What can dance movement therapy support?
Grief
We all have different ways to process life's curveballs. Soul Gesture uses use creative arts to process the complex emotions that arise from loss. Dance, drama and art support and start to think about how.
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Depression, Anxiety and Stress
Using CBT principles, Soul Gesture supports you in managing depression, anxiety and stress. Can work in conjunction with psychology or counselling, ​
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Trauma
Our polyvagal responses serve us at times of extreme stress but often remain in the body, causing problems when we should feel safe. Dance movement therapy supports emotional regulation and supports processing trauma that has you stuck in a body you no longer feel connected to.
Rehabilitation
​Physiotherapy meets psychology. For those who have had a life changing event such as TBI, stroke or intensive medical treatment, we can work on your physical and mental health goals at the same time. Addressing balance, reactions, cognitive functioning and fine and gross motor skills in an environment where you can share your emotions, frustrations and grief safely.
Neurodiversity
Dance and movement therapy for neurodiverse people will support learning and communication in a person-centred format. ​
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Dance and movement therapy is for anyone regardless of physical limitations or previous dance experience. There is no right or wrong way to move, we dance for ourselves.
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Aged Care
Soul Gesture can deliver individual and group sessions in residential aged care settings.
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Dance and movement therapy offers a powerful pathway to enhance quality of life for older adults by supporting both physical vitality and emotional wellbeing. Using gentle movement and creative expression, we can support strength, balance, and cognitive engagement while nurturing joy, connection, and confidence.
Connecting mental health therapy with movement
Soul Gesture is a creative arts therapy service delivering dance movement therapy (DMT) grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and somatic practice. Jen's approach integrates structured movement interventions with therapeutic insight to support mental health, emotional regulation, and adaptive coping.
Soul Gesture sessions work with individuals and groups to address a range of psychological challenges—including anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress—through embodied techniques that promote:
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Improved emotional awareness and expression
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Enhanced mind-body integration and self-regulation
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Development of practical coping strategies for everyday life
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Increased resilience, self-efficacy, and interpersonal connection
Sessions are facilitated by Jen Murrell, a masters qualified creative arts therapist ensuring a safe, inclusive, and clinically informed environment. Whether you're seeking preventative care or therapeutic intervention, Soul Gesture offers a movement-based pathway to psychological wellbeing.
Individual therapy sessions harness the power of dance and movement to explore and express emotions, reduce stress, and cultivate a deeper connection between mind and body. ​ Each session is tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual at that time, fostering personal growth and emotional resilience. ​Individual sessions for private clients and NDIS participants are now booking at The Base Health. Telehealth available. Home visits in Newcastle, Maitland and Port Stephens available
Using principles of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), this solution focused model will address one specific concern. A perfect companion to your usual counselling or psychology sessions, this provides time and space to consider options, disentangle actions from emotions, practice next steps.​ ​Try this model if: You feel you have plateaued in talking therapy You have a big decision to make​ You are stuck in a rut You are worried about a specific event ​Referrals from allied health practitioners welcome.
If you feel like talking isn't helping or you are ready to start healing together, creative arts therapy for couples is for you. We will work on communication, emotional regulation, connection and building trust. Connect on a different level Walk in each other’s shoes Process and share the sensations that emotions bring up Build trust Get playful and find joy together ​Now booking at The Base Health. Telehealth available.
Jen can work with your service to deliver specialised dance and movement therapy programs for specific populations. Examples include those recovering from trauma, rehabilitating from adverse events such as TBI, stroke or intensive medical treatment, neurodiverse populations, and those seeking support for eating disorders. Programs are co-designed to address the unique emotional and psychological needs of the specific population, fostering empowerment and resilience.
Current Programs
