Name: TRAUMA AND THE MOVING BODY
Start: 2025-12-12T20:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-12-14T23:00:00-06:00
Location: 1802 W Berteau suite 205, Chicago, IL

TRAUMA AND THE MOVING BODY: AN INTRODUCTION TO POLYVAGAL -INFORMED DANCE/MOVEMENT THERAPY FOR CLIENTS AND THERAPISTS
Instructor: Amber E. Gray, Ph.D., MPH, LPCC, BC-DMT, NCC
Date: December 12-14, 2025 Friday 6-9pm; Sat/Sun 9-4pm
Cost: $425 + $25 if CEs are requested
Email [email protected] with any questions
Course Description: This 15-hour introductory course provides theoretical, scientific, and contemplative rationale for the use of dance movement therapy with survivors of trauma and as a measure of protection, self care, and increased compassion. The emphasis of this class is client-therapist co-regulation as both a self-care and a clinical skill that supports DMT’s ability to support clients through their own post trauma restorative process without re-traumatization. Drawing from a contemplative human rights framework and Polyvagal Theory, empowerment and developing a reciprocal alliance are themes of this course. This class also provides participants with a practical introduction and overview to using DMT in work with survivors of trauma, as well as for therapists’ own resilience and well-being. The course teaches DMT practices to support relative safety and stability in the reciprocal therapeutic relationship. A contemporary, evidenced-based phasic approach to working with complex trauma provides the foundation for theoretical material.