Dance Movement Therapy
Who can benefit?
Dance Movement Therapy can benefit people who may experience:
· Low self-esteem
· Feeling stuck
· Stress
· Anxiety
· Depression
· Addiction
· Relationship Issues
· Body image issues
· Grief and loss
· Childhood trauma
· NDIS clients
· Life transitions
Why Dance Movement Therapy?
There are times when words fail to express what is going on for us. We may know that the past has deeply affected us, yet words are not enough to help us process it and move on. Some life experiences get locked in the body and shape the rest of our lives. Research shows that body/movement centered therapy is most effective in such cases.
What is Dance Movement Therapy?
‘To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak.’ Hopi saying
Dance Movement Therapy has evolved from dance and psychotherapy. It combines the elements of dance, movement, creative expression, neurobiology and psychotherapeutic processes to address the specific needs of groups and individuals. Bringing body/movement expression to understanding helps us heal the past, communicate better and move with more ease through life.
What to expect:
As a client in Dance Movement Therapy, you will be supported in the safe container of the therapeutic relationship to move and shed light onto areas in your body where that old story might be stored.
During a session, we may use music or not, improvisation, imagery or dance depending on what is comfortable for you. It is not about how much you move in a session but about noticing body cues and movement qualities and using them as doorways into your inner landscape.
Your movement can be as small as watching your breath move in and out or the way you move across the room might carry a message about what is going on for you. By expressing feelings through movement, in a safe and supported way, comes the possibility for insights leading to restoration, wellness and growth.
Angela Kastanis is a Dance Movement Therapist (DTAA (DMT Prof) Reg. No 219-02, PACFA Reg. Provisional 25135) supporting people overcome challenges, tap into their inner wisdom and strength to move forward with a calm, centered and clear disposition.
Sessions are offered online or in person at:
91 Watt Road, Mornington, Victoria.
Fee Schedule:
Individual Sessions: $110
Concession: $80
NDIS Clients are invoiced according the the National Price Guide.
Testimonials
I lost my husband to M.N.D. 12 months ago. I spent 2 and a half years caring for my husband and was basically housebound. When he passed I felt lost and alone. Then COVID-19 hit; in and out of lockdown for most of 2020. I was stuck with my grief. I believe this just made my condition worse. My grief was severe and intense, my confidence low, and I felt I had little energy. I started attending Angela’s Dance Movement Therapy. I felt a little unsure at first, but Angela’s caring, and compassionate nature put me immediately at ease.
From the very first session I felt much lighter and more energetic.
I found Angela to be a great listener, she tailor made each session specifically to my needs and picked up on my energy. Over time she was able to help guide me to search my inner emotions and with movement and awareness I was able to face my fears and accept my loss. I was able to connect with my heart and shift to a place of confidence. I’m even starting to plan for the future. Something I could not have done last year.
I had an appointment with my G.P. last week and he was extremely impressed with how far I have come emotionally. He recommended I keep up the dance/movement session.
I recommend Dance Movement Therapy to anyone dealing with emotional stress or to help cope with life’s ups and downs. I would highly recommend Angela to help anyone suffering with grief. Leona Brown, Mt Martha, Victoria
Angela, through her facilitation takes me to a place beyond words, beyond mind, to somewhere deep inside my body where I can access my deepest wisdom and clarity. She shows me that I can trust my body and through movement my body can express my truth. What becomes clear with Angela’s uplifting and inspired guidance is the wisdom innate in my body and the tender soulfulness of expressing my truth.
After a session with Angela, I have a feeling of wholeness in my being and grounded centeredness, like I’ve just performed an internal Spring clean. I feel ready to step into my life, more present and aware and more connected to my body and my joy. Sophie Small, Port Arlington, Victoria
Angela worked with our son with development disabilities and PTSD weekly for 9 months. When Ben started sessions he was very withdrawn, unwilling to make eye contact or express himself verbally or physically. Each week, Ben began to communicate his feelings more openly through the dance, movement, mirroring and relaxation techniques that Angela so intuitively uses. Over the period, he started to release trapped emotions and become more engaged and present and much less anxious and withdrawn. I highly recommend Angela and her commitment, integrity and abilities. It was a wonderful experience for all. Charlene Watts