Julie-Anne Thompson
Bodywaves Dance Movement Therapy
Email: bodywavesdmt@outlook.com
Mode of working: Online and In-Person
Website: https://dtaa.org.au/directory/julie-ann-thompson/
Graduation Year: 2024
Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia
My practice is humanistic in its approach. I believe that every individual possesses their own inner wisdom and embodied knowledge to guide them on their lifes' journeys and that my purpose as a therapist is to help them to discover ways to access it, develop it and trust it. I have been a dancer, dance teacher and choreographer for over 30years and which has provided me with a deep respect for and experience in the power of movement which I believe is foundational in my ability to attune to and kinaesthetically experience others. I celebrate individuality and hold space for all!
Currently I am working with Older Adults in Residential Care with the Each One Matters program and in my own Private Practice - Bodywaves DMT. Within this population I provide DMT for people with dementia, alzheimers, depression, anxiety, agoraphobia and many other conditions that have contributed to the need for residential care.
I am influenced by Erik Erikson’s Final stage of Psychological Crises in their care; the theme of Integrity vs Despair, which suggests that for a sense of integrity to develop in this last phase of life certain conditions must be met. These include a positive psychosocial history; connection through continuing social relationships; and the sense that one’s actions continue to make an impact. When these conditions are met and a positive resolution of this stage is achieved, the virtue of wisdom is possible. When they are not, despair may follow. (Widick et al., 1978).
I Have also worked with neurodiverse children and women's groups to improve mental health and wellbeing. through a somatic approach to therapy. In the future I look forward to diversifying my practice through opportunities to work with teens, particularly those with eating disorders. Watch this space!
