Long before there was EMDR there was dance…
I believe we are all dancers. Throughout my life I have studied a wide variety of dance forms. Currently I am studying within the Dance for Parkinson's / Dance for PD training program. I am a Dancing Mindfulness facilitator and have studied with Open Floor International and The Movement Arc. The latest excitement is developing "EMDR in Motion". The aim is to incorporate movement and dance across the phases of EMDR therapy. A number of colleagues have provided valuable input and I also credit the Trauma Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute for richly supporting my learning through the BMDR; Bilateral Movement Desensitization and Resensitization training. In addition, with the ongoing sense of safety being a priority for participants, the "Neuroception of Safety" will be closely monitored both formally* and informally.
It was when I became a Dancing Mindfulness Facilitator that I began to think about incorporating dance in EMDR Long before there was EMDR there was dance, involving bilateral movement and embodied present moment awareness, several of the elements believed to make EMDR so effective. Dancing Mindfulness, developed by Dr Jamie Marich, is the ultimate “come as you are” movement and dance experience. It is based on conscious dance which can be defined as unchoreographed, intentionally nonevaluative mindful movement commonly practiced in a group setting for purposes of authentic self-expression, self-discovery, interpersonal connectedness, and personal healing or growth. The benefits of mindfulness, dance and community are being recognized as some of the best ways for us to be healthy in mind, body and spirit. Simply put, it is a recognition and return to ancient healing practices.
In Dancing Mindfulness, there is an emphasis on creating a “safe as possible” group space. Mindful awareness is brought to the internal as well as external environment. Attention is brought to the experience of both stillness and moving in the shared space.
There are seven attitudes of mindfulness: Non-judging, Non-striving, Beginners Mind, Acceptance, Trust, Patience and Letting Go.
In addition there are seven elements which are Breath, Sound, Mind, Body, Spirit, Story and Integration.
There is no choreography, no talent or previous dance experience needed. There is an invitation to move freely to a play list that begins with slowly warming up, includes a variety of genres, and ends with music to slow down and return to a calm, alert state.
I am not currently offering Dancing Mindfulness community classes. I am excited to be in the process of developing therapeutic groups and workshops that incorporate the principles of Dancing Mindfulness along with a variety of other sources of inspiration. EMDR in Motion will be introduced in the fall of 2026.
*The felt sense of safety can be measured formally through the Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scales being developed by Morton, Cogan, Porges and others at the Consortium for Trauma Science
