Children often communicate through movement long before they can fully express themselves with words. This approach supports children to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe, playful, and supportive environment using the body as a tool for expression, regulation, and connection.

Sessions may incorporate:

• Free movement and creative dance
• Storytelling through movement and imaginative play
• Music, rhythm, and guided movement activities
• Exercise and sensory-based movement experiences
• Relaxation, mindfulness, and visualisation strategies
• Open-ended props such as scarves, ribbons, balls, or sensory materials

Each session is tailored to the child’s developmental stage, personality, sensory needs, and comfort level. Children are encouraged to move in ways that feel natural and enjoyable to them- there is no “right” way to participate.

How Sessions Work
Sessions are 1:1 with a Masters-level Creative Arts Therapist and are guided according to your child’s individual needs and goals.
Your child may:

• Explore movement freely through music and play
• Use storytelling and imaginative movement to express feelings
• Participate in rhythm and coordination activities
• Learn calming body-based regulation strategies
• Engage in grounding, relaxation, and mindfulness exercises

The therapist gently supports your child to notice emotions, body sensations, and movement patterns while helping them build emotional regulation, confidence, and self-expression skills in a safe and attuned environment.

Why Movement-Based Therapy?
Emotions are not only experienced in the mind- they are also held and expressed through the body.
Movement-based therapy helps children:

• Build awareness of their emotions and physical sensations
• Develop healthy ways to release stress and tension
• Improve co-ordination, grounding, and regulation
• Strengthen confidence and connection with themselves and others
• Experience joy, creativity, and freedom in self-expression

By combining movement, imagination, creativity, and emotional support, children are given opportunities to process experiences in ways that feel engaging, natural, and safe.

Who Can This Support?
Dance & Movement Therapy may support children experiencing:

• Anxiety or emotional overwhelm
• Difficulty expressing feelings verbally
• Emotional dysregulation or impulsivity
• Low confidence or self-esteem
• High energy levels or sensory-seeking behaviours
• Trauma or stressful life experiences
• Social or relational difficulties
• Body awareness and coordination challenges

This approach can be especially helpful for children who communicate more comfortably through movement, sensory experiences, creativity, or play rather than traditional talking-based approaches.