MOVEMENT THERAPY

“The same areas of the brain that generate reason and help us solve problems are also involved in movement. Thus, movement has shaped, and continues to shape, our minds (Janet, 1925) and vice versa.” – Pat Ogden, PhD

Here at Advance we offer clients a choice, in addition to traditional talk therapy, to experiment with listening to their bodies and also engaging in movement. Nature of movement depends on what is being explored. Often it is a movement to provide comfort and support to oneself; at times it is following body’s defensive action; and at others it is a movement of connection and reach. 

Tango Psychotherapy

There is a myriad of movement that is held in our bodies. Thus, allowing yourself to move to music is a powerful way of self-expression and tapping into one’s own inner experience.

Some Advance clients, especially couples, engage into tango psychotherapy, that is a unique holistic therapy approach.  It combines traditional talk psychotherapy and body-oriented therapy with music and steps of the Argentine Tango. It is an engaging and non-threatening way to connect to ourselves.  As music, tango steps and physical contact interact with the whole person, he/she/they experiences body sensations, emotions, thoughts and imagery.  These experiences are then talked about to help the client gain deeper understanding.

There are two components to dancing tango: emotion and technique.  In tango psychotherapy, freedom of emotional expression is of essence. The technicalities of the dance are not essential; it is not important if you know how to dance or if you have two “left feet.”  It is the emotional component that opens possibilities for exploration, insight and change.

Giving a voice to our bodies then becomes a powerful and liberating experience, which with the help of a professional brings deeper understanding of our relationship with ourselves, with others and with the world around us.  That is why clients in tango psychotherapy have achieved transformations that might not have been possible through traditional talk therapy alone.

Walk & Talk Therapy

Another way to bring movement into therapy is to go on a walk. Instead of exploring your challenges while sitting in front of a screen, we can do so while sitting or walking outside. This approach can be weaved in and out throughout the course of psychotherapy, so Advance therapists and clients collaboratively decide on appropriateness and frequency of such sessions. Studies have consistently shown that increasing physical activity can contribute to lessening symptoms of anxiety and depression.