top of page

Dance Movement Therapy
for Children & Adolescents

Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is a creative therapy that uses body, movement and dance. In DMT, we go creative and do things like dance, play, games, music even drawings sometimes! It is a fun safe space for your child to express.

 

DMT for Children (under 12)

DMT for children under 12 is more movement and play based. Child can express thoughts, feelings, experiences and behaviours through play. I as a therapist, enter the world of the child and follows the child’s lead. That is the best outcome of accessing the child’s inner world that might be disturbed.

 

DMT for Adolescents (above 13)

For adolescents, it is more dance and movement based therapy.

 

How DMT may help your child

  • Regulate emotions – I will help your child to find a way to regulate difficult emotions and moments. E.g. Breathing exercise, creating a sequence of movement that calms the child down.

 

  • Enhance child’s imagination – Imagination is important for child to explore something that may not be possible in his/her reality. Through play and movement, child may project his/her reality (e.g. frustrations around being not understood by peers and teachers) into imaginary plays and express difficult emotions imaginatively.

 

  • Gain a sense of balance and control – DMT can improve child’s motor skills through his/her existing skills

 

  • Learn how to build a positive relationship – Child will learn how to safely and positively build a relationship with the other (therapist) in the space. This will help child with attachment issues. 

 

How long is the session?

It is 30 or 45 minutes for children. For adolescents, it can be 60 minutes. 

How do I go about starting the session?

I offer three initial sessions for your child to experience therapy. With the child's representative(s), I will conduct assessment sessions. We will discuss the purpose of therapy, family circumstances, concerns and so forth. After the three initial sessions and if you decide to work with me, I will book us a block of 12 sessions (approximately 3 months). We will discuss a possibility of continuation for another block of twelve sessions at the tenth session.

What are there in the therapy room?

  • There are props such as parachute, balls, ribbons, puppets that child can imaginatively play and move with.

 

  • Drawing Materials or White Board where child can freely express

 

Does the child's representative (or carer) need to stay in the room?

No. I encourage child to stay with me on their own so that they can freely express. Safety is the most primary focus for me, therefore I request the representative to stay outside the room and nearby, so that I can reach out to the representative as soon as possible when necessary.

 

Can I pay the session from the NDIS funding?

Yes, if you are either plan managed or self-managed. Please go to the NDIS page

Safeguarding is my priority

I obtained and maintain the following certificates up-to-date;

  • Professional Indemnity Insurance and Public Liability Insurance

  • Police Check

  • The Working with Children Check

  • First Aid Certificate

  • Through their Eyes Training Certificate

  • RAN Training Certificate

Price Guideline 

Price can be found here. For NDIS participants, please go to the NDIS page. 

Specialisations

Working with children and adolescents with:

  • Trauma

  • Adoption Issues

  • Autistic Spectrum Disorders 

  • ADHD

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Emotional Behavioural Issues

bottom of page