About
Saara Tatjana Nelson
I am an attachment and trauma 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 Britain and Finland. As my experience deepened and grew, my journey eventually brought me to Bristol to study Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP).
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I graduated as a DMP in 2015 and since then have worked with different client groups in various settings. I worked in palliative care, with children and adults with special educational, emotional and physical needs, with students during lockdown, in various mental health settings, in primary schools and adult education centres. I now work in private practice. I have discovered that I love working with people to help reconnect them to themselves, the fascinating world around us and to each other.
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Life is a deeply creative and fulfilling journey and I am delighted and humbled to help and hold anyone else's journey.

Experience
Dance Movement Psychotherapy
Dance Movement Psychotherapy
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I am a fully qualified Dance Movement Psychotherapist and a long time member of ADMP (Association of Dance Movement Psychotherapists).
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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.
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I am an empathic mentor and person-centered psychotherapist, who can gently guide and support you.
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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
Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
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