Authentic Movement in Santa Barbara
Authentic Movement Therapy
“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” - Buddha
At Lovewell we believe that each person has their own unique constellation of energy guiding them in their everyday lives that seeks expression in everything that they do from work to romantic relationships. This unique energy is their “truth” but often can remain hidden if a person has been taught to “perform,” “please” or defer to others, or otherwise dim their light in their lives. Santa Barbara Authentic Movement sessions help clients uncover, become conscious of, and channel their unique energetic patterns in new ways in their lives.
What is Authentic Movement?
Authentic Movement is an inner-directed somatic practice that takes place in the presence of at least one witness, or nonjudgmental observer. It can be described as a profoundly moving and at times, mystical, practice that strengthens inner listening, intuition, and nonjudgmental witnessing of oneself. It also facilitates an awareness of oneself, one's depths, one's desires, and one's connection to soul and spirit.
Originally considered a form of dance therapy, Authentic Movement is a simple, mindful, and meditative movement practice based on the principles of Carl Jung’s Active Imagination process and Depth Psychology that draws from movement, dance therapy, and ritual practices. It is a simple, spontaneous practice that can awaken creativity and inner peace and strengthen the body-mind connection.
Authentic Movement is founded on the concepts of witnessing, relationship to self and others, and ritual. The sacred space and relationship created in authentic movement work allow a person to witness themselves in deeper and different ways than they may have in the past.
What are the Benefits of Authentic Movement?
The sacred space and trusting relationship created in Authentic Movement practice allow a person to witness themselves in deeper and different ways than they may have in the past. This new way of knowing oneself begins to affect the way clients show up in other areas of their life such as work and relationships.
Often, people report a deeper connection to spirituality and feeling “seen” in ways they never have before beginning the practice.
Another benefit clients report is greater feelings of trust, surrender, vulnerability, intimacy, and harmony experienced within the client themselves, in sessions, and in outside relationships.
Additional benefits include enhanced creativity, healing, and inner guidance.
What happens in an Authentic Movement Session?
In Santa Barbara Authentic Movement one-on-one and group sessions, the facilitator creates a sacred space through the Authentic Movement practice and acts as a non-judgmental and reflective observer to witness your process.
The facilitator or “witness” will reflect back parts of your experience that you have named as relevant to your experience.
Ongoing sessions in this style tend to facilitate deeper feelings of surrender and vulnerability than traditional psychotherapy and create a truly client-led experience where you can feel empowered as a leader in a subtle yet palpable way.
What is Authentic Movement in Santa Barbara?
Whether looking for a somatic movement practice, body-oriented mindfulness, Active Imagination, dance therapy, meditative movement, a mindfulness practice, exploration of your unconcious, or simply deeper vulnerability and self-knowing, Authentic Movement in Santa Barbara may be what you need to take your practice deeper.
Santa Barbara Authentic movement is also a wellness treatment and preventative measure that promotes optimal functioning by helping you tune into your own inner compass.
Why do Authentic Movement?
People turn to Authentic Movement practice because they have the sense that their lives could be improved in some way and are seeking greater connection, fulfillment, intimacy, and inspiration. These clients are generally struggling with finding a sense of direction, meaning, or purpose despite having a “normal” life on the outside. People may also turn to the Authentic Movement to improve their connection to spirituality, work through an illness in oneself or the family, or navigate a life transition, such as changing jobs, cities, or getting married or divorced. Many simply are seeking deeper self-awareness, discovery of blind spots, and a desire to explore their inner world.
How often should I do Authentic Movement?
While this can vary depending on the needs of each individual, sessions have the most impact when done weekly for 50, 60, or 75 minutes at the same time each week. The consistency of a regular time for your Authentic Movement practice allows your psyche to rest knowing that there is dedicated time for exploration each week.
Lovewell's Santa Barbara Authentic Movement sessions are customized, reflective, incisive, depth-oriented, and take place in a warm, supportive environment. Please reach out if you would like to know more.
Services Include:
- Authentic Movement in Santa Barbara
- Individual Sessions
- Group sessions upon request
Areas of Expertise Include:
- Relationships
- Anxiety
- Men's issues
- Women's issues
- Body-image
- Grief & loss
- Existential crises
- Health crises
- Spiritual exploration
- Disordered eating
- Chronic pain
- Chronic stress
- Low self-esteem
- Career changes
- Workplace distress
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is Authentic Movement therapy?
While not formally a form of therapy, Authentic Movement is influenced by therapy practices, including the dance therapy tradition and Carl Jung’s Depth Psychology practice Active Imagination. Authentic Movement takes place in a dyad, triad, or group, much like regular psychotherapy practices, but does not have to be led by a licensed psychotherapist. Lovewell’s Authentic Movement sessions are led by licensed psychotherapists.
Q2. Where can I find Authentic Movement near me?
Authentic Movement is hard to find. While sessions can be offered virtually, they are best done most often in person. Santa Barbara Authentic Movement sessions are available through Lovewell.
