Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Embodied Movement Processing?

Embodied movement processing is a gentle, trauma-informed approach that blends movement, breath, and mindful awareness to help you reconnect with your body, regulate your nervous system, and process emotions. It’s a supportive way to explore patterns, release tension, and create new, more nourishing ways of being in your body.

2. What is a Dance/Movement Therapist?

A dance/movement therapist is a licensed mental health professional who uses movement and body awareness as primary tools for emotional healing, personal growth, and psychological well-being. Rather than focusing on dance skills or technique, dance/movement therapists use movement to help clients express, understand, and transform their emotional experiences. Dance/movement therapists complete rigorous training at the Master’s level, which includes extensive coursework in psychology, counseling theories, movement analysis, and clinical practice. Additionally, they must fulfill supervised clinical hours and pass examinations to obtain board certification. This holistic, embodied approach differs from traditional talk therapy by emphasizing the connection between body, mind, and emotions, rather than solely relying on verbal dialogue.

3. Do I need dance experience (or to “be good” at moving)?

Not at all! Sessions welcome every body and every ability. Your natural, authentic movement—whether subtle or expansive—is exactly what’s needed. You don’t need to be a dancer or feel graceful to benefit.

4. How is this different from a dance or yoga class?

Dance or yoga classes typically focus on skill-building, exercise, or recreation. Embodied movement processing uses movement therapeutically to explore feelings, sensations, and emotional patterns stored in your body. There are no steps to memorize, no mirrors, and no pressure—just supportive space to explore, heal, reconnect and create new neural pathways.

5. What happens in a typical session?

We usually start by checking in verbally about how you’re feeling. Then, guided by your goals, we’ll explore gentle movement, breathwork, or mindfulness practices. We finish by reflecting together—maybe through gentle conversation, drawing, or journaling—to help insights sink in, both physically and emotionally.

6. What kinds of concerns or goals can this help with?

People often come seeking relief from trauma symptoms, chronic anxiety and over-thinking, overwhelm, shame, stress from life changes, or feeling disconnected from themselves or others. It’s especially helpful if traditional talk therapy hasn’t fully resolved your challenges.

7. Is this safe if I have injuries or limited mobility?

Absolutely. Every movement is adapted to honor your body exactly as it is. We’ll always collaborate and move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you.

8. How many sessions will I need?

This varies depending on your goals. Some clients notice meaningful shifts within a few sessions, while others prefer longer-term support for deeper nervous system regulation. We’ll work together to find the rhythm and timeline that works best for you.

9. What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely—yoga pants, sweatpants, or anything cozy. You can be barefoot or wear grippy socks. Bringing a journal can also be helpful if you’d like to capture your insights during or immediately after sessions.

10. Is talking still part of the process?

Yes, but talking complements rather than leads our work together. Dialogue helps us name the sensations, emotions, and meanings that arise during movement, making it easier to integrate these insights into your daily life.

11. Can we do this work online?

Yes! Many clients have meaningful and effective experiences in tele-sessions. I’ll guide you through setting up a safe and comfortable space at home, ensuring our sessions are just as supportive as in-person work.

12. What’s the difference between therapy and coaching with you?

Therapy involves addressing diagnosable mental health conditions under my California counseling license. Coaching, on the other hand, emphasizes personal growth, creativity, and embodiment skills for non-clinical goals - available to anyone located outside California. We’ll clearly define the right fit for your needs and goals.

13. Is this covered by insurance?

Coaching typically isn’t covered by insurance because it isn’t considered medical or mental health treatment. Occasionally, clients successfully use wellness stipends, FSA/HSA funds, or employer benefits, though this is rare and usually requires a doctor’s note. It’s always worth checking with your insurance or HR department, but coaching is generally a private-pay service.

14. I feel self-conscious about moving in front of someone. Is that normal?

Very normal! Movement can feel vulnerable, especially at first. We’ll move at a pace that respects your comfort and sense of safety, beginning wherever feels easiest. I’ll remain sensitive and responsive to your feelings, ensuring our sessions feel supportive, gentle, and respectful of your boundaries.

Why Movement Matters: A Gentle Path to Embodied Healing

Movement-based work is not just a wellness practice—it’s a natural and science-backed way to support healing from the inside out. It’s for people who sense that their challenges aren’t only in their thoughts, but also in their bodies. (You can read more about dance and its benefits in mental and emotional health here and here.)

Here’s why it helps:

It Gets to the Root

Many emotional struggles live not just in your mind, but deeply within your body. Using a gentle bottom-up approach, we emphasize somatic experiences and movement, helping you softly access deeper layers where trauma, stress, and anxiety reside. You won’t have to relive your story—instead, you’ll gently shift by listening to your body and letting it guide you.

It Speaks to the Subconscious

Movement helps give form to feelings and experiences that might not yet have words. It naturally engages your emotional brain, creating space for hidden emotions and stored patterns to surface safely and integrate gently. It’s a compassionate and intuitive way to listen deeply to yourself.

It Brings Clarity and Change

As you move, you begin to notice how your body responds. What feels familiar, and what feels new. That awareness is powerful. It creates space for choice. Over time, this work helps you shift long-held patterns and step into new ways of being—more grounded, more clear, more whole.

It’s Experiential and Rooted in Science

This approach is deeply experiential, blending intention with emotion to create lasting change. Neuroscience research on neuroplasticity confirms that engaging your body in healing practices can profoundly reshape how you feel, think, and live. Done with presence, safety, and care, movement-based work gently supports your journey toward deeper wellbeing.