In Conversation with Yara Antoun
Yara Antoun is a Dance Movement Psychotherapist, she has a BA degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Dance Movement Psychotherapy. Yara offers sessions providing interventions using dance, movement as well as supporting material for self-expression and communication.
I spoke with Yara about the healing power of dance and movement, how she got into Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) and how she stays grounded on the daily.
What is Dance Movement Psychotherapy? Dance Movement Psychotherapy is a relatively new approach to mental health support and general wellbeing. It is a form of psychotherapy based on the use of movement to explore and support the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical aspects of oneself. It is based on the empirically supported belief that mind and body are not two separate entities, but are instead one unified entity. Dance Movement Psychotherapy can be beneficial in many different ways, it enhances self-awareness, body awareness, self-esteem, social interactions and trust in relationships, among others.
What happens in a typical session? A session can be done one-to-one, or in a group context with two or more participants. Each session is unique and different and will vary depending on what the participants’ needs and goals are. There is however a general structure:
A check-in: bringing attention to the body here and now
A warm up: warming the body up and preparing for further movement
Movement exploration: where participants and therapist will engage creatively in movement and words to explore emotional and personal themes that may arise.
Making sense of the exploration
A check-out
Who can attend a Dance Movement Psychotherapy session? Anyone and everyone can attend a DMP session. Sessions offered are a confidential and judgment free space for anyone of any age, race, religion, culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or cognitive and physical abilities. Participants do not need to be skilled at any type of dance.
How did you get into Dance Movement Psychotherapy? I learned about Dance Movement Psychotherapy when I was studying my BA in psychology and was fascinated by the idea that dance can be of support to mental health. Growing up, I struggled with verbal expression, but dance and movement were always a way for me to express myself and embody my most authentic self. All this led me to pursue a career in DMP. I then moved to the UK for two years to complete my studies in DMP, which was a life changing experience for me.
More about yourself
Your sun sign: I am a cancer.
Your personal mantra: My body is always speaking, my movement is never silent, and all I have to do is listen.
Your favourite place to dance and move: I like to move anywhere, everywhere and at any time.
What is your morning ritual? I try to experience things mindfully when I wake up but sometimes it’s difficult with all the distractions that can take place. I am quite a morning person, so I like to be surrounded by others and exchange conversations at the start of my day.
What are your other ways of staying grounded on the daily? I stay grounded through movement. Being in the body here and now is irreplaceable. I enjoy moving by myself with or without music; my movement practice is an essential part of my daily routine. Some days it is more difficult to stay grounded than others but that’s okay. Just acknowledging it and asking ourselves what it is that we need, what do our bodies need and checking-in with our bodies is so important.
Get in touch with Yara Antoun by email yaraantoun@hotmail.fr | on instagram @harake.skoon
