Combining elements of dance, movement and creative processes with scientific theories, I help with stress reduction, psychological issues, mental/emotional health conditions, traumatic injuries and much more.
Alive Inside Arts/Dance Movement Therapy & Yoga Classes Christchurch
Welcome to Alive Inside, your space in Christchurch to discover the benefits of Arts and Dance Movement Therapy, Authentic Movement Therapy and yoga classes. I am a Certified Yoga Teacher since 2006 and a qualified Dance Therapist, and, more recently, have studied Arts Therapy.
Nowadays, everyone knows what yoga is (and chances are, you have been to a yoga class before). However, while well-recognised in America and Europe, Art and Dance Therapy is relatively new to New Zealand. To avoid confusion, you don’t have to be an artist or a dancer in order to participate. Suitable for all ages and abilities, Dance Movement Therapy uses movements and dance therapeutically. In combination with Arts Therapy we combine the creative process and art making to achieve true wellbeing on a physical, emotional and cognitive level. My approach is individual for each client and, more often than not, I like to combine both art making and dance movement in my sessions.
The healing which takes place in Arts and Dance Therapy is truly amazing and it is reflected in my website name ‘Alive Inside’. I have witnessed profound change within my clients. Recognising and nurturing this life inside each of us regardless of our age or health is my big passion.
Arts & Dance Movement Therapy
Move & Be Well
Authentic Movement Therapy
Moving Is Life
In this sub-practice of Dance Therapy you follow your impulses to move through a space, eyes closed. Taking time for only yourself, you discover what your body is trying to tell you and facilitate your own healing process.
Yoga
Remember to Breathe
I run day and evening yoga classes all over Christchurch which you can join casually or on a term-basis. I teach yoga for beginners through to advanced and also offer private yoga classes at my studio in Woolston/Opawa.
“My vision of being a Dance Movement Therapist and Yoga Teacher is to relate to the whole aspect of life, and I love to provide opportunities of reaching balance and your full potential.”
Children & Adults
I have experience with children as young as 3 years through to elderlies.
All Abilities
I have worked with patients facing mental/emotional challenges and various other health issues.
Studio- & Institution-Based
I run sessions from my purpose-built home-based studio, community venues and institutions.
Private & Groups
I offer private classes, small-group sessions and community classes.
What My Clients Say
I feel very privileged, having had the chance to work with people from all walks of life. Here’s what some of them said …
Doreen […] did lessen the effects of my Parkinson disease. I am 91 years old and have some issue with balance so she adapted the exercises so the I could do them while sitting. […] It was fun and I enjoyed it and always felt better afterwards.
Virginia
Dance Movement Therapy
Doreen guided me from being kinda sceptical and self-conscious to feeling comfortable and safe. Encouraged me to be brave to revisit places long forgotten, which is part of the uniqueness of Authentic Movement. It completely bypasses our minds, beliefs, thoughts and takes us where the truths are hidden, so we can heal and be whole again…
Marcela
Authetic Movement Therapy
Doreen brings a natural gentleness to our yoga class and you can’t help but feel serene. Any stresses or negativity is wiped by the gentle massage and stretch that your body is given during the class. I feel Doreen is an expert in this field because of the calmness and the knowledge she passes to us through her teachings and her being.
Janet
Yoga
At first, [the thought of Authentic Movement Therapy] was a bit scary but I soon discovered that, if I let it, my body really did know what I needed and the movements enabled me to express not only what was going on for my body but within my mind too. […] I never leave Doreen’s studio without feeling better, happier with myself and with a lovely balance between body and mind.
Eleanor
Authentic Movement Therapy
In our 1.5 hours of hatha yoga, Doreen guides each of us at our own level through the strengthening, weight-bearing and deep breathing with patience and gentle humour. We all rise from the final relaxation smiling as if waking from a pleasant dream.
June
Yoga
Ready to start your journey?
Would you like to discover the benefits of Authentic Movement Therapy or Art Therapy? Are you thinking about offering Dance Movement Therapy at your institution? Are you keen to join a yoga class in Christchurch? I’m looking forward to take you on a journey of self-discovery.