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About

Saara Tatjana Nelson

I am an experienced and attachment informed Dance Movement Psychotherapist proficient in understanding the body as an instrument of self-expression and its emotional and physical needs. 

 

My journey started in Amsterdam in the late 90's where I first discovered Body Mind Centering (BMC) and Authentic Movement with Patricia Bardi, a leading BMC practitioner. At the same time I was also introduced to Bharatanatyam (a theatrical Indian dance form). I fell in love with exploring the expressive self through physical theatre and being embodied. I studied all types of movement, embodiment and theatre, performed, directed and taught in London, Barcelona and Finland. As my experience deepened and grew, my journey eventually brought me to Bristol to study Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP).

I graduated as a DMP in 2015 and since then have worked with different client groups in various settings. I have worked in palliative care, with children and adults with special educational, emotional and physical needs, with college students during lockdown, in various mental health settings, in primary schools and adult education centres. I have discovered that I love working with people to help reconnect them to themselves, the fascinating world around us and to each other. 

Life is a deeply creative and fulfilling journey and I am delighted and humbled to help and hold anyone else's journey.  

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Experience

Dance Movement Psychotherapy

Dance Movement Psychotherapy/Creative Arts Therapy

I am a fully qualified Dance Movement Psychotherapist and a long time member of ADMP (Association of Dance Movement Psychotherapists). 

With a vast background in Community Arts - theatre, dance and music, I am able to tap into various mediums to respond towards the individual creative needs of a client. 

 

I am particularly interested in relationships and how to work with attachment trauma, how we can develop strong and healthy bonds with ourselves and others.

I am an empathic mentor and person-centered psychotherapist, who can gently guide and support you. 

I have been working with somatic and embodied presence for over 20 years. I have been inspired in my practice by Authentic Movement, Body Mind Centering (BMC), meditation and mindfulness, yoga, the Franklin Method, Argentine tango, Traditional Chinese medicine and Qigong. 

Qualifications

2015

MA Dance Movement Psychotherapy

2006

Vocational Teacher Education Post Graduate Certificate

2005

MA Applied Theatre and Drama in Education 

Other Courses

Intensive Course in Emotionally Focused Therapy: Attachment-based interventions for couples in crisis - Dr Sue Johnston

Sand Tray - John Playfoot/Imagine Arts

Working with Relational Trauma: Dealing with Disorganized Attachment - Carolyn Spring

Mental Health and the Body: Treating Trauma - Carolyn Spring 

Child Sexual Abuse: Hope for Healing - Carolyn Spring 

Dealing with Distress: Working with Suicide and Self-Harm - Carolyn Spring

Dissociation and DID: The Fundamentals – Carolyn Spring

Safeguarding Children Level 2 – iHasco/City of Bristol College 

Young People’s Well-being - Open University 

Introduction to Child Psychology – Open University 

Attachment in the Early Years - Open University

Safeguarding & Professional Boundaries – PACT/HMP Bristol

Working Across Modalities in the Arts Therapies: Creative Collaborations – ADMP 

Safeguarding Adults – Bristol City Council 

Dementia Training - level 1 - Bristol City Council 

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