Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Neuro-facilitation, IFS, ACT, ARTs, Introduction to danceABILITIES and Dance Movement Therapy Workshop : In-Person, Experiential and Tool-Based Workshop for Therapists *all tools can be used for self and/or client-oriented therapy practices
DATE: Sunday Nov 9th 2025 TIME: 1pm – 4pm LOCATION: 720 Spadina, “Dance Hub Toronto” Ontario, Canada. FEE $75 for 3-hour workshop, no HST. Facilitated by Miriam Schacter, RP founder of danceABILITIES™ REGISTRATION: To register, ask questions or share ideas, please contact: danceabilitiescanada@gmail.com.
During the workshop, we will also incorporate ACT, DBT, Couples EFT and what you wish to share. A 5-page word doc (printed and emailed) will be included so you do not have to write notes if you do not prefer; please feel free to bring your own note-taking tools or simply join for the experiential learning and exchange. Dancer’s Choice!
More information: Nov 9th workshop combines dance, connection, sharing, clinical considerations of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP), danceABILITIES practices, introductory aspects of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) for Trauma processing, Authentic Movement (AM) for self and/or peer-supervision, as well as mindful or neuro-related breathing, grounding and centering experientials. These approaches complement each other in how they address embodied presence, neurotransmitter activation which creates new neural pathways, sensory-awareness, cognitive processing, behavioral changes and interpersonal as well as intrapsychic functioning.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) is a body-inclusive, trauma-informed therapy that offers a consistent opportunity for clients to repattern ways of being through a “bottom-up” and “top-down” approach. Psychophysiological effects of movement, dance and breathwork (with a focus on interoception, neuroception and proprioception) support clients’ relational pathways, attachment styles and experiences of self-awareness. As we know, dance affects neuroplasticity, meaning the brain’s ability to adapt, reorganize, and form new neural connections. Psychological/behavioral changes related to the above increase comfort, relaxation, pleasantness, vigor and alertness, as well as reduced symptoms of arousal, anxiety, depression, anger, and confusion. (Zaccaro, Piarulli, Laurino, Garbella, Menicucci, Neri, & Gemignani, 2018).
What modalities or experiences have helped you integrate personal and interpersonal being, moving as well as spoken communication? How do you experience or facilitate A) creative, collaborative, collective problem solving or B) “moving towards” efforts within yourself? Please share your practice experiences when we meet. My practice includes every-day living, post stroke, aphasia, arthritis, aging, MS, dementia, parkinson’s, COPD, trauma, ADHD etc. If you would like to participate in the community of DMTAC or help us try to re-launch a Master’s Degree program in Canada, please contact https://www.dmtac.org
Workshop Experientials and Tools
| 1 | Group Introductions, Open Dance, danceAbilities/DMT, Gaga-influenced embodied warm-up |
| 2 | DMT group work related to the research to support transcultural connectivity, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Chapters 5 and 7 and grounding/centering techniques |
| 3 | danceABILITIES attachment-chord experientials related to attachment theory, Duet with Chair related to anxiety, depression, affect regulation, couples fighting and repair styles |
| 4 | “Support at your back” SP experientials: Object-Related Centering Approaches that can be done in homes and offices A) Wall B) Chair C) Inter-personal Support at your Back 20-min/Stage 3, SP (if small touch/consent is approved) |
| 5 | SP/SExperiential grounding, centering techniques: These tools support each clients relationship with their own nervous systems including anxiety, phase-based trauma processing, procedural learning and more |
| 6 | AM Authentic Movement Training for Personal or Peer Supervision (*AM is not free dance) |
| 7 | Breathwork/Centering/Grounding, danceABILITIES 5-Step Breath, IFS Meditation approach and intro to Parts Work, Group conversation and sharings |
2026: Movement for Menopause 5B’s “Blood, Breath, Bones, Bonds & Balance” A 1.75 hour workshop for people in perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. We will have 50-min of dance time and 55-minutes of menopausal coaching program, group connection/processing, sharing of info and resources.
Dec 2025: Therapists who Dance: DJ’d Dance Event and Connection Gathering.
Jan 2026 Couples Workshop: Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, IFS tools, EFT tools from a Supportive Attachment Therapy Lens
Feb 2026: Group Workshop for Musicians: How to Facilitate Conflict Resolution in your Industry/Career. A Workshop for personal and relational care.
Family Fun(K) Dance Parties: Connection for families with children, parents and seniors at homes/locations. Free dance; group co-choreorgraphy of peoples b-day cards, holiday cards and art work for communication through dance; facilitated dance choreography and mirroring; toy tools etc
AquaBoogie: Water based dance programs, post-stroke, anxiety, menopause, paralysis or alternatives to AquaFit
DJ danceABILITIES: International Music for open-dance events
Corporate Events: Neuro Tools for Long Days of Work and DJ’d events, if sought following, for all staff/workers
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PREVIOUS: “Dance to Improve Gait, Balance and Mood For Individuals Post Stroke Randomized Control Trial” in Toronto Canada. Dance Class Dates: Every WED (Set Up 11:30am Class 11:45-12:45 ) and FRI (Set Up 1:30pm Class 1:45-2:45) Location: U of T Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Sciences Centre, 500 University Avenue. Please Contact Miriam to arrange your dance-assistant (volunteer) or student placement.
Part I: “Dance to Improve Gait, Balance and Mood For Individuals Post Stroke Randomized Control Trial” Class Dates: Every WED and FRI Starting MARCH 27th-JUNE 2019 Location: U of T Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Sciences Centre, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, Canada.
“Groove-D and “I Love To Boogie: An Investigation of the feasibility of a dance program to improve gait and balance post-stroke” 2018 – Currently running Oct 22nd – Dec 12th 2018.
DMTO Steering Committee Hosts Patricia Capello BC-DMT, Sat Oct 27th at York University
“Let’s Boogie: Dance and Lung Disease” 2018
An Evening of Dance Movement Therapy, May 2018, Toronto, Symposium on Dance and Wellness May 2018, Montreal, Arthritis Society June 2018, Toronto
danceAbilities 