Dance Movement Therapy
Regain the Joy of Movement and your body
You are missing the joy of movement
You feel so physically uncomfortable that you can’t remember the last time you enjoyed moving your body. All you’re aware of is tension or soreness. Something is off, and at times your body doesn’t feel like your own.
You used to love dancing, taking walks, gardening, and moving around freely. Now, all you notice is discomfort, and you feel self-conscious. This creates so much internal distraction that it becomes difficult to focus and be present.
Coming to terms with a changing body
You’re trying to accept that your body looks and feels different and that it will continue to change as you age. However, you hate not feeling comfortable in it. You feel sad and no longer engage in activities you once enjoyed. You’re starting to feel more withdrawn and, at times, on edge in your relationships. You feel unsure of how to reconcile these changes.
You want help to reconnect with your body
You want someone who can help you process these feelings about your changing body and reconnect with it, to feel like you are befriending your body again.
I hear you.
Whether you’ve experienced a significant life change that has impacted how you feel in your body—such as childbirth, an injury, or surgery—or you want to heal your body image and navigate the natural progression of aging, I can help you come to terms with these changes and feel like yourself again.
My name is Lisaura, and as a dance therapist and clinical counselor, I help adults struggling to connect with and feel comfortable in their bodies regain the joy of movement.
How Dance Therapy in Chicago Can Help
Through dance therapy, we will explore how movement helps integrate the sensations you feel in your body with your emotions, thoughts, and the way you connect with yourself and others. I will invite you to slow down and practice listening to and trusting your body cues, so you can become more aware of when you need to pause, recuperate, or move. This will help you start connecting with cues of comfort and okayness in your body.
Creating a safe and supportive environment
Exploring your relationship with your body with someone else can be uncomfortable and vulnerable. However, my clients often say that my calm presence and support help them feel safe while exploring movements with me. They share that my gentle, yet direct approach helps them lessen self-judgment and take a more curious stance.
You will be gently invited and guided into the movement experience and supported in recognizing your own edge as you choose to take part. I will either take the role of the observer/witness, move with you, or both. We will be in constant conversation throughout the session and decide together what feels best for you.
Schedule a Free Consultation for Dance Therapy in Chicago
Rediscover the joy of movement and become more present with your body. Understand what feels right and what doesn’t and learn how to respond with care and compassion instead of frustration. As your dance therapist in Chicago, I can help you nurture this relationship and reconnect with your body's natural rhythm. Contact me today to start your journey toward a more embodied and joyful life.
I am a Spanish-speaking therapist. Pregúntame por una consulta gratis.
Ready to get started with Dance Therapy in Chicago?
Contact me today!
Dance Therapy in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
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Dance Therapy, or Dance/Movement Therapy, is a form of psychotherapy where movement is used to integrate emotional, cognitive, social, and physical aspects of a person. The goal is to bring these areas together to help you feel more whole, increase adaptability, develop new coping strategies, and improve overall well-being.
Creative expression through dance and movement is at the heart of Dance Therapy. However, it’s different from a traditional dance class you might find at a dance studio. In Dance Therapy, the movement is a result of the personal expression connected to your inner experiences and emotions processed during the session.
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Not at all! Previous dance experience is not necessary to benefit from Dance Therapy. All you need is a curious and open attitude towards re-engaging with your body and exploring movement.
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That’s okay! In fact, everyone has rhythm in their own way. While you might think of rhythm as keeping time with music, movement and body rhythms start in utero and are our first language for connecting with others and the world. I’ll help you reconnect with the natural rhythm your body already knows.
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My Dance Therapy sessions last 60 minutes. During our first meeting, we’ll review your completed registration forms, discuss guidelines and general information, and go over your history and reasons for seeking Dance Therapy. We’ll also collaborate on setting your therapy goals and structuring our sessions. Toward the end of the appointment, I’ll invite you to engage in a short mindful movement experience.
Our sessions usually include a verbal check-in, a movement experience with processing, or moving first and processing verbally afterward. We’ll decide together what works best for you each day.
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Great question! Movement is used in the following ways:
-Collaboratively: Movement is always an invitation, never imposed. You’ll be invited to take part in movement experiences, but you’re never expected to move if you’re not ready.
-Symbolically or metaphorically: Movement can express or describe things that are difficult to put into words.
-Through structured sequences: These can help with grounding, connection, strength, flexibility, or expressivity.
-Exploring different qualities of movement: This often relates to temperament and personality and includes your preferences in the use of time, pressure, space, and breath.
Music is welcome and encouraged. You can bring your own music or make requests, and I might suggest music to support the theme or goal of the session.
Occasionally, with your permission, I may guide you through movement exercises or adjustments through touch. Consent is always discussed beforehand.
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Wear comfortable clothes that allow for a full range of motion. No special shoes are needed. You can choose to be barefoot, wear socks, or keep your shoes on—whatever feels best for you.
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This can vary from person to person. Generally, clients work with me for anywhere between 6 months to 2 years. The duration depends on your goals and progress. We’ll meet regularly to review your goals and progress and adjust as needed. My aim is not to keep you in therapy forever but to help you achieve your goals and support you in getting where you want to be.
