Authentic Movement Can Be the Key to Helping You Heal and Move Forward in Missoula, MT
Authentic Movement is a mindfulness-based movement practice. Authentic Movement is practiced in a dance studio with individuals and groups. In Authentic Movement practice, physical movement can serve as a bridge between implicit and explicit memory. This can create the possibility to explore internal material, as well as the relationship between the inside and outside, seeing and being seen.
As people commit to the process of Authentic Movement, many find that they slowly begin to bring the formless into form, the unspoken begins to be spoken, and the unseen begins to be visible.
Authentic Movement and You
Mary Whitehouse, the founder of Authentic Movement, said, “When the movement was simple and inevitable, not to be changed, no matter how limited or partial, it became what I called ‘authentic’—it could be recognized as genuine, belonging to that person. There is a necessary attitude of inner openness, a kind of capacity for listening to oneself.… It is made possible only by concentration and patience.”
The basic form consists of a mover or movers and a witness or witnesses. The mover moves with eyes closed and attends to their inner experience and impulses, choosing to follow or not follow them, working towards being able to track their knowledge and be present in it while noticing what is happening. After the mover is finished moving, there is a time for them to share their experience of the move.
The witness’s job is to come with clear receptive presence, and to notice their experience of being in the presence of the mover, and when there is time to speak after the movement time is over to share the parts of their knowledge that are free of projection, interpretation, and judgment, and feel like they would be nourishing to the mover. The mover and the witness together, through attentiveness to their ability to be present, can create a relationship of deep respect and empathy.
This work can be done in a therapeutic setting or a dyadic or group setting focused on personal growth and creativity. Regardless of the group’s goals, the work is centered on healing, growth, and supporting the development of all participants.
Who Participates?
Nearly anyone can participate in authentic movement therapy. However, many people may particularly benefit from this therapy and exercise:
- Anyone seeking a more profound understanding of themselves.
- Mothers and Fathers wishing to deepen their relationship with themselves through the body, to offer that to their children.
- Educators seeking to reconnect with the body as a primary way of knowing.
- Artists seeking creative connection to their internal world.
- Psychotherapists seeking an embodied understanding of the somatic therapeutic relationship.
Choosing the Montana Center for Somatic Psychotherapy
Whatever your reason for choosing to embrace this form of therapy, the therapists at Montana Center for Somatic Psychotherapy are here to help. As a team of therapists with decades of combined experience, we have challenged ourselves to incorporate various specialized types of therapy, thereby becoming a more diverse therapy clinic.
As a result, hundreds of patients have entrusted us with their care, and hundreds of others have successfully navigated the world following sessions with us. With dedicated and compassionate therapists in your corner, you can confidently embrace the world and look forward to your future!
Embrace Authentic Movement
The Montana Center for Somatic Psychotherapy supports patients like you in addressing their authentic movement needs. If you’re looking to begin an innovative and progressive form of therapy, contact us today to schedule an intake and learn more about our clinic.
