Treatment Philosophy

My approach to working with individuals begins with the idea that by accessing an inner or embodied sense, therapeutic potential is greatly enhanced. I help people to connect with their body-felt senses (Gendlin) by practicing mindful awareness of the body in stillness and motion.

The body contains information in various forms such as: sensation, muscle tension, holding patterns, imagery, disconnections or agitated nervous systems, to name a few. I believe the process of gathering, understanding and making use of this information is different for everyone.

Psychotherapy involves learning and self-discovery. Because I believe as Carl Rogers did that learning “which significantly influences behaviour is self-discovered, self-appropriated learning,” I provide opportunities for these kinds of experiences through the framework of movement and creativity.

My approach aims to facilitate an environment where you can explore the idea of change and ways to make changes. Creativity, playfulness, and improvisation allow us to shift beyond our usual patterns and responses and explore new possibilities for thinking, responding and being. When this is experienced through the body, the integrative effect is lasting and profound.

You will always have choice in therapeutic direction and activities as I work from a person-centred orientation and encourage people to access their inner resources. I am also influenced by psychodynamic, relational and developmental schools of psychology. It may at times be useful to revisit events and relationships from the past to understand their impact on us in the present. Early life stages and dynamics with primary caregivers are often particularly influential.

As in all forms of psychotherapy, the relationship between therapist and client is central to the process. Movement is an additional component of the relationship in Movement Psychotherapy, however all aspects of the relationship between client and therapist are equally considered.