What is Movement Therapy?
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Movement Therapy (MT) explores ranges of movements to support clients to return to their ‘window of tolerance’ (see below). It is a complementary therapy using individualised approaches from the ‘Movement for Trauma’ principles of Jane Clapp. The movements are based on Fitness Australia standards, and ancient to modern Yogic principles based on teachings from Yoga Synergy, in order to facilitate the return to optimal health.
It is not uncommon for individuals to feel disconnected, dissociated, under-activated, over-activated, anxious, and unsafe in their body. With such sensitivities, clients are given invitations of guidance and encouraged to move at their own pace to work within the comfort level that is right for them. As a result, one might experience increased self-trust, strength, self-worth, mobility, mental alertness, feel in relationship with the body and feel the vitality of life. |
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What is ‘Window of Tolerance’?
Window of tolerance is a term used to describe our ability to deal with life’s challenging situations. When we are ‘within’ our window of tolerance, we might feel stress and a sense of pressure yet does not concern us too much and can focus on the task at hand.
When we are out of our window of tolerance, we may experience dysregulation and have Hyper-arousal or Hypo-arousal.
Hyper-arousal is when a person feels agitated, anxious, angry, out of control and overwhelmed and the body wants to fight or run away. It often is not a choice, but the responses take over.
Hypo-arousal is when we feel spacy, zoned-out, glazed over, numb, frozen and the body wants to shut down. Again, this is not a choice, these responses just happen.
Stress and trauma can shrink our ability to remain in the window of tolerance, making it harder to stay calm and focused. However, the movements in MT can help us expand our window of tolerance so we are more able to cope with the challenges presented in their life.
When we are out of our window of tolerance, we may experience dysregulation and have Hyper-arousal or Hypo-arousal.
Hyper-arousal is when a person feels agitated, anxious, angry, out of control and overwhelmed and the body wants to fight or run away. It often is not a choice, but the responses take over.
Hypo-arousal is when we feel spacy, zoned-out, glazed over, numb, frozen and the body wants to shut down. Again, this is not a choice, these responses just happen.
Stress and trauma can shrink our ability to remain in the window of tolerance, making it harder to stay calm and focused. However, the movements in MT can help us expand our window of tolerance so we are more able to cope with the challenges presented in their life.
Who is Movement Therapy For?
MT is suitable for everybody regardless of age, fitness level, state of health or belief system. It can support individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, ASD, ADHD, anyone seeing a counsellor or psychotherapist, couples, and more.
Regardless of one’s life situation, Movement Therapy is aimed for people who want to increase confidence, set boundaries, improve concentration, and improve self-awareness.
Regardless of one’s life situation, Movement Therapy is aimed for people who want to increase confidence, set boundaries, improve concentration, and improve self-awareness.
What Should I Expect?
An initial consultation will involve an assessment to obtain background information and discuss the intention for therapy and goal setting. The suitability of the client-therapist connection will be addressed in the initial consultation.
After the initial appointment, the client will have the option to have a personalised practice designed by both the client and therapist. It will support the client in working towards their goals in alignment with their personal needs.
Each step of the way, the therapist and client work together to achieve the best possible outcome for health, happiness, and building a foundation of trust in their bodies. Each session is adapted to suit the individual and their needs.
A 50-minute MT session consists of any of the following:
After the initial appointment, the client will have the option to have a personalised practice designed by both the client and therapist. It will support the client in working towards their goals in alignment with their personal needs.
Each step of the way, the therapist and client work together to achieve the best possible outcome for health, happiness, and building a foundation of trust in their bodies. Each session is adapted to suit the individual and their needs.
A 50-minute MT session consists of any of the following:
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- Balance based activities
- Strength based activities - Yoga poses - Ball work - Dowel work (broom stick) - Meditation and Visualisations - Harmonium (Indian instrument) |
- Humming
- Breath work - Partner work - Moving to a Rhythm (music) - Reflective writing |
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As a body centred practice, Movement Therapy allows people who have experienced trauma to begin to connect with their body in a different way.
It is suggested to have a minimum of four sessions.
The therapist may request to liaise with other health care professionals if required.
It is suggested to have a minimum of four sessions.
The therapist may request to liaise with other health care professionals if required.
What Movement Therapy is NOT
Movement therapy is complimentary alongside any psychotherapy appointments and is not a replacement. It is also not about increasing fitness, nor is it about losing weight. It is not a generic Personal Training Gym session.
MT goes beneath aesthetics. " |
