Portrait of smiling Helena Hatz

My Story

Hi, I'm Helena (she/her), a dedicated dance/movement therapist and registered creative arts therapist. From a young age, I've been drawn to dance as a powerful form of self-expression. Dancing has not only been my outlet for emotional expression but also a way to forge deep connections with others, giving me a sense of belonging and community. I am lucky to play roles in my life such as a dance teacher, performer and lifelong student of dance and movement.

During challenging times, moving my body has sustained and energised me, bringing me soaring joy and a sense of release. This deep appreciation for movement naturally led me to pursue dance/movement therapy, fuelled by my belief in its transformative potential.

I am passionate about creating a supportive space where others can explore their own journeys through movement and discover their personal power!

My approach

My approach to dance/movement therapy is strengths-based, person-centred and collaborative underpinned by trauma-informed principles and frameworks. I am sensitive to the needs of the participants I work with and draw upon my university-level dance/movement therapy training to attune, listen and support clients to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Education & Qualifications

  • Master's Degree in Creative Arts Therapy (Specialising in Dance/Movement Therapy): Helena holds a master's degree in creative arts therapy (dance/movement therapy), providing her with a solid foundation in understanding therapeutic applications in movement, creativity and psychological frameworks.
  • Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management: Helena is a qualified dance teacher who has over eight years of experience teaching all ages around Naarm/Melbourne various dance styles such as jazz, hip-hop, ballet, tap and improvisation.
  • Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations): Helena is skilled in understanding how to effectively communicate by constructing communication materials to build visibility and brand awareness for businesses and non-for profit organisations.
  • Ongoing Learnings: Helena is committed to continuous learning and professional growth. She regularly attends workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay updated on the latest research, techniques, and practices in dance/movement therapy and other forms of therapeutic approaches , ensuring that she provides the highest quality of care to her clients.

My Experience

My practice experience includes individual and group creative arts/dance/movement therapy sessions with children and adults with mild to severe physical and intellectual disabilities, adults with multi-sensory disabilities, positive ageing, adults with Parkinson's, adults with chronic illness, mainstream and special educational settings, community houses and working for a clinical children's counselling service. I am professionally registered with ANZACATA and DTAA and abide by their code of ethics.

Why I created Flourish/Why the name?

While other therapeutic modalities, such as music and art therapy, are more widely recognised in Naarm/Melbourne, dance/movement therapy remains relatively un-known. Flourish aims to change that by creating a space for visibility and awareness of a specialised therapeutic modality to support mental health and wellbeing. Flourish was established to offer clients the opportunity to work with trained dance/movement therapists and experience the benefits of this unique approach. The word "flourish" embodies growth, prosperity, and success, and it reflects my vision for dance/movement therapy—helping my clients bloom and thrive.