The Post Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology at St. Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru organized a workshop on Dance/Movement Therapy on 27th September 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The workshop was facilitated by Ms. Krishnendu Sudhi, a resource person with an expertise in psychotherapeutic methods involving movement and creative expression and founder of Navem.

The objective of the workshop was to familiarise participants to Dance/Movement Therapy, a psychotherapeutic method that uses movement to promote socio-emotional, cognitive, and somatic integration. This approach is grounded in the principle that the body and mind are interconnected, with changes in one influencing the other. The workshop emphasized self-expression as a means of bringing about holistic changes in individual functioning, applicable across diverse populations, including different ages, genders, races, and ethnic backgrounds.

The session began with an introduction to the foundational principles of Dance/Movement Therapy, with Ms. Sudhi explaining how movement can be viewed as a form of communication. This was followed by hands-on activities where participantsexplored the therapeutic potential of dance and movement. Participants were encouraged to express their emotions, experiences, and internal processes through movement, helping them connect with their body’s sensations and feelings.

The workshop provided a transformative experience, emphasizing the deep connection between mind and body. It reinforced the importance of self-expression, self-care, safe spaces, and holistic healing through movement. Participants gained valuable insights into using creative movement as a therapeutic tool, which will be beneficial in their future practices for fostering psychological wellness.