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Therapy for Sensory & Intellectual/Physical Disability

At Flourish, we create an inclusive and supportive environment for adults and children with varying disabilities. We understand the barriers that people with sensory and complex disabilities face like social isolation, lack of community participation and increased rate of mental health.

Dance/movement therapy provides a unique opportunity to address these barriers. By using movement and dance, therapists can connect meaningfully with clients, fostering social interaction, enhancing imagination, and strengthening emotional regulation. This approach not only boosts social engagement but also helps to increase self-esteem.

What can I expect during this session?

In a dance/movement therapy session, the activities and experiences can vary depending on the goals of the session and the needs of the participants. However, a typical session might include the following elements:

  • Dance activities which include props such as scarves, musical instruments and fabrics to expand range of motion, improve sensory stimulation and encourage creative spontaneous expression.
  • Dance activities involving concepts like moving and stopping to promote body awareness and impulse control.
  • Dance themes encouraging active participation through improvisation and learning to move in solos, partners - building interpersonal skills and social skills.
  • Concepts such as mirroring to develop focus, sense of self and co-regulation.
  • Directive and non-directive dance activities to develop choice, control and autonomy.
  • Movement used either to up-regulate the body (play, rhythmic games) or down-regulate the body (relaxation, sensory regulation) to support behavioural outcomes.

Associated Benefits

This therapy helps clients obtain:

  • Sensory Integration: Sessions aid in sensory regulation, improving processing skills.
  • Emotional Expression: Movement facilitates expression of complex emotions.
  • Social Engagement: Fosters social interaction and communication.
  • Body Awareness and Coordination: Enhances understanding of body movement and coordination.
  • Self-Esteem and Confidence: Builds confidence through supportive movement activities.
  • Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Techniques promote relaxation and well-being.