Training Schedule

The Moving Cycle (MC) can be said to be a means of studying experience. It can also be seen as a method for achieving embodied awakeness. Commonly, we use these MC methods to heal ourselves and others and to increase wellbeing. Along with these important tasks, we can also use MC methods as a contemplative practice. Contemplative practice shows us the benefits of leading a self-reflective life, one where reflection is seen more as a kind of conscious moving rather than certain ways of being in the mind. This course will bring us deeply into the realm of conscious moving as a means of paying attention, waking up, and embracing whatever arises in and around us. We will use various conscious movement processes to achieve an increased sense of bodily authority, connection to others, and embodied ethics. By exploring simple repetitive movements, movements done together with others, movements that emerge from inner and outer attention, and metaphors (particularly ones from nature) that guide our embodiment, we can craft powerful and personal contemplative practices that cultivate bodyfulness. This bodyfulness can then be applied to many activities, from the personal to the planetary.

This phase focuses on what occurs when we consistently obstruct movement, whether it be physical, emotional, mental or spiritual. Chronically held back movement creates a sense of lack. That can become intolerable, leaving us vulnerable to addiction.
Addiction is defined broadly and we look to the body to help restore a sense of fullness, mindfulness – that is our birthright. This phase offers an experiential and theoretical understanding of the continuum from stimulus bound, constrained movement to creative and free movement – the Mobility Gradient. Trainees will learn a somatically centered theory of addiction and addiction recovery via understanding and working with movement stereotypy. They will learn to identify subtle and small movement “tags,” also called micro-movements, and use them as signals for movement sequencing.
We explore our relationship to natural and un-natural pleasure in the body, and how to commit to natural pleasure. Trauma is understood from the perspective of the Mobility Gradient and micro-movements. This phase also includes initial skill-building in identifying and working with resistance, also seen as obstructing movement, and in helping clients complete movement sequences, called body narratives.

Taught by Rachelle Janssen.

Keeping a focus on completing movement sequences, and looking through the lens of attachment theory, we will work with the details of developmental movements, early childhood imprints, and how imprinted interruptions of developmental movements can harm adult functioning. By committing to accurate, detailed and creative recovery of these movements, within a context of a secure therapeutic relationship, we can set the stage for healthy adult behavior. Because developmental movements are often from pre-verbal or non-verbal times, touch more than words often becomes the treatment of choice. Trainees will learn the basic principles and practices of proper use of touch in body-centered psychotherapy. Special attention will be placed on ethics, indications and contra-indications, types of touch and when to use them, and basic clinical strategies.

CORE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES – 25 HOURS

Participants learn the theory and practice of the Moving Cycle, as it has developed from its roots in dance movement therapy, body psychotherapy, neuroscience, attachment theory, phenomenology, and contemplative disciplines. Learning takes place largely through physical experimentation, followed by discussion.

Core skills will be taught: the oscillation of attention, postponing meaning-making, physical free association, shared authority between the facilitator and the mover, and supporting emerging movement sequences to become body narratives.