Two people outdoors doing Dance Movement Therapy in Whanganui

Rediscover Your Radiance,
Through Dance Movement Therapy

Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) and Mindful Somatic therapy are holistic forms of counselling which integrate body, mind, and spirit.

An embodied healing approach supports you to identify and manage emotions effectively, reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, fear, post-traumatic stress, and other issues.

My mission is to support you to live a more embodied life and to find your unique pathways to healing, from within. Through collaboration and centering the body as the site of transformation, we'll move towards increased comfort, emotional resilience and well-being. Mauri ora!

Book a Session

What is DMT? What is Mindful Somatic Therapy?

DMT and Mindful Somatic Therapies are embodied approaches to counselling, which centres the body as our primary, most powerful resource for restoration, healing and integration.

Everyone of us has body wisdom that always wants to move towards wholeness and healing. However sometimes it gets stuck. Movement, mindfulness and somatic awareness can help to work through blockages so that our natural body wisdom can flow again, continuing towards health and wholeness.  Even in the simplest mindful presence with our bodies, we can experience profound shifts and greater self-understanding.

DMT can be helpful for you if you are seeking support with post-traumatic growth or experiencing anxiety, overwhelm, depression, low self-esteem, feeling stuck, living with fear, processing grief, in a time of change or exploring your identity.  I offer a blended practice which invites you into re-connection with yourself.

Persistent Anxiety

Disconnection from the Body

Unsatisfactory Therapy Solutions

Julie from Dance Movement Therapy lighting a candle on a table in Whanganui
Julie from Radiance DMT dancing as part of a Dance Movement Therapy session

The journey from stress, to safety, to joy!

Trauma or dysregulation of all kinds can leave us feeling disconnected from our bodies, overwhelmed by certain people or places, and sometimes powerless in our own lives.

DMT and Mindful Somatic Therapy offer a path to wellness by restoring a sense of safety and comfort within oneself, rebuilding inner strength and regaining your natural balance and rhythm.

Through movement exploration and somatic awareness, we can rediscover our true selves, often uncovering a profound source of vitality and empowerment.  DMT and Somatic Therapy are evidence-based approaches that harness the wisdom of our bodies to unlock our natural capacity to heal from life’s challenges.

Rediscover your inner strength and find emotional balance.

Connect with your body and tap into your true potential.

Experience the joy and freedom of authentic self-expression.

Learn More
Sign Up

"The first word that comes to mind when I think of my experience with Authentic Movement is transformational - I felt like I had entered a really special place in space and time using movement and art - it helped me to understand some things I was going through at the time. I also felt a deep sense of meaningful connection to everyone involved. Julie is an amazing guide and fantastic to work with. I would gladly join another workshop and highly recommend it to others."

V.S.
Whanganui

“Recently I have been working with Julie who is a dance therapist. She uses movement, music, breathing, writing and artwork, to help access patterns of behaviour and thought, and demonstrates a way through with different techniques. In our therapy space we can hear the rain and the birds and if it is sunny we can go outside. Often what is happening outside is woven into what we are experiencing together. Julie is a very kind, sensitive person. She listens and watches my body language and gestures, and checks that she has understood me. It is interesting and empowering to use other means of communication rather than talking alone. Julie’s concentration is deep and she has an excellent memory, recalling things I have expressed in the past. I feel the pace of our sessions reflects my needs and at no time do I feel rushed. Julie has suggested some community activities for me, to act as a support and expand my life. Some of them have been very beneficial to me. I feel that my therapy with Julie is a collaboration. We work together and sometimes the trajectory has been convoluted, but that has not been a problem. I have found joy and fun with Julie, and I wholeheartedly recommend her as a therapist."

J.S.
Whanganui

“I cannot stress enough the benefits of movement therapy in the care centre environment. It is a highly anticipated/attended event every week. It covers all bases improving physical and mental wellbeing as well as creating a social event. Julie is an excellent facilitator and the residents love her.”

O.W.
Diversional Therapist, Summerset Care Home, Whanganui

"We have had Julie visiting our Rest Home for nearly a year now, and when she walks into the Rest Home she bring such joy and enthusiasm. Residents often decline to join the circle awaiting Julie to arrive but within 5 minutes of her arriving, all seats are taken and residents respond so animatedly to her sessions, some are limited but it's wonderful to see the happiness and laughter during our time with her! I highly recommend Dance/Movement Therapy as it brings out so much with our residents, long may we continue our sessions."

T.W.
Diversional Therapist, Living Waters Care Home, Whanganui

“I discovered Julie and Dance Movement Therapy at one of the most vulnerable parts of my life, and to say that the journey with Julie and DMT was life changing is an understatement. I was not sure what to expect from my first session but I felt that dance was for me, as I have found music and movement has been good for me in the past. From the very first session I encountered a very present, kind, empathetic, aware and inspirational therapist. The journey that Julie has guided me on has, at times, blown me away with how intune she has been with my process. From my perspective Julie has a deep understanding of DMT and demonstrates passion and belief in what she is doing and that this form of movement makes a difference to people’s lives”.

A.D.
Whanganui

Radiance DMT has helped me reconnect with my body and find healing through dance.

Jane Doe
Therapist, Radiance DMT

Dance therapy at Radiance DMT has been a transformative experience for me.

John Smith
Client, XYZ Company

Tēnā koe, Hello I’m Julie

I’m a Dance Movement and Mindful Somatic Therapist based in Whanganui, Aotearoa NZ. My work is deeply rooted in my passion for connection—connection with ourselves, with our communities, and with our Earth, Papatuānuku.

I have loved dancing all my life. I love it because it brings together community, connection, music, joy, and our bodies in rhythmic motion. For me, movement and dance are ultimate expressions of freedom and flow—as natural as breathing and as innate as a heartbeat.

As a therapist, I bring a presence that is open-minded, open-hearted, and deeply caring. I am committed to creating a space that is inclusive and supportive, where everyone feels seen and respected. I welcome individuals of all backgrounds and identities, with an emphasis on being queer-friendly and culturally aware.

I hold a Diploma in Dance Movement Therapy and a certificate in Mindful Somatic Approaches to Trauma Therapy.

A picture of Julie, a Dance Movement Therapist in Whanganui

Radiance DMT Offerings

Julie from Radiance DMT in Whanganui

Private Individual Therapy Sessions

Private DMT / Somatic therapy sessions are tailored to your individual needs and style. Online or in person. Through attunement and attention, I collaborate with you on your journey towards self-discovery, healing,
re-connection and empowerment.

A Dance Movement Therapy session with a group of older people, in Whanganui

Therapeutic Movement Groups

Therapeutic movement sessions for the elderly and mixed ability communities in Whanganui.  These groups are focused on developing connections between group members, having fun through expressive dance, play, increasing body awareness, supporting dexterity and physical movement skills.

Hands moving together in a Dance Movement Therapy session in Whanganui

ACC Referrals and Groups

ACC ISCC groups offer a supportive environment where participants can explore nervous system regulation through trauma-informed movement, body awareness, breath, grounding techniques and self-care. These groups also promote social connection and a sense of belonging among participants.

Two woman drawing as part of a Dance Movement Therapy session in Whanganui

Community Workshops

Community workshops are for sharing the love of movement and creative expression with the wider Whanganui community.

Look out for upcoming community classes, which are run monthly, or bi-monthly.

Radiance DMT logo, Whanganui

What to expect in a session with me?

Sessions are tailored for every individual person, meeting you where you are at. However, a general outline of a typical Radiance DMT session follows.  We begin with an opening - perhaps the sound of a bell or a moment of stillness - inviting us to arrive into presence together.
‍
We then find grounding or connection together, which may involve a body scan, a simple shared dance reflecting our current emotions, or tuning into our senses and the environment around us. We’ll then take time to check in verbally, exploring what’s ‘on top’ for you and how you’re feeling in that moment.

From there, I may guide you to become aware of your body sensations, invite a movement exploration, suggest a journal prompt, or introduce another creative exercise. Together, we’ll delve deeper into the issues present, using mindfulness and your body’s innate wisdom to process difficult emotions and uncover new insights.

As our session draws to a close, we’ll have a final check-in to reflect and bring a sense of closure to the experience, and a readiness for the next session together.

Upcoming Community Workshops

...

No items found.

FAQs

Here are answers to a few common questions asked about therapy sessions with Radiance DMT

Do I need to have dance experience?

No dance experience is required at all. A willingness and openness to movement and creative self-expression is helpful, however not essential as this can be built up gradually over time.

Where do the sessions take place?

There are a few options. Usually sessions are held in a hired hall in central Whanganui. Other options include a private outdoor location, or another mutually agreed location.

‍

How long are the sessions?

Usually between 60 - 90 minutes, allowing enough time for grounding, exploration, expression, reflection and closure.

Are online sessions available?

Yes, I am able to offer online sessions for those who prefer or require it, due to their location. These sessions can be just as effective as in-person sessions, providing similar benefit.

‍

Is it all about dancing? That sounds scary!

No, an embodied therapy approach blends talk therapy with mindful somatic inquiry, paying attention to ourselves and the body in stillness, as well as movement. This therapy approach also includes other forms of creative expression such as art and writing.

‍

Contact me

I’d love to hear from you!

julie.radiancedmt@gmail.com
021 211 4858
Facebook
@radaince_dmt
Ngā mihi! Thanks for getting in touch. I will be in touch soon.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please check your details and try again.

You can also find me connected with these organisations in Whanganui