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At the beginning of the 1st module, I started somewhat hesitantly and reservedly, due to my previous experience in another school with a different group, which had not been particularly positive. The goal I quickly set for myself was to deconstruct certain preconceived notions I had already formed so that I could be more open to the process without losing my critical thinking.

Coming from a school that primarily focused on authentic movement, I found that the variety of topics and approaches, combined with the flow of the lessons, ultimately played a decisive role for me. It placed me in a continuous process of exploration, allowing me to keep up, which led me to the desire to experiment.

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I am quite familiar with my movement patterns, as I have been through this process before. However, in this particular journey, what I observed—and had to confront—was resistance, which often blocked me from being fully present in the process.

This happened because I was in a constant effort of deconstruction, as I mentioned earlier, and I struggled with a lack of trust both in myself and in the process. Coming to terms with this and facing it placed me in a state of constant emotional regression.

What I found particularly interesting, though, was that it led me to observe the space and the group even more closely, perhaps in search of someone experiencing something similar and exploring how this might manifest in another person's body. Many times, either through mirroring or moments of absolute connection with the present, I truly felt that I could observe, sense, and document movement patterns and emotions—both my own and those of others.

Undoubtedly, this gave me a push toward trusting potential skills I may have and realizing that, with experience, I will be able to support both myself and others.

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What I am particularly interested in and looking forward to is delving deeper into LMBA. Although somewhat complex, its structured and systematic approach to movement observation aligns with my preferences and needs. I consider it essential and significant in shaping how I perceive certain elements and movement qualities that will enhance my ability to capture more information present in the space.

Additionally, something that intrigues me and that I wish to explore further—since I am not yet entirely familiar with it—is the use of objects and their potential symbolic contribution.

The biggest challenge I feel I will face at this stage is the Closure aspect of a session. Why? Because I find it difficult some times to connect it with a theme, and because beyond the topic and structure, I am particularly interested in the flow and timing within a session. I want to find the optimal way to utilize these two elements and examine, through my own observation and experience, how they function and influence the overall process. But also in how, through the use of these elements, I can guide towards a harmonious and natural completion of a journey.

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At the beginning of the process, I felt uncomfortable. Having the last session of the day, I could sense the group’s fatigue and their desire to conclude the day. I was afraid this might affect me and that I wouldn’t be able to guide the group effectively. To my satisfaction, I believe it was a good decision to allow this condition to become the theme of the session, creating an atmosphere of slow-paced movement, which I felt suited the needs of the moment.

At the same time, I was exploring how my role—beyond the use of my voice—could provide support to the group through my posture and positioning in space. I moved around quite a bit, thinking that if my presence flowed through the space, it would create a sense of safety. However, at some point, I realized that this approach did not suit me and was actually exhausting. I also considered that if I was not feeling well, that information might be transmitted to the group. So, I decided to sit down, aiming to find my center and regain my balance in the space.

At one point, since I did not really follow what I had prepared—and possibly due to insufficient preparation for potential shifts in direction and goals—the playlist changed to a more upbeat musical style. This frustrated me and caused me to lose the focus and flow that I believed I had established up to that moment. However, since I did not want to apologize and admit during a session that a mistake happened, and given that it had already become a part of the space, I decided to work with it, asking myself: “Can it raise the energy levels?” or “Could this be something the group is open to?” It didn’t work.

At first, I was disappointed, but then I started recognizing elements discussed in class, both in terms of time and material management and in understanding how a group functions. What this experience clarified for me is that the group is a living organism, often guiding the process itself, while the therapist is there not only to lead but also to support and accompany.

Overall, I believe that the biggest challenge I will face is self-confidence, which, as previously mentioned, is closely linked to trust. The issue was that I had not confronted it earlier because I had never named it—I had not acknowledged it, perhaps trying to avoid it. I perceived it more as either a stance of critical thinking or as a lack of understanding on my part.

The reason I mention this is that, in connection with my leading experience, I realized that just as my body does not need to keep moving around to find its place in space, my mind, too, needs grounding and a shift in perspective.

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A significant topic for me in this journey is Body Image. Due to personal beliefs and ideologies concerning the concept of matter and the body as material, I had, for years, stopped investing in the mirror or, more generally, in the idea of visual representation. My reasoning was that by rejecting it, it would lose its power to negatively affect psychology.

What I had not been able to understand—or perhaps accept—was how image can also serve as a tool for growth. While the concept of image is often instrumentalized in today’s world, a tool itself does not determine a process or its outcome; rather, its goal and purpose do.

This is an important issue because body image is not just about how we observe our bodies but also about how we store that perception in our memory. Working with this topic does not only contribute to improving self-confidence; it also has the power to ground us. Moreover, a distorted perception of body image—and image in general—shapes how we perceive many aspects of life, ultimately affecting our quality of life.

Being in touch with our image, accepting it, and respecting it can expand the senses and the way we perceive the world.

In short, what interests me most and what I wish to explore further is how image influences perception and how it connects to emotions such as satisfaction, shame, and pride.

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Movement, Connection, and the Power of Groups

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Movement, Connection, and the Power of Groups

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As a future dance movement therapist, I find the study of group therapy and the idea of group dynamic deeply compelling because it aligns with the very essence of what I hope to bring into my own practice—healing through connection and embodied experience. Yalom’s work reveals how interpersonal relationships, group cohesion, and shared emotional experiences can facilitate profound change, mirroring the way movement and nonverbal expression unlock deeper layers of self-awareness and transformation. Just as dance allows individuals to express emotions beyond words, group therapy can create a space where people witness and validate each other’s struggles, fostering growth that extends beyond the therapy room.

Understanding group dynamics, therapeutic factors, and the role of the facilitator is essential for anyone working with movement-based therapy. I know that DMT thrives in group settings where the body’s wisdom can be explored collectively, allowing for mirroring, attunement, and shared rhythmic experiences to become powerful tools for healing. Yalom’s insights into group cohesiveness and interpersonal learning are especially relevant, as they reinforce the idea that change happens in relationship—whether through verbal exchange or the silent dialogue of movement. The intersection of these fields excites me, and diving deeper into this subject will undoubtedly enrich my ability to facilitate meaningful, embodied therapeutic experiences in the future.

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For the coming semester, my focus will be on deepening my trust in both the process and myself, recognizing it as a central theme in my personal and professional development. Trust, in particular, is something I want to explore more intentionally in my work with my personal therapist, as I have come to understand how deeply it influences my ability to engage fully in the process. I aim to soften into the experience, allowing trust to unfold naturally rather than forcing it. This involves embracing moments of uncertainty and seeing them not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth. I also want to strengthen my connection with the group, finding ways to be more present and engaged in collective exploration. The relational aspect of this practice has proven to be profoundly insightful, and I wish to cultivate a space where mutual learning and support thrive. Additionally, I will dedicate more time to refining my practical skills, experimenting with different approaches, and expanding my capacity to hold space with confidence. By continuing to observe, analyze, and challenge myself, I hope to keep expanding my understanding—not just of movement, but of the intricate dynamics between self, others, and the therapeutic process.