by therapists to address the specific needs of individuals and groups.

Question 2

What happens in a Dance Movement Therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Hadassah works from a person centred approach, meaning that sessions can look as different as the people taking them. But as a rough guideline, sessions may be structured in this way:

Check in - This is an opportunity for you and I to touch base before we begin movement. We check in to see how you are feeling and if there is anything you would like to share following the previous session. 
Warm up - This is where we prepare our bodies for movement. We connect to our bodies, the space around us, and others in the room. 
Main activity - This is where we delve a little deeper into the focus of the session.
Closure  - We finish the session with a time of reflection. This may be done artistically, through writing or discussion, or we may finish with a relaxation activity.

Question 3

What should I expect in my first session?

Accepted Answer

In your first session you will spend a little bit of time with Hadassah getting to know one another. You will have an opportunity to share anything that you would like Hadassah to be aware of such as your interests, mobility preferences, your story and what it is that you hope for in your time together. Together you will set some guidelines for your time that will include anything that may help you feel more comfortable in the space. If you haven't already completed one, you will also complete a Client Agreement form and you will have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Following this you will be invited to engage in some movement. This will be structured similarly to how future sessions will be structured with a warm up, main activity, and checkout, but within a shortened timeframe.

Question 4

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Wear clothing that you feel comfortable to move in. It is up to you whether you would like to take your shoes off or leave them on in sessions. If you choose to leave your shoes on you might like to wear runners.

Question 5

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

It is a good idea to bring a water bottle as we will have breaks throughout the session.

Question 6

Do I need a certain level of fitness or dance experience to attend?

Accepted Answer

No dance experience or level of fitness is required to attend. Sessions are built according to where you are at. As you get used to listening to your body you'll see how this is something that can change even on a moment to moment basis.

Question 7

Is this really a therapy? What training have you had?

Accepted Answer

Dance Movement Therapy is a form of Creative Arts Therapy that has a large body of research to back it up. Hadassah has completed Masters level study in Creative Arts Therapy specialising in Dance Movement Therapy at the University of Melbourne. Hadassah holds professional registration with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) and abides by ANZACATA's code of ethics.

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