Are you or your child longing to be seen, heard, understood? Many people seek out therapy for this reason, but often times talk therapy, play therapy, and cognitive therapy don’t fully meet people’s needs. That’s because we are more than our minds, more than our thoughts, more than what can be expressed in words. We live in our bodies and our bodies need to be understood in order to fully heal. There is so much wisdom in the body, but many people don’t take the time to listen.
The practice of Authentic Movement offers people a chance to become more aware of what their bodies are trying to tell them. Over time, Authentic Movement practice helps people integrate the emotions that live in their bodies with their thinking mind. This helps people feel more like themselves again.
When practiced regularly, Authentic Movement can help people heal from trauma. It is similar to other somatic healing practices like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and SMART therapy (SensoriMotor Arousal Regulation Treatment).
Authentic Movement can be integrated into therapy. Other times it is practiced as a form of meditation. In addition, some dancers and choreographers wanting to access deeper states of being use Authentic Movement in their work.
What Authentic Movement Looks Like
In its most basic form, Authentic Movement involves one “mover” and one “witness”. The leader sets a timer. The practice begins when the mover makes eye contact with their witness. The mover then closes their eyes and waits for an impulse to move. They have no idea know how they will move. They listen closely. They know there is no “right” way to move and that if their body wants to be still that is okay too.
The mover moves with their eyes closed to block out visual stimuli and experience the sensations in their body. The mover pays close attention to their physical movement and notices thoughts, feelings, and memories that come to mind. If the mover feels dizzy or scared while moving, they can open their eyes a little while continuing to focus on their movement.
The witness observes what they experience in their own body/mind while also observing and tracking the mover’s movement. The witness may notice specific movements or qualities that draw their attention. The witness tries to “own” their thoughts, feelings, and “stories” that come up as they watch the mover.
After time is up, the mover and witness make eye contact again and share their experiences. Drawing and writing are sometimes used to help participants reflect on their experiences after moving/witnessing.
Effects of Authentic Movement
Authentic Movement practice helps build body awareness, facilitates emotional expression, and helps people create meaning in their lives. Over time, people who practice Authentic Movement may become more aware of how trauma or difficult past experiences have impacted their bodies and minds and shape the way they respond to others around them. Through this awareness, they can begin to find more comfortable ways of being in the world.
If you or your family are interested in trying Authentic Movement, reach out to us to learn more. At Intuition Wellness Center, we specialize in health and wellness services for children, young adults, and their families. If you think you would like some extra support, we’re here for you.
Written by Debby Urken, LCSW, a social worker on the Intuition Wellness Center team offering therapy to children and young adults.
