Dancing mindfulness: Flowing synchronicities with EMDR therapy

In 2012, EMDR therapist, consultant, trainer, and author Dr. Jamie Marich developed the Dancing Mindfulness approach to expressive arts therapy. Dancing Mindfulness assumes that every human activity can be a pathway for developing and further cultivating a mindfulness practice. Dance, in concert with other expressive art forms, is ideal for promoting a greater connection to embodied mindfulness and engagement with life in clients, students, and members of the community at large. In this chapter, Marich describes the journey of how EMDR therapy led her to develop a personal mindfulness practice that naturally fused with her existing expressive arts practices. Then, the natural synchrony between EMDR therapy and Dancing Mindfulness is further explored, with practical insights provided for EMDR therapists who are feeling called to integrate more dance and movement strategies into their practice. Strategies for addressing the many ways in which human beings can be avoidant of creative movement are also offered by emphasizing the importance of adaptation. Several exercises for EMDR therapists are also provided, and ideas are shared for how EMDR therapists can develop a personal Dancing Mindfulness practice to support their own healing and wellness.

Book Section

English

Jamie Marich

Marich, J. (2022). Dancing mindfulness: Flowing synchronicities with EMDR therapy. In E. Davis, J. Fitzgerald, S. Jacobs, & J. Marchand, J. (2022). EMDR and creative arts therapies (pp. 281-294). New York, NY: Routledge