Breath and Movement Facilitators
Dance Therapy
PAGE CONTENTS
Dance therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the body and its movement/breath patterns to achieve therapeutic goals. The therapist facilitates the client’s movements and connects these to treatment goals, issues and themes. The issues and themes are developed, expressed and worked through in movement and processed verbally. Therapy is done individually and in groups. Dance therapy is used with individuals, couples and families.
Body Centered Transformation
Body Centered Transformation, a therapy developed b Drs. Gay and Kathy Hendricks, honors the body and all of its experiences. Its purpose is to help individuals access their sacred essence by clearing up what gets in the way of full aliveness and creativity. There are nine key strategies and principles used in the process. They are: presensing, magnification, telling the truth, breathwork, movement, taking responsibility, love, manifestation (the act of turning a desire or dream into reality) and grounding. The therapist works with individuals and couples in sessions that last between one and one and a half hours.
Hatha Yoga
There are many different kinds of Hatha yoga, like Kripalu and Iyengar, all teaching movement postures and breathing techniques (pranayama) for relaxation, meditation and well being. In pranayama, the spine is erect, the rib cage positioned to be able to expand and the flow of air is directed through the nose. Students generally take classes with a trained instructor and are encouraged to practice daily for at least 15 minutes.
Soul Dancing
Soul Dancing is dancing and moving with the intention of experiencing spiritual connection. By returning to the Source of creative power and intuition, individuals are able to access a deeper level of knowledge for greater clarity, peace, and well being. It is currently being developed by the author of this article, through her spiritual guidance and years of personal experience. Many times certain music is used, designed to assist in opening the body’s energy systems so individuals can move freely and journey to spiritual realms. Toning/singing, freestyle drawing/art,and writing is also used. Done in groups as well as in private sessions, Soul Dancing is creative and free flowing, constantly changing depending on what’s needed in the moment.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi coordinates the mind/body/spirit to act in accordance with nature. This is done through a series of slow, continual movements coordinated with breath which have been developed through hundreds of years of Chinese tradition. Beginners typically start in a class of about fifteen people with an instructor. They are encouraged to practice for at least ten minutes to one hour a day on their own.
Breathwork
Holotropic Breathing ™
Holotropic Breathing ™ is the modality which has risen out of the research of Stanislav Grof, M.D., into the psyche and altered states of consciousness through the use breath, music, focused bodywork and mandala art. Individuals are instructed to lie on their back, close their eyes and breathe deeper and faster while listening to highly evocative music specially designed to drive the process. Anything not resolved by the breath and music is further resolved by focused bodywork and artwork. Holotropic Breathing ™ is done in groups ranging from ten to over two hundred people and is available in one to six day formats.
Rebirthing
Rebirthing is a breathwork designed to uncover repressed thoughts and feelings related to an individual’s birth, family and sexual history. Breath is brought in to the chest through the mouth in order to stimulate repressed emotional material. Sessions are typically done on a one-on-one basis with the practitioner supporting and supervising the client. Some rebirthers will also use movement to help a client express feelings.
Transformational Breath ™
Transformational Breath ™ is a form of integrative breath that focuses on opening to a more positive and healthier life experience. By breathing into the lower abdomen and raising the breath into the solar plexus, heart and upper chest, suppressed mental and emotional material can be accessed and integrated so individuals are able to live with greater fulfillment and satisfaction. Transformational Breathing ™ is typically done for a few sessions with a trained facilitator who assists their client in learning to breathe by themselves, encouraging independence.
Dance and Movement Therapy
Arlyn Stark: 321-0564
Towson
Hendricks Radiant Breath
Mary Kent Norton: (410) 268-2236
Annapolis
Holotropic Breath
Change of Heart
Thomas Brightman: 239-7098
Reisterstown
Sacred Dance
Elizabeth Lerner, workshops
301 589-9408
Transformational Breath
Charlotte Abell: (410) 635-2262
Sykesville
Nini Beegan: 825-5221
Towson/Owings Mills
Kathleen Kendricks: 255-8836
Baltimore
Dan & Ariel Marsh: (410) 442-8047
Mount Airy
LeOuita Ann Nichols: 358-7727
Baltimore
Gene & Leveda Troy: (410) 875-0545
Sykesville
The International Breath Institute, formerly Cosmic Breath Institute, offers Personal Enlightenment and Professional Training in the Baltimore area. (800) 484-7248
Soul Dancing
Nini Beegan: 825-5221
Towson/Owings Mills
Tai Chi
Jim Hill: 252-0486
Timonium
Professor Patrick Watson: 962-1308
Baltimore
Yoga
Greater Baltimore Yoga Center: 560-2980
Timonium & Baltimore
Kripalu Yoga Classes: 377-9382
many locations in the greater Baltimore area
The Yoga Center: 720-4340
Columbia & Baltimore
Some Definitions
Part 1 – In Our Bodies – Moving and Breathing with Awareness