Authentic Movement is an embodiment modality that brings together depth psychology and intuitive movement. The Discipline of Authentic Movement was forged in the 1960s by Dr. Janet Adler in collaboration with Dance Movement Therapy pioneer, Mary Starks Whitehouse. In the practice, movers close their eyes and listen deeply to the movement impulses that arise in the body. Without planning or contriving what happens next, the mover allows their body to respond to whatever arises within them. Movers connect with sensation, imagery, and feeling, as they let themselves move intuitively. By opening conscious awareness to the body in this way, a bridge to the subconscious emerges. This creates new pathways for self-insight, healing, and overcoming old roadblocks to change.

After movement completes there is an opportunity to put words to what arose for the mover. This process supports the transition of subconscious material into conscious awareness. Language helps to solidify the insights gained during movement, deepening the mover’s inner knowing and their sense of self in relationship.