This workshop explores the ways that implicit bias, White supremacy, ableism, heteronormativity, transphobia, patriarchy, sexism, narratives of pathology and of erasure of sociocultural identities/locations, can impact empathy, specifically kinesthetic empathy, in the counselor/ dance/movement therapist, and how this impact affects clients. Using verbal and nonverbal explorations through movement and the arts, participants will investigate their assumptions about empathy and how they experience empathy in their bodies in various contexts. Through reflection and discussion, participants will identify their next steps/moves in the journey of including socioculturally-informed kinesthetic empathy in the co-construction of the therapeutic movement relationship with the client. 

Wendy Allen, MA, BC-DMT

Carla Sherrell, Ed.D