Welcome
“Just take this step. The horizon
will look after itself.”
Charlie Makesy
“Just take this step. The horizon
will look after itself.”
Charlie Makesy
Neuroscience has shown that simply by becoming aware of how we move, and then adjusting it, even in subtle ways, we cause positive changes in the brain. This alters feelings of powerlessness into a sense of being more in control. So, what would it be like to imagine yourself not simply as a ‘human being’ or even a ‘human doing’, but as a ‘human moving’? As a Dance Movement Psychotherapist, which is a type of embodied, creative practitioner, I can help you understand how your mind and body work together to offer new insights and bring about change. I will not make assumptions about where your psychotherapy journey will unfold, whether goal-oriented or longer term. We’ll find this together.
‘Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) recognises body movement as an implicit and expressive instrument of communication and expression. DMP is a relational process in which client/s and therapist engage in an empathic creative process using body movement and dance to assist integration of emotional, cognitive, physical, social and spiritual aspects of self. DMP is practiced as individual and group therapy in settings such as health, education, social services and in private practice. The profession is continually informed by research and by initiatives and projects that open up and extend the field of DMP practice’. (ADMP UK).
Psychotherapy continues to be a predominantly white and cis-heteronormative area (though things are evolving). For this reason, cultural competence is an important element of my practice. I am ready to challenge my own assumptions (unconscious or otherwise), while listening deeply to what it is like to be you.
Depression, fear and anxiety are among the most common and debilitating symptoms we can experience. They can leave us feeling not only overwhelmed at times, but utterly powerless to do anything about it. Paying attention to our moving body helps uncover the parts of us we have silenced.
Re-integrating these lost
parts of ourselves increases vitality, motivation and restores an appetite for life.
Many people suffer symptoms due to adverse childhood experiences, some dating back to infancy. We hold this type of developmental trauma as body memories and it may not be possible to find words to describe the feelings that something is not right. Others carry trans-generationally transmitted trauma passed down from previous generations. Anxiety, fear, shame, low self-esteem, hopelessness and confusion can remain fixed in us long after the traumatic events took place, and we may struggle with current relationships as well. Movement Psychotherapy offers a non-invasive way to address what trauma leaves behind in the body, always working at your pace and avoiding reactivating the original traumatisation.
Whether you have had a diagnosis or not, do you find that you have to mask your true self in order to fit in? Do you feel misunderstood by others? Do you suspect your brain might be wired slightly differently from others? If so, being neurodiverse does not mean you are less than anyone else. It just means you have your own way of seeing things and being in the world. Movement psychotherapy is a good place to explore the triggering, anxiety, depression and other challenges that can come with trying to navigate the neurotypical world. We can work out ways for you to support yourself, as well as finding the right words to make your needs clear to your family, friends, co-workers and the world at large.
What others have said about Constance
‘ … the members absolutely loved your sessions and were raving about them afterwards so thank you again’.
Project Manager, Creative Arts Therapy for Young Adults with Learning Disabilities
‘I have seen Constance build safe, warm and encouraging environments for our students to be able to express themselves without fear of ridicule or judgement. This is quite an achievement as many of our students have experienced years of very public educational failure and can avoid situations where the chance of failure is seen as a real possibility’.
Headteacher, Special Needs Community College
‘Attendance by our service users has been regular and consistent. They have fed back to me the significant improvement in their recovery journey and mental well-being’.
Manager MIND Well-Being Hub
‘I was full of energy after each session. The sessions also helped my mental health’.
MIND service user, group participant
‘You made a great contribution to my overall recovery and re-integration with my body’.
MIND service user, one-to-one participant
‘I found Constance’s suggestion of ”Listen to your Body” really interesting and it has returned to me several times since. Wise words and I am sure ones that promote good physical and mental health. This combined with her relaxed and accommodating manner made her talk memorable to young and old!’
Deputy Head, Co-curriculum, Marlborough College, commenting on presentation “The Body Never Lies” given to students and staff
I keep certain data so that I can deliver the therapeutic service you require and I comply with the guidelines of the UK regulatory body I belong to, the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK (admp.uk.org). Any clinical notes I write are kept in an anonymous form, and held separately from your contact details, following general data protection regulations (GDPR) data privacy laws. The data controller is Constance Novis.
I am a registered Dance Movement Psychotherapist (DMP) with the UK regulatory body, the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy (ADMP UK). I also have full professional liability insurance and am covered to work online from the UK with clients anywhere in the world.
Adults
Direct enquiries for adults (age 18+) can be made here by sending me an email.
I look forward to hearing from you.
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