Overview

A comprehensive account of the relationship between somatics, spirituality, and physiology.   A major contribution to a growing profession, Somatic Movement Dance Therapy presents an in-depth exploration of the subtle, embodied skills of therapists working in this field. Amanda Williamson leads readers through the techniques therapists use to enhance the efficiency of their artistic and therapeutic practice. Grounded in her own experiences as a practitioner, Williamson discusses the importance of gravity, self-regulation, co-regulation, the health of the vagus nerve, social engagement, fascial unwinding, and more. She also attends to approaches that are emblematic of international practice, such as the keen focus on soft-tissue-rolling in gravity for long periods of time, breath awareness, presence, and nonduality.   Relevant to those working in somatic movement and the independent dance sector, this book provides a foundational look at the art of therapeutic practice in the studio. Photographs demonstrate how to put theory into action and allow readers to observe students exploring their own health through self-regulatory improvisation. Thorough and accessible, Somatic Movement Dance Therapy offers insight and support to students, lecturers, and practitioners working in a field that demands strength and methodological ingenuity. 

Full Product Details

9781789386905

Table of Contents

Reviews

Dr. Amanda Williamson is a master teacher and opens up a deeply pedagogical space for understanding on multiple levels, with the sensitivity of an open heart and a poetic eye.  This book will be a companion for me and for chiropractors, dancers, somatic therapists, doctors, philosophers, educators, body workers, musicians, therapists and all those who want to nurture the body, mind and soul will find this a magnificent resource. -- Professor Celeste Snowber * Simon Fraser University, Canada * An exceptional artist and compassionate teacher, Amanda Williamson brings a rigorously researched knowledge of the body to this book. The wisdom she has gained through her many years of practice infuses her writing: she shares her insights with generosity and sensitivity. It will be a primary source for all those interested in how to tune the body’s sensory-perceptual pathways to support a profoundly holistic approach to health and well-being.   -- Professor Sarah Whatley * Chair in Dance and Director: Centre for Dance Research (C-DaRE) * 'Amanda Williamson’s Somatic Movement Dance Therapy: The Healing Art of Self-regulation and Co-regulation is an informative text that illuminates the author’s practice and key influences that inform it. She brings her years of experience to create her work—somatic movement dance therapy—based on improvisation, self-regulation, and co-regulation. This book will be of relevance for anyone interested in a therapeutic application of somatic movement and dance, as well as those interested in deepening their understanding of their body through movement, anatomy, physiology, and a non-western lens that moves away from the “[reduction of] mental health to mechanistic approaches” (186). This text is a welcome addition to courses in somatics—a clear example of a therapeutic practice inviting discourse on the application of somatic practices with strong connections to research in science, psychology, and the mind-body-psyche relationship.' -- Hetty King, Journal of Dance Education

Dr. Amanda Williamson is a master teacher and opens up a deeply pedagogical space for understanding on multiple levels, with the sensitivity of an open heart and a poetic eye. This book will be a companion for me and for chiropractors, dancers, somatic therapists, doctors, philosophers, educators, body workers, musicians, therapists and all those who want to nurture the body, mind and soul will find this a magnificent resource. -- Professor Celeste Snowber * Simon Fraser University, Canada * An exceptional artist and compassionate teacher, Amanda Williamson brings a rigorously researched knowledge of the body to this book. The wisdom she has gained through her many years of practice infuses her writing: she shares her insights with generosity and sensitivity. It will be a primary source for all those interested in how to tune the body's sensory-perceptual pathways to support a profoundly holistic approach to health and well-being. -- Professor Sarah Whatley * Chair in Dance and Director: Centre for Dance Research (C-DaRE) *

Author Information

Amanda Williamson directs the Centre for Somatic Movement and Dance Therapy, where she trains students and has a private practice. She is also director for the Association of Somatic Movement Therapies, UK and the Republic of Ireland, and a visiting professor at Coventry University (C-DaRE). Amanda supervises Ph.D. students in the UK and USA and is considered one of the pioneers within the ISMETA paradigm. Her life is dedicated to emerging and bringing visibility to the field, training students and merging science with creativity. She is chief editor of the peer-reviewed journal Dance, Movement & Spiritualities.  

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available