Dance Movement Therapy in Washington

Photo of Christine Havens - Christine Havens, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Christine Havens
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110  (Online Only)
A somatic therapist and movement teacher for 30 years, I attune to your subtle body clues and feelings.
For 29 years, I've worked with clients to support healing around trauma, marriage/partnering, sexuality, grief, depression/anxiety, addictions. Using Somatic Experiencing, family of origin, meditation/ movement work, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Internal Family Systems, I work with clients to help them develop a deeper sense of self, to face life's inevitable challenges with clarity and resources. Clients can repair their marriages/partnerships. Emphasized is the capacity to stay emotionally present, to attune, differentiate, have healthy boundaries, practice dual awareness and have clarity about attachment issues.
A somatic therapist and movement teacher for 30 years, I attune to your subtle body clues and feelings.
For 29 years, I've worked with clients to support healing around trauma, marriage/partnering, sexuality, grief, depression/anxiety, addictions. Using Somatic Experiencing, family of origin, meditation/ movement work, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Internal Family Systems, I work with clients to help them develop a deeper sense of self, to face life's inevitable challenges with clarity and resources. Clients can repair their marriages/partnerships. Emphasized is the capacity to stay emotionally present, to attune, differentiate, have healthy boundaries, practice dual awareness and have clarity about attachment issues.
(206) 759-7147 View (206) 759-7147
Photo of Georgann Falotico, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Georgann Falotico
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silverdale, WA 98383  (Online Only)
I also offer Authentic Movement and Artist Way Groups from time to time.
What keeps you awake at night, or awakens you suddenly at three AM? Or you have that dreaded feeling of having to wake up and face the worry, or situation again with no resolution. It's not pleasant experiencing these feelings alone, feeling you have no one who can really understand, or partner with you to find some clarity, or answers. I also offer soul-centered transformational coaching for women over 60. If this feels familiar, I hope you will consider contacting me. I'd be honored to partner with you, to see if together we can find your joy, clarity and the confidence to be all that you are meant to be.
I also offer Authentic Movement and Artist Way Groups from time to time.
What keeps you awake at night, or awakens you suddenly at three AM? Or you have that dreaded feeling of having to wake up and face the worry, or situation again with no resolution. It's not pleasant experiencing these feelings alone, feeling you have no one who can really understand, or partner with you to find some clarity, or answers. I also offer soul-centered transformational coaching for women over 60. If this feels familiar, I hope you will consider contacting me. I'd be honored to partner with you, to see if together we can find your joy, clarity and the confidence to be all that you are meant to be.
(360) 389-3972 View (360) 389-3972
Photo of Maite Andrea Imaz, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maite Andrea Imaz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98109  (Online Only)
My practice is further informed by Jungian Psychology, Transpersonal Psychology, Neuroscience and the Social Liberation Movement.
With genuine positive regard and a creative approach, my practice is committed to fostering awareness, healing and empowerment. The therapeutic relationship ultimately deepens the relationship with oneself and how we navigate challenges in the art of living. I facilitate with getting to the heart of the matter, gleaning meaningful insight, and building upon internal and external strengths. I have worked professionally for over 20 years, supporting a diverse population of hundreds of adults, youth, children, couples and families through and beyond, trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, life transitions and relationship difficulties.
My practice is further informed by Jungian Psychology, Transpersonal Psychology, Neuroscience and the Social Liberation Movement.
With genuine positive regard and a creative approach, my practice is committed to fostering awareness, healing and empowerment. The therapeutic relationship ultimately deepens the relationship with oneself and how we navigate challenges in the art of living. I facilitate with getting to the heart of the matter, gleaning meaningful insight, and building upon internal and external strengths. I have worked professionally for over 20 years, supporting a diverse population of hundreds of adults, youth, children, couples and families through and beyond, trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, life transitions and relationship difficulties.
(206) 207-8798 View (206) 207-8798
Photo of Emily East Cram, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily East Cram
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98663
Waitlist for new clients
I recently completed training for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) an evidence-based therapy for PTSD, and am currently completing consultation hours to ensure my fidelity and outcome measures for effectiveness of treatment.
An ideal client would be a person who is ready to work through the patterns and issues that keep getting in the way of satisfaction and wellness in life. My work with clients is focused on an individual’s strength while helping them to develop an understanding of their past and present, their inner beliefs and resulting underlying issues. I strive to provide clients with a safe, supportive and caring environment in which to explore their personal issues.
I recently completed training for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) an evidence-based therapy for PTSD, and am currently completing consultation hours to ensure my fidelity and outcome measures for effectiveness of treatment.
An ideal client would be a person who is ready to work through the patterns and issues that keep getting in the way of satisfaction and wellness in life. My work with clients is focused on an individual’s strength while helping them to develop an understanding of their past and present, their inner beliefs and resulting underlying issues. I strive to provide clients with a safe, supportive and caring environment in which to explore their personal issues.
(360) 233-8930 View (360) 233-8930
Photo of Scott Avery Lewis - Scotty Lewis, MA, CHT, AAC, BFA
Scotty Lewis
MA, CHT, AAC, BFA
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98225
I also offer The Tamalpa Life/Art Process®, a Movement-Based Expressive Arts Therapy model.
As a Certified Hakomi Therapist my offering is a Somatic Experiential Psychotherapy modality that is gentle, non-judgmental, and compassionate; a form of assisted self-study where the client studies his or her responses to explorations in a mindful state of consciousness. We become aware and touch upon the very organizing experiences that have been a part of our habitual life - the patterns that no long serve us. We increase clarity, creativity, confidence and awareness and break through obstacles towards ease, connection and vitality. I am available for phone or online sessions.
I also offer The Tamalpa Life/Art Process®, a Movement-Based Expressive Arts Therapy model.
As a Certified Hakomi Therapist my offering is a Somatic Experiential Psychotherapy modality that is gentle, non-judgmental, and compassionate; a form of assisted self-study where the client studies his or her responses to explorations in a mindful state of consciousness. We become aware and touch upon the very organizing experiences that have been a part of our habitual life - the patterns that no long serve us. We increase clarity, creativity, confidence and awareness and break through obstacles towards ease, connection and vitality. I am available for phone or online sessions.
(360) 218-0166 View (360) 218-0166
Photo of Daniel Jacob Self, MA, LMHCA, Counselor
Daniel Jacob Self
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98112
Utilizing the latest nervous system research along with traditional practices going back thousands of years, we can explore a broad range of tools together: including breathwork, dance, ritual, and creativity.
Deep inside of you is the awareness of what you need to heal. I help facilitate and unearth that inner wisdom with individuals, couples, and groups. Together, we'll practice tuning into your own unique embodied awareness. From there, we can translate that increased clarity into tangible action that aligns with your greatest, most authentic wellbeing. Our bodies exist within larger systems — many of which can disconnect us from ourselves and each other. We'll look together at the messages we've internalized from these systems in order to unearth the ones that are no longer helpful.
Utilizing the latest nervous system research along with traditional practices going back thousands of years, we can explore a broad range of tools together: including breathwork, dance, ritual, and creativity.
Deep inside of you is the awareness of what you need to heal. I help facilitate and unearth that inner wisdom with individuals, couples, and groups. Together, we'll practice tuning into your own unique embodied awareness. From there, we can translate that increased clarity into tangible action that aligns with your greatest, most authentic wellbeing. Our bodies exist within larger systems — many of which can disconnect us from ourselves and each other. We'll look together at the messages we've internalized from these systems in order to unearth the ones that are no longer helpful.
(425) 510-5749 View (425) 510-5749
Photo of Damian Cade, CC, Counselor
Damian Cade
Counselor, CC
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98226
Over the past 15 years my dance training has ranged from swing dance and blues to tap and contemporary.
I believe that play and joy are profoundly healing. Perhaps you’ve already tried talk therapy, and are hungering for something more. I combine talk therapy with exercises that spark movement, play, and creativity. Whether you’re facing upheavals in personal or professional life or emotions that seem overwhelming, I’m confident that together we can create a space big enough to welcome in those feelings and experiences. By working with me, you will fine-tune your awareness, and develop skillful (and playful!) uses of your attention that nourishes yourself and those around you.
Over the past 15 years my dance training has ranged from swing dance and blues to tap and contemporary.
I believe that play and joy are profoundly healing. Perhaps you’ve already tried talk therapy, and are hungering for something more. I combine talk therapy with exercises that spark movement, play, and creativity. Whether you’re facing upheavals in personal or professional life or emotions that seem overwhelming, I’m confident that together we can create a space big enough to welcome in those feelings and experiences. By working with me, you will fine-tune your awareness, and develop skillful (and playful!) uses of your attention that nourishes yourself and those around you.
(360) 594-3864 View (360) 594-3864
Photo of Dr. Lisa Fladager, PhD, LMHC, BC-DMT, CMA, Counselor
Dr. Lisa Fladager
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, BC-DMT, CMA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Langley, WA 98260
I'm a board-certified dance/ movement psychotherapist.
As a Jungian depth psychologist and dance/ movement therapist I value authenticity, connecting with soul, the inner world, reconnecting body and soul, participating with curiosity in the flow of life, creativity, finding one's path, developing a compassionate inner witness, offering one's gifts, being present to what life brings.
I'm a board-certified dance/ movement psychotherapist.
As a Jungian depth psychologist and dance/ movement therapist I value authenticity, connecting with soul, the inner world, reconnecting body and soul, participating with curiosity in the flow of life, creativity, finding one's path, developing a compassionate inner witness, offering one's gifts, being present to what life brings.
(360) 727-6655 View (360) 727-6655
Photo of Angie Izabelle Cruz - Nimuë, PLLC - Conscious Collaborative Counseling , LMHC, Counselor
Nimuë, PLLC - Conscious Collaborative Counseling
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98662
Cruz who goes by the nick name of Nimuë (pronounced Nim-way), is a LMHC, Expressive Arts Therapist, Movement Psychotherapist and Reiki Master Teacher.
I am an LGBTQIA+ provider and love working with adults who are ready to dig deep and make healthy changes to live their best lives. Whether you are LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) or Empath, or label yourself as "outside the box" I am ready to help you see your beautiful strengths and empower you with the tools to help change unhealthy patterns in order to create your best life. Clients that have sought my services have reported that I was helpful in processing their trauma, identifying self-sabotaging behaviors, moving thru grief, re-inventing themselves post divorce or in simply learning how to live in the Now.
Cruz who goes by the nick name of Nimuë (pronounced Nim-way), is a LMHC, Expressive Arts Therapist, Movement Psychotherapist and Reiki Master Teacher.
I am an LGBTQIA+ provider and love working with adults who are ready to dig deep and make healthy changes to live their best lives. Whether you are LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) or Empath, or label yourself as "outside the box" I am ready to help you see your beautiful strengths and empower you with the tools to help change unhealthy patterns in order to create your best life. Clients that have sought my services have reported that I was helpful in processing their trauma, identifying self-sabotaging behaviors, moving thru grief, re-inventing themselves post divorce or in simply learning how to live in the Now.
(360) 531-7607 View (360) 531-7607
Photo of Jacqueline E Smith, MA, LMHC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jacqueline E Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005
Using experiential therapies (play! art! drama! movement! nature! adventure!), mind/body techniques, positive psychology and self compassion practices, I will help you uncover and move through your inner barriers to true fun and self expression.
Are you struggling to put down the burdens of your clients/patients, loved ones, the state of the world, career demands and just let yourself relax and recharge? Maybe you had too much responsibility in childhood and are having a hard time allowing yourself to prioritize doing enjoyable things. Or, you are in a transition and struggling to figure out what brings deeper meaning and joy to your life. I can help. I support adults who were parentified children, adults in transition (midlife, empty nesters, career change, retirement) busy parents, burned out therapists, nurses or other healthcare providers. Coaching and tools provided.
Using experiential therapies (play! art! drama! movement! nature! adventure!), mind/body techniques, positive psychology and self compassion practices, I will help you uncover and move through your inner barriers to true fun and self expression.
Are you struggling to put down the burdens of your clients/patients, loved ones, the state of the world, career demands and just let yourself relax and recharge? Maybe you had too much responsibility in childhood and are having a hard time allowing yourself to prioritize doing enjoyable things. Or, you are in a transition and struggling to figure out what brings deeper meaning and joy to your life. I can help. I support adults who were parentified children, adults in transition (midlife, empty nesters, career change, retirement) busy parents, burned out therapists, nurses or other healthcare providers. Coaching and tools provided.
(206) 672-5196 View (206) 672-5196
Photo of Jenna Caggiano, LMHC, BC-DMT, Counselor
Jenna Caggiano
Counselor, LMHC, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Federal Way, WA 98003
Dance/ movement therapy can help you to discover a more trusting relationship with your body and emotional experience.
Do you experience anxiety in your body, causing you to feel tense, panicky, or disconnected from your authentic self? Do you sometimes feel out of control and struggle to manage stressful situations? You may even avoid certain situations or endure them with intense discomfort, leaving your energy depleted. Perhaps you are concerned about your child’s or teen’s anxiety and its affect on their school or home life. Though anxiety is often addressed through traditional talk therapy, a more holistic approach can build confidence to navigate life’s ups and downs with greater ease.
Dance/ movement therapy can help you to discover a more trusting relationship with your body and emotional experience.
Do you experience anxiety in your body, causing you to feel tense, panicky, or disconnected from your authentic self? Do you sometimes feel out of control and struggle to manage stressful situations? You may even avoid certain situations or endure them with intense discomfort, leaving your energy depleted. Perhaps you are concerned about your child’s or teen’s anxiety and its affect on their school or home life. Though anxiety is often addressed through traditional talk therapy, a more holistic approach can build confidence to navigate life’s ups and downs with greater ease.
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Photo of Tobi Nussbaum, LMHCA, MEd, Counselor
Tobi Nussbaum
Counselor, LMHCA, MEd
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98004
In my practice, we use play, art, movement, and educational games to help children learn and grow.
Nothing is more rewarding than seeing my clients overcome challenges and grow confidently. I love helping children, adolescents, and their families feel a sense of belonging and encouragement through strength-based approaches. I am dedicated to supporting children as they navigate complex feelings, identities, anxiety, school, trauma, and other challenges. I specialize in trauma-informed neurodivergent, sensory, and gender-affirmative care. By connecting with children through fun and trusted methods, I work towards making a lasting, positive impact on their lives.
In my practice, we use play, art, movement, and educational games to help children learn and grow.
Nothing is more rewarding than seeing my clients overcome challenges and grow confidently. I love helping children, adolescents, and their families feel a sense of belonging and encouragement through strength-based approaches. I am dedicated to supporting children as they navigate complex feelings, identities, anxiety, school, trauma, and other challenges. I specialize in trauma-informed neurodivergent, sensory, and gender-affirmative care. By connecting with children through fun and trusted methods, I work towards making a lasting, positive impact on their lives.
(425) 472-4415 View (425) 472-4415
Photo of Abigail M Bocanegra, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Abigail M Bocanegra
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Spokane Valley, WA 99206  (Online Only)
I work with children, adults and families using an integral approach, working with challenges by restoring the balance mind, body and spirit. My approach is warm, engaged and focused in the present moment. I utilize a variety of approaches and skills that resonate with the uniqueness of each individual deepening a meaningful connection to the self and the environment, supporting healing from symptoms of stress, trauma and loss. As an Integrative Expressive Arts Therapist, my approach is rooted in the transformative arts (art/music/drama/ movement/play), Somatic Experiencing, Humanistic-Existential and Transpersonal psychologies.
I work with children, adults and families using an integral approach, working with challenges by restoring the balance mind, body and spirit. My approach is warm, engaged and focused in the present moment. I utilize a variety of approaches and skills that resonate with the uniqueness of each individual deepening a meaningful connection to the self and the environment, supporting healing from symptoms of stress, trauma and loss. As an Integrative Expressive Arts Therapist, my approach is rooted in the transformative arts (art/music/drama/ movement/play), Somatic Experiencing, Humanistic-Existential and Transpersonal psychologies.
(509) 769-3594 View (509) 769-3594
Photo of Nicole Grace DiBacco, MA, LMHC, R-DMT, Counselor
Nicole Grace DiBacco
Counselor, MA, LMHC, R-DMT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98108
In addition to traditional talk therapy, I incorporate creative and mind/body approaches including dance/ movement therapy, expressive art therapies, breath work, meditation and mindfulness practices as needed or desired.
We all struggle in life at one point or another. However, reaching out for support can take a lot of strength and courage. For this reason, I strive to provide a safe, accepting, non-judgmental environment where you can openly explore your struggles and receive the support and guidance you need. Many times our past experiences have left us with wounds that become aggravated, causing difficulites in our relationships and daily lives. Together, we will reflect upon your emotional states, core beliefs and sources of distress to gain deeper awareness and skills for positive change and healing in these areas.
In addition to traditional talk therapy, I incorporate creative and mind/body approaches including dance/ movement therapy, expressive art therapies, breath work, meditation and mindfulness practices as needed or desired.
We all struggle in life at one point or another. However, reaching out for support can take a lot of strength and courage. For this reason, I strive to provide a safe, accepting, non-judgmental environment where you can openly explore your struggles and receive the support and guidance you need. Many times our past experiences have left us with wounds that become aggravated, causing difficulites in our relationships and daily lives. Together, we will reflect upon your emotional states, core beliefs and sources of distress to gain deeper awareness and skills for positive change and healing in these areas.
(206) 965-9121 View (206) 965-9121
Photo of Lauren Nelson, MSS, LCSW, LICSW, NET III, ART, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lauren Nelson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW, LICSW, NET III, ART
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98034
8 week intensive somatic/ movement & expressive arts training.
I create a nurturing and safe environment for you and loved ones to explore ways to reconnect with yourself and show up in relationships. I provide high quality integrative psychotherapy, Coaching, and application of Neuro-Emotional Technique, Applied Kinesiology, and bioenergetic healing to encourage healing at the unconscious level, releasing inherited emotional and intergenerational DNA. This allows for results in a shorter time frame. Together, we will tailor your path to healing and living the life you desire. I work with children, teens, and adults in the context of individual, family, and couples therapy, and groups.
8 week intensive somatic/ movement & expressive arts training.
I create a nurturing and safe environment for you and loved ones to explore ways to reconnect with yourself and show up in relationships. I provide high quality integrative psychotherapy, Coaching, and application of Neuro-Emotional Technique, Applied Kinesiology, and bioenergetic healing to encourage healing at the unconscious level, releasing inherited emotional and intergenerational DNA. This allows for results in a shorter time frame. Together, we will tailor your path to healing and living the life you desire. I work with children, teens, and adults in the context of individual, family, and couples therapy, and groups.
(425) 549-9698 View (425) 549-9698
Photo of Amie Shipley, MSW, LMHC
Amie Shipley
MSW, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
I often incorporate creative expression including visual art, writing, mindful movement, and acting + improv based practices to supplement evidence based treatment options.
I see therapy as an opportunity to work toward growth, self-discovery, and healing. I believe that people come to me not only with where they may be stuck or hurting, but also with incredible strengths and abilities. Through warmth, collaboration, and direct communication I hope to help uncover patterns that are getting in the way of living well. I use an experiential, emotion + body focused approach along with art therapy and practical tools to develop new ways of experiencing and approaching the hard stuff in life.
I often incorporate creative expression including visual art, writing, mindful movement, and acting + improv based practices to supplement evidence based treatment options.
I see therapy as an opportunity to work toward growth, self-discovery, and healing. I believe that people come to me not only with where they may be stuck or hurting, but also with incredible strengths and abilities. Through warmth, collaboration, and direct communication I hope to help uncover patterns that are getting in the way of living well. I use an experiential, emotion + body focused approach along with art therapy and practical tools to develop new ways of experiencing and approaching the hard stuff in life.
(425) 310-4095 View (425) 310-4095
Photo of Benjamin Rucker, MA, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
Benjamin Rucker
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Spokane, WA 99207  (Online Only)
Hi, I hope you are doing well. Right now my only available time is Wednesdays at 11am every other week. I have experience working with adults, teens, pre-teens, and children who were overcoming anxiety, ADHD, OCD, depression, trauma/PTSD, addiction, post-concussive syndrome (TBI), career struggles, and disruptive life events (divorce or loss). Since graduating high school in 1995, I have been actively engaged in my own practice of emotional release and movement therapy to overcome my own childhood traumas.
Hi, I hope you are doing well. Right now my only available time is Wednesdays at 11am every other week. I have experience working with adults, teens, pre-teens, and children who were overcoming anxiety, ADHD, OCD, depression, trauma/PTSD, addiction, post-concussive syndrome (TBI), career struggles, and disruptive life events (divorce or loss). Since graduating high school in 1995, I have been actively engaged in my own practice of emotional release and movement therapy to overcome my own childhood traumas.
(360) 654-7604 View (360) 654-7604
Photo of Anita Dunlap - True Heart Mind Body Wellness, BS, CC, Counselor
True Heart Mind Body Wellness
Counselor, BS, CC
Not Verified Not Verified
Feelings, thoughts, food choices & movement all play a major role in our mental & emotional health.
Sometimes people see counseling/coaching as a process that could be negative: trying to decipher & share feelings, opening up old wounds, resistance to change. It’s uncomfortable and uncertain to delve deep into these areas of our life. We all want to live “our best lives”. We strive to be financially secure, take care of our physical health through diet & exercise, see the benefit of being social and doing fun things, attempt to engage in meaningful relationships, seek spirituality and a sense of transcendence. But we fail in many of these pursuits when we don't understand our own inner-workings.
Feelings, thoughts, food choices & movement all play a major role in our mental & emotional health.
Sometimes people see counseling/coaching as a process that could be negative: trying to decipher & share feelings, opening up old wounds, resistance to change. It’s uncomfortable and uncertain to delve deep into these areas of our life. We all want to live “our best lives”. We strive to be financially secure, take care of our physical health through diet & exercise, see the benefit of being social and doing fun things, attempt to engage in meaningful relationships, seek spirituality and a sense of transcendence. But we fail in many of these pursuits when we don't understand our own inner-workings.
(253) 215-8516 View (253) 215-8516
Photo of Karen Kirsch, MA, RSMT, CMA, Counselor
Karen Kirsch
Counselor, MA, RSMT, CMA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Olympia, WA 98512
Individuals who are particularly kinesthetic prefer doing emotional work through sensation/ movement.
I work within the modality of Somatic Movement Therapy and practice from the premise that body experience and movement hold a unique role in understanding and transforming human behavior. Sessions develop by directing clients awareness to sensation, impulse, movement and/or emotion in order to support physiological and neurological process. The pace and direction of this work is client led through verbal and nonverbal feedback. This approach is founded in developmental therapy, interpersonal neurobiology and attachment theory.
Individuals who are particularly kinesthetic prefer doing emotional work through sensation/ movement.
I work within the modality of Somatic Movement Therapy and practice from the premise that body experience and movement hold a unique role in understanding and transforming human behavior. Sessions develop by directing clients awareness to sensation, impulse, movement and/or emotion in order to support physiological and neurological process. The pace and direction of this work is client led through verbal and nonverbal feedback. This approach is founded in developmental therapy, interpersonal neurobiology and attachment theory.
(360) 529-3197 View (360) 529-3197
Photo of Elizabeth Hough, LMHC, R-DMT, Counselor
Elizabeth Hough
Counselor, LMHC, R-DMT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
Waitlist for new clients
In addition to traditional talk therapy, I utilize techniques from somatic, dance, movement, and expressive arts therapies to help you find ways to build a stronger relationship with your body and nervous system.
The world is real rough sometimes isn't it? Let's find a gentle place for you to land. You might find your heart racing thinking about a stressful conversation or notice that you struggle to breathe after being reminded of a trauma from the past. You’ve been living with this for a while and thought it would just ease with time, but it feels like something in your nervous system is just mis-wired. Through body-based, creative, and relational work we can create a space that allows your body to soften and settle, to find a little more peace.
In addition to traditional talk therapy, I utilize techniques from somatic, dance, movement, and expressive arts therapies to help you find ways to build a stronger relationship with your body and nervous system.
The world is real rough sometimes isn't it? Let's find a gentle place for you to land. You might find your heart racing thinking about a stressful conversation or notice that you struggle to breathe after being reminded of a trauma from the past. You’ve been living with this for a while and thought it would just ease with time, but it feels like something in your nervous system is just mis-wired. Through body-based, creative, and relational work we can create a space that allows your body to soften and settle, to find a little more peace.
(206) 565-0189 View (206) 565-0189
1
Dance Movement Therapy

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.