![]() A common question I am asked about my work is “What does a dance therapy session look like?”. Many people I speak to mention they are not creative, or dancers, and couldn’t “do” dance therapy. Some good news - you don’t need to be “creative” (though I believe we all are) - you just need an open mind. This blog aims to provide a guide to sessions, including what to expect and how to prepare. Dance therapy may involve some dance and movement, but even if you do not feel comfortable with this, there are other avenues that can be explored. For example, learning about dance/movement or watching dance are artistic experiences that can offer insight into our own challenges. Now, what does a typical session look like? Session structure might vary between practitioners, but generally your therapist may first ask you to express how you are feeling, or how you have been broadly since your previous session. This can be conversation or creative-based, depending on your preferences. There may be a warm-up, which could look like a physical warm-up, or honing in on the theme or general objective of the session. This typically progresses into the “main event” of the session, in which the deepest work is done. Usually you are well into the dance/movement experience of the session and you may be working on processing emotions, looking at a situation from different perspectives, or developing strategies for working through your challenge/s. Your therapist will continue to guide you through the session and help you identify when it is time to begin closing the session. This may include recapping or reflecting on what was covered, and checking in with you to ensure you are ready for session closure and the transition out of the therapeutic space. Closure in my sessions typically involves a ritual of some sort that signifies to your mind and body that it is time to close the session - almost like developing a “cue” (i.e. in the same way having a night-time routine can cue your body that it is time to sleep). The exceptions to this structure may be if you are attending an initial session, in which you and your therapist will likely cover consent forms, confidentiality, limits of confidentiality, getting to know each other. Another exception may be if the session is group-based - stay tuned for a future blog about group dance therapy. Now you know the general structure, let’s look at an example. The following is entirely fictional and does not represent, nor is inspired by, any client I currently or have previously worked with. Samantha, 18, attends monthly dance therapy sessions to support her with identifying and expressing her emotions. Samantha experiences difficulties communicating boundaries and needs to others. Samantha’s therapist begins their session by inviting Samantha to share how she is feeling through a gesture. Samantha creates a pose with her body, which the therapist mirrors. Samantha and the therapist then begin improvising movement phrases using different poses and gestures inspired by the initial pose. This allows Samantha to link different movements and bodily sensations to emotions. Samantha and the therapist move on to mirroring, in which Samantha observes and copies the therapist's movements, which convey different emotional experiences. Samantha is asked to guess the emotions being conveyed, with the therapist confirming if they are correct. The roles are reversed, giving Samantha the opportunity to practice expressing her emotions in a safe environment. Samantha and the therapist then discuss how this exercise can be applied to Samantha’s life. They then physically shake to ritualise the end of the session and Samantha’s transition out of therapy. In this example, Samantha and the therapist work together towards Samantha’s goal of communicating her emotions. This begins with Samantha identifying emotions, and progresses towards expressing and communicating these. You now know what a typical dance therapy session might look like! You may now be wondering how to get the most out of your session. A few things can help - 1. Consider the Logistics To ensure you can focus on the session itself, it may help to plan ahead with some therapy-adjacent logistics. Will the session be online or in-person? If the former, do you need to download any apps to your computer or tablet? If the latter, how will you get there? What is parking like, or is there public transport nearby? If you are unsure, you can contact the practice to ask. Taking some time to think about these well before your session means you’ll be less likely to feel rushed beforehand, and means you can focus as much as possible on the session. 2. Have an Idea for a Session Focus This can be as simple as processing something that has happened between sessions. Or, if an initial session, it could be getting to know your therapist and ensuring they are the right fit for you. Your focus doesn’t have to be detailed or super specific, but having a general idea in mind can help your therapist make sure you are getting what you need from each session. 3. Think About the Art You are likely going to a dance therapy session because you have some kind of interest in dance/movement or some other form of art. To help you prep for your session, I’d suggest thinking of music that makes you comfortable, or a dance style you like. If you’re heading to an initial session, you could ask your therapist beforehand if they have props. Many people often feel these are an easier way to get into movement - for example, you could stretch using resistance bands or create an obstacle course. You usually do not need to bring your own props, unless it is a telehealth appointment. You may also like to consider what you wear. If this sounds odd, hear me out. You’ll want to wear something comfortable, especially if you’d like to be moving. 4. Keep a List Whether you are already working with a therapist or not, it could help to keep a list of situations, strong emotions (positive or otherwise), or thoughts you have noticed prior to your next session. The list could be on your phone, your journal or your mind. Whichever way you choose to do it, this can help you and your therapist look at patterns, triggers, changes, progress and provide ideas for goals/objectives. All are very useful to explore in session and will help you to learn more about yourself! I hope this article has helped to demystify what a dance therapy session could look like, and has given you some ideas for getting the most out of your sessions. Stay tuned for my next blog on the features and benefits of different dance therapy formats, including group and individual! Warmest, Abi
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