Emphasizing the connections between mind and body, dance/movement therapy inherently makes use of mindfulness practices. In this webinar, we delve into ways to consciously and actively use mindfulness as a therapeutic tool. We look at how present-moment awareness helps to regulate the nervous system so that clients can work in an optimal zone of affective arousal. Participants are introduced to differences in applying generalized mindfulness (such as overall awareness of thoughts, emotions, and body experience,) and more directed mindfulness (such as bringing focused attention to one aspect of experience to the exclusion of others.) We explore the importance of bringing mindfulness into movement so that embodied experience and expression can effectively serve growth and change.

Learning Objectives:

1.  Increase awareness of ways to incorporate mindfulness into therapeutic practice.

2.  Understand ways in which mindfulness can be used to regulate nervous system arousal.

3. Identify unique considerations when using mindfulness in dance/movement therapy.

Continuing Education Credits: 1.0 ADTA CE, 1.0 NBCC CE, 1.0 NY LCAT CE

Presenter Bio:

Annabelle Coote, MA, LMHC, BC-DMT loves helping both clients and therapists harness the power of the creative process and the mind/body connection to deepen, enrich, and transform life experiences. She is a licensed mental health counselor and board certified dance/movement therapist with 25 years experience as a clinician, educator, consultant, and supervisor. She is the founder and director of Movement Matters LLC, Integrative Psychotherapy movementmatterstherapy.com, and Fire Within: Creative Mind-Body Professional Development for Therapists firewithinconsulting.com She offers consultation, supervision, and training for mental health professionals. She loves dancing, all things nature, interpersonal neurobiology, family time, a rich bar of dark chocolate, and warm sunshine on her face.

Original Webcast Date: 12/9/2014