What types of therapy sessions do you offer?

We offer individual and group dance/movement therapy sessions, as well as clinical supervision and consultation services for therapists. Find the best option for your needs!

What is Dance/Movement Therapy?

Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) is a holistic approach to mental health that uses movement to promote emotional, cognitive, and physical integration. It's especially effective for those who find it challenging to express themselves verbally.

Can you explain what Dance/Movement Therapy is?

Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) is a holistic mental health approach that uses movement to foster emotional, cognitive, and physical integration. It's particularly beneficial for those who find verbal expression challenging.

Who can benefit from Dance/Movement Therapy?

Anyone can benefit from Dance/Movement Therapy, regardless of age or background. It's particularly helpful for individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as those seeking a more embodied approach to healing.

What should I expect during my first session?

Your first session will involve an initial assessment where we discuss your goals and needs. You'll be introduced to the basics of Dance/Movement Therapy and engage in some gentle movement exercises to help you feel comfortable.

Dance Therapy for Mental Health: A Path to Overcoming Depression

Lauren Mickle
Jan 10
4 min read

Depression can feel like a heavy fog that dims the light within us. Traditional talk therapy offers valuable tools, but sometimes words alone are not enough to reach the depths of emotional pain. This is where dance therapy steps in as a powerful, holistic approach to healing. By engaging the body, mind, and spirit, dance therapy invites us to reconnect with ourselves in a gentle, creative, and trauma-informed way. Movement becomes a language of healing, offering new pathways to emotional freedom and resilience.

Understanding Dance Therapy for Mental Health

Dance therapy, also known as dance/movement therapy (DMT), is a form of expressive therapy that uses movement to support emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration. Rooted in psychology and body awareness, it recognizes that our bodies hold stories, emotions, and memories that words may not fully capture. Through guided movement, individuals can explore feelings, release tension, and foster self-awareness.

This approach is especially beneficial for those experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, or life transitions. It supports nervous system regulation by encouraging grounding and mindful presence. The body’s natural rhythms and expressive potential become tools for healing and growth.

Key benefits of dance therapy include:

Enhancing body awareness and self-connection
Supporting emotional expression and release
Regulating the nervous system through movement and breath
Building resilience and coping skills
Fostering a sense of community and belonging in group settings

Dance therapy is inclusive and trauma-informed, honoring diverse identities and experiences. It creates a safe space where all bodies and stories are valued.

Eye-level view of a single dancer moving freely in a sunlit studio — A group enjoys a dance therapy session, moving together with guided rhythm and energy in the warm sunlight.

How Dance Therapy Supports Emotional Healing

Depression often disconnects us from our bodies and emotions, making it difficult to feel grounded or hopeful. Dance therapy gently invites reconnection by encouraging movement that reflects inner experiences. This process can help uncover and express feelings that may be stuck or suppressed.

For example, a therapist might guide a client to explore movements that represent heaviness or lightness, tension or release. This somatic exploration helps clients identify emotions without needing to verbalize them immediately. Over time, this builds emotional literacy and self-compassion.

Movement also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body and mind. Simple grounding exercises, such as feeling the feet on the floor or swaying gently, can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. These tools empower clients to manage overwhelming feelings outside of therapy sessions.

In group dance therapy, shared movement fosters connection and reduces isolation. Witnessing others’ expressions can validate personal experiences and inspire hope. The creative process encourages playfulness and spontaneity, which can be healing antidotes to depression’s heaviness.

Movement prompts to try at home:

Stand or sit comfortably and notice your breath.
Slowly sway side to side, feeling the weight shift in your body.
Explore small movements that express how you feel right now—perhaps a stretch, a shake, or a gentle twist.
Notice any sensations or emotions that arise without judgment.

These simple practices can be grounding and nurturing, helping to build a daily connection to your body and emotions.

Exploring Dance Therapy for Depression

When depression feels overwhelming, it can be hard to find words to describe the experience. Dance therapy offers a nonverbal outlet that honors the complexity of this journey. By moving through the body, clients can access deeper layers of healing that complement traditional talk therapy.

Research shows that dance therapy can reduce symptoms of depression by improving mood, increasing self-esteem, and enhancing social engagement. The creative expression involved helps break patterns of rumination and negative self-talk.

If you or someone you know is seeking a compassionate, holistic approach to mental health, consider exploring dance therapy for depression. This approach integrates body awareness, emotional healing, and nervous system support in a welcoming, affirming environment.

Close-up view of a single foot grounded firmly on a wooden floor during a dance therapy session — Grounded foot during a dance therapy movement exercise

Practical Tips for Incorporating Movement into Your Healing Journey

You don’t need to be a trained dancer to benefit from movement-based healing. Here are some practical ways to bring dance therapy principles into your daily life:

Create a safe space: Find a quiet, comfortable area where you can move freely without distractions.
Set an intention: Before you begin, think about what you want to explore or release through movement.
Use music: Choose songs that resonate with your current mood or that inspire you to move.
Start small: Begin with gentle movements like stretching, swaying, or tapping your feet.
Tune into your body: Notice sensations, emotions, and thoughts as you move. Allow yourself to express whatever arises.
Practice grounding: End your session by feeling your feet on the floor, taking deep breaths, or sitting quietly to integrate the experience.

If you feel stuck or unsure, working with a trained dance/movement therapist can provide guidance and support tailored to your needs. Group sessions can also offer connection and encouragement.

Embracing Movement as a Lifelong Tool for Wellness

Dance therapy is more than a treatment - it’s a lifelong practice of self-care and self-discovery. Movement connects us to our bodies, emotions, and communities in ways that nurture resilience and joy. Whether you are navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, or life transitions, dance therapy offers a warm, supportive path toward healing.

At Hopeful Movement Therapy, we are committed to creating inclusive, trauma-informed spaces where every individual can explore their unique journey through movement. We invite you to discover the transformative power of dance therapy and take steps toward renewed hope and connection.

Ready to explore dance therapy? Reach out for a free consultation or join one of our group sessions to experience the healing potential of movement firsthand.

Movement is the language of the soul - let your body tell its story.