Dance / Movement Therapy

DMT is the therapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration of the individual, based on the empirically supported premise that the body, mind and spirit are interconnected. Movement is used as a catalyst, and a means into the person's inner feelings and a way to express, cope, interact with others, and integrate their experiences. Is it fancy? No! Movement&dance can be anything from breathing, posture, communicating, the way we hold ourselves.

I integrate Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) as a pathway to self-discovery and emotional well-being. My approach merges cultural understanding, embodied healing, and evidence-based practices to help clients move beyond adversity and step into their full potential. Whether through therapy, coaching, or education, I am committed to guiding individuals toward thriving, not just surviving.

I am an expert in dance movement therapy, a specialized form of therapy that uses movement and body awareness to promote emotional, physical, and cognitive healing. With a background in both psychology and the arts, I integrate the expressive power of movement with traditional therapeutic techniques to help clients process emotions, reduce stress, and enhance self-awareness. Dance movement therapy allows individuals to connect with their bodies in a nonverbal way.

This is a creative and somatic method that invites in body awareness as well as expressive movement. Movement signifies vitality, change, adaptability, and is the opposite of stuckness and stagnation. When we mindfully allow thoughts and emotions to move, we can ride the waves of life with grace.

You don't need to be a dancer to benefit from movement as a way to connect with your body’s wisdom, get in touch with your creativity, and support emotional healing. This is especially true for areas that don't improve with talk therapy alone.

Dance/movement Therapy (DMT) is a creative therapy similar to art or music therapy that uses movement as a tool to help clients express themselves, relieve stress, and create or practice wholesome habits that improve quality of life. Sessions could include what you’d typically think of as dance, but more often focus on everyday movements and body awareness. Participants in my sessions often report greater feelings of vitality and joy.

20 + years experience in dance.

In addition to a masters in occupational therapy, I have a rich history with therapeutic movement. I have a certificate in movement studies, a bachelors degree in dance, a certificate in massage therapy and have studied pilates, feldenkrais, the work of Andre Bernard and Irene Dowd, and many others. Chi gong, hula, yoga, and listening to your own body all inform my practice.

I have my Masters in Dance/Movement therapy (DMT), trained to observe, assess and engage in movement practices that meet the client where they are at; helping them to become more aware and connected to their body in a way that feels healing and empowering.

Tina holds a certificate of Circus Arts Therapy from the Circus Arts Institute. Modalities include Trapeze, Hammock and Lyra. She has trained and performed as a dancer-actor in ballet, modern, African Diaspora since the age of 4.

I help you connect better with your body sensations, emotions, and self, through movement.

In dance/movement therapy, I guide clients to explore emotions and experiences through movement, helping them connect mind and body. This creative approach fosters self-expression, releases stored tension, and builds awareness of how emotions manifest physically. Through guided movement and reflection, clients gain insights into their feelings, enhance emotional regulation, and build confidence. It’s a powerful tool for healing, self-discovery, and promoting overall well-being.

We experience life with our bodies & eating disorders, while definitely mental disorders are also a fight between the body, mind, and soul. To only focus on the mind leaves much out of the recovery equation. Don’t get me wrong, I love talk therapy (I better since I'm a therapist), but I also believe there are times talking can only go so far. Yoga is a unique healing modality, offering individuals safe, supported, healing practices & tools to navigate the challenges of recovery.

I am a registered dance/movement therapist offering video dance/movement therapy for the state of Oregon.

Currently a student enrolled in Embodied Education Institute of Chicago’s hybrid Alternate Route Dance Movement Therapy Program since January 2023. DMT is subtly layered into therapy sessions as requested.