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Five Top Tips for Supporting communication through movement
Supporting communication through movement is at the heart of my work as a dance movement psychotherapist. I often work with people who have limited or no verbal communication, whether in S.E.N.D schools, dementia care, or with individuals with disabilities. Movement provides a rich and powerful language when words aren’t available. Here are my top five tips for supporting communication through movement effectively and compassionately:
1. Take Time to Ground Yourself
Before engaging with others, take a moment to center yourself. Your calm, grounded presence helps create a safe space for supporting communication through movement.
Tip: Notice your breath, posture, and energy. Arrive fully in the moment so you can attune to the person in front of you.
2. Be Fully Present
Being fully present is essential for supporting communication through movement. Your attention and openness communicate safety and acceptance, encouraging authentic expression.
Tip: Focus on observing natural gestures, posture, and rhythms without trying to change them.
3. Attune and Mirror
Mirroring movements or energy helps validate feelings and supports communication through movement. Subtle reflection demonstrates understanding and empathy without words.
Tip: Match pace, rhythm, or posture gently. Even small reflections, like nodding or mirroring a hand movement can create connection.
4. Offer Choice and Respect Autonomy
Supporting communication through movement includes respecting the individual’s choices. Offer options and honor refusals as complete answers.
Tip: Invite participation through gestures or props: “Would you like to move with me, or explore on your own?”
5. Use Props and Notice Subtle Movements
Props such as scarves, balls, or textured items can enhance supporting communication through movement, offering alternative ways to express emotions or ideas. Small gestures, a glance, a sigh, or a posture shift, carry meaning too.
Tip: Let the person explore freely and gently reflect micro-movements. Celebrate movement as communication, not achievement.
Closing Thought
Supporting communication through movement is about creating a space where non-verbal voices can be seen and heard. By grounding yourself, being present, offering choice, and attuning to subtle expression, we can help people express themselves fully, building meaningful connections that words alone cannot convey.
Find out more about What Dance Movement Psychotherapy is here
Find our more about our Dance Movement Psychotherapy Services here.
For more information on dance movement psychotherapy, professional standards, and research supporting communication through movement, you can visit the Association Dance Movement Psychotherapy (ADMP) here