“I enjoyed the challenges of the Dance Movement Therapy sessions with Doreen. The exercises did push my balance ability, making me aware of how the mind and the body are connected. Having lost the ability to do so many things, now slowly over 5 years I am regaining them back. Many of the exercises we did I am sure would have been beneficial in the early stages of my condition. The Dance Therapy sessions with Doreen, were always fun, making me feel comfortable and safe. Laughing was also an important part of these sessions.”

“Doreen has been offering Dance Movement Therapy sessions at our Lifecare Centre for more than one year. During all this time she worked in 2 setups, where her approach is reaching our mobile and also our less mobile community at the centre. Within her group sessions, our mobile residence reconnects with rhythmic and mindful movements. Music, attunement, imagination reawaken the group members and allow each person to gain strength, autonomy and self-esteem.

While working with our less mobile community members, Doreen creates many empowering moments. Again, her ability to attune, to be patient and to observe while looking for expressions and reactions, help her meeting all the different needs of the individual. Her sensitive approach re-connects those members to their body and provokes a positive impact. I notice that our community members feel safe, seen and heard.”

“The benefits to me of Doreen’s yoga class are that I learn how to listen to my body, how to feel I am at that moment and how not to strain my body. Also, I am in remission from Lymphoma and my lifestyle and Dance Movement Therapy are a part which has helped to keep me well. It has kept me flexible and helped to cope with life better. This means I can still climb hills, dance and help with our property. I love Doreen’s classes.”

“Doreen came to my home on a weekly basis and 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. She used music, imaginative storytelling and humour as we worked our way through a wider range of movements. It was fun and I enjoyed it and always felt better afterwards.”

In Authentic Movement she encourages, and gives me time, to allow my body to do the movements it feels it needs right then – whilst she observes. At first, this 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. Doreen, as “observer” invariably correctly translates these movements in the discussion and drawing session we have afterwards. I never leave her studio without feeling better, happier with myself and with a lovely balance between body and mind.”