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Movement Based Expressive Arts

Movement-based expressive art therapy is a client-centered, holistic, and dynamic approach that integrates movement and artistic expression to support self-discovery, emotional release, and personal growth.

 

In this unique modality, you are encouraged to explore and communicate your inner experiences through various forms of movement, such as dance, gesture, and shape-making, combined with creative expressions like drawing, mark-making, collage, and journaling.

 

By combining these modalities, movement-based expressive art therapy taps into your body's innate wisdom and creative process, allowing you to access and express emotions that may be challenging to articulate verbally. This form of therapy honors the mind-body connection and provides a safe, non-judgmental space to delve into emotions, cultivate self-awareness, and navigate your personal journey toward healing and well-being.

Key Outcoms

The primary outcomes of movement-based expressive arts:

Enhanced Self-Expression:

Movement-based expressive arts therapy empowers you to articulate your emotions, navigate your personal material, and express yourself in creatively therapeutic ways. Through movement and creative expression, you can explore and communicate aspects of your inner world that may be challenging to express verbally, fostering a deeper understanding of your emotions and facilitating self-expression.

Mind-Body Integration:

This therapeutic approach emphasizes the integration of mind and body, recognizing the inherent connection between physical movement, creativity, and emotional wellbeing. By engaging in expressive arts and movement, you begin to align and find harmony in your mental, emotional and physical states, promoting balance, relaxation, and overall wellbeing.

Healing and Transformation:

Movement-based expressive arts therapy serves as a catalyst for healing and transformation. By exploring and releasing emotions through creative and movement-based outlets, you can navigate trauma, reduce stress, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. This therapeutic process often leads to increased resilience, personal growth, and a renewed sense of empowerment, fostering positive transformation in one's life.

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"I highly recommend Jess, especially for those who have had difficulty finding the right type of help and for whom traditional treatment methods have not been helpful or effective. Also, those who struggle to put words to their experiences and emotions and those who face challenging body sensations as a result of past trauma or emotional distress. Her wide range of movement therapy techniques and creative approaches, meant no matter what I was feeling or working through, there was something we could do to support that, move through it, feel it, and let it be seen. Deeply powerful and profound healing takes place. "

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How it works

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Just as there are many different styles of talk-based therapy, there are also many different styles of creative arts therapy. What differentiates one facilitator from another will be their influences, personal practice, and the modalities they have trained in.

 

My background is in health and fitness, with a bachelor's degree in contemporary dance and performance. I am also trained in yoga therapy, pranayama (breathwork), meditation, and yogic philosophy. In more recent years, I have studied trauma theory, neuroscience, movement-based expressive arts, psychology, and dance movement therapy (DMT). My approach to healing and wellbeing is comprehensive, holistic, and integrated.

 

Drawing from trauma theory, I recognize the impact of past traumatic experiences on our bodies and minds. I do my utmost to work respectfully alongside you as we create a safe, supportive environment for you to explore your emotions, movements, thoughts, and varied forms of expression while fostering empowerment and control over your healing process. Insights from neuroscience help us acknowledge the intricate connections between the brain, nervous system, and bodily responses so we can build regulation, resilience, and neuroplasticity.

 

Psychological principles underpin the therapeutic process and help guide us through self-exploration and emotional processing. The integration of expressive arts allows for a non-verbal and creative exploration of one's inner world, offering a unique avenue for communication, integration, and healing. Incorporating yogic philosophy further enhances our explorations by emphasizing mindfulness, breath awareness, and the mind-body connection. This holistic approach includes mindful movement, breathwork, and creative practices, and facilitates a deeper understanding of our physical, mental, relational, and emotional states.

 

By synthesizing these disciplines, my unique version of movement-based expressive arts therapy becomes a transformative journey, offering a pathway to integrate and heal trauma, cultivate resilience, and rediscover a sense of wholeness and sustainable wellbeing.

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Benefits

Potential benefits of movement based expressive arts therapy include:

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​Enhanced Self-Expression: Develop the ability to express your emotions and experiences through creative movement and artistic practices, fostering a deeper understanding of your inner world.

 

Mind-Body Connection: Cultivate a harmonious alignment between your mental, emotional, physical, and relational states through the integration of movement and creativity, promoting overall wellbeing, self-regulation, and balance.

 

Stress Reduction and Mindset: Movement-based expressive arts therapy can support the reduction of stress, tension, and anxiety while promoting a sense of acceptance, meaning, and purpose.

 

Emotional Release: Experience a safe and supportive environment to release and process emotions that may be challenging to express verbally, promoting emotional integration and wellbeing.

 

Personal Empowerment: Foster agency and personal empowerment as you explore and navigate your creative, movement-based journey, gaining confidence and self-awareness along the way.

 

Trauma Integration and Healing: Movement-based expressive arts therapy helps you navigate and process trauma (be it big or small in nature) while promoting healing and resilience in a supportive, non-judgmental, and client-centered space.

 

Mindfulness and Presence: Develop mindfulness and present-moment awareness through intentional movement and creative expression, fostering a deeper connection to the present and the ability to see what belongs to the here and now and what influences might belong to past adversity or future worry.

 

Individualized Approach: Benefit from a personalized therapeutic approach that considers your unique body, mind, personal history, and aspirations, ensuring sessions cater to your specific needs.

 

Long-Term Wellbeing: Learn sustainable and authentic movement and creativity-based practices that contribute to long-term physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

 

Creative Exploration: Tap into the transformative power of creative expression, unlocking new perspectives, insights, and possibilities in your personal and creative journey.

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Facilitators

MEET YOUR FACILITATOR

Jessica Integrated Wellness Coach

Jessica Dziwulska

Jessica’s work is informed by nearly three decades of dedicated practice and study in therapeutic movement and dance, expressive arts, restorative practices, yoga, trauma theory, and neuroscience. Her passion lies in exploring and sharing the profound physical, emotional, and mental benefits that these modalities offer.

 

While her commitment lies in crafting a personalized approach that honors each individual's unique journey and considers their body, mind, personal history, and aspirations. With empathy and compassion, Jessica merges her extensive experience in physical and mental health with her passion for holistic fitness and wellbeing. She guides her clients toward a deeper, more connected, and regulated life by integrating movement, breath, creativity, and awareness techniques.

 

Jessica's inspiration is rooted in the limitless potential of movement and creative expression. She feels blessed to have witnessed firsthand their transformative power within her body and mind and in the lives of those she has been privileged to work with. Jessica's approach is guided by the pillars of sustainability (life-long wellness practices rather than quick fixes), authenticity (empathy, compassion, and connection), and therapeutic principles based on trauma theory, neuroscience, psychology, and yogic philosophy.

 

Working with Jessica is an exploration of tuning into your inner wisdom, nurturing your body and mind, and fostering enduring, life-sustaining change, growth, and development.

 

Committed to lifelong learning, Jessica is pursuing her Master's in Dance Movement Therapy, reflecting her dedication to advancing her expertise. Available for private, individual, small group, or corporate sessions, Jessica also curates wellness retreats and offers Trauma-Sensitive Yoga and Body-based expressive Arts Therapy programs throughout the year.

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Retrats

Events Coming Up with Jessica

  • Bali Bliss 2025
    Bali Bliss 2025
    Sun, 15 Jun
    THE YOGA SHALA, UBUD, BALI
    15 Jun 2025, 3:00 pm – 22 Jun 2025, 11:00 am
    THE YOGA SHALA, UBUD, BALI, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
    15 Jun 2025, 3:00 pm – 22 Jun 2025, 11:00 am
    THE YOGA SHALA, UBUD, BALI, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
    Want to escape Winter? Discover paradise, yoga, incredible cuisine, friendship, sunshine and so much more? Join me in beautiful Bali.
  • Mid Winter Relaxation Retreat Coromandel
    Mid Winter Relaxation Retreat Coromandel
    Fri, 01 Aug
    Mana Retreat Centre
    01 Aug 2025, 6:00 pm – 04 Aug 2025, 2:00 pm
    Mana Retreat Centre, Manaia 3581, New Zealand
    01 Aug 2025, 6:00 pm – 04 Aug 2025, 2:00 pm
    Mana Retreat Centre, Manaia 3581, New Zealand
    Spend a 3 day weekend of deeply mindful resting with Jessica Dziwulska.
  • Yoga, Wellness & Wineries
    Yoga, Wellness & Wineries
    Fri, 25 Oct
    Appleby House Nelson
    25 Oct 2024, 3:00 pm – 29 Oct 2024, 11:00 am
    Appleby House Nelson, Redwood Road, Rabbit Island 7081, New Zealand
    25 Oct 2024, 3:00 pm – 29 Oct 2024, 11:00 am
    Appleby House Nelson, Redwood Road, Rabbit Island 7081, New Zealand
    Join me in sunny Nelson
  • Rhythms of Life: Move, Dance, Create, Explore
    Rhythms of Life: Move, Dance, Create, Explore
    Multiple Dates
    Sun, 15 Sept
    Auckland
    15 Sept 2024, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
    Auckland, 2 Glen Road, Browns Bay, Auckland 0630, New Zealand
    15 Sept 2024, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
    Auckland, 2 Glen Road, Browns Bay, Auckland 0630, New Zealand
    A FREE 4 week series of movement, art and creative practice for women of all ages.
  • The Art Of Kindness Through Self-Compassion
    The Art Of Kindness Through Self-Compassion
    Sun, 18 Aug
    Auckland
    18 Aug 2024, 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
    Auckland, 10 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
    18 Aug 2024, 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
    Auckland, 10 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
    Join me for an enriching exploration of self-compassion through the healing arts of dance, creative expression, and writing. This unique experience blends dance movement therapy with artistic expression, helping you reconnect with your inner self and cultivate kindness and compassion from within.
  • Mid Winter Relaxation Retreat Coromandel
    Mid Winter Relaxation Retreat Coromandel
    Fri, 02 Aug
    Mana Retreat Centre
    02 Aug 2024, 6:00 pm – 05 Aug 2024, 2:00 pm
    Mana Retreat Centre, Manaia 3581, New Zealand
    02 Aug 2024, 6:00 pm – 05 Aug 2024, 2:00 pm
    Mana Retreat Centre, Manaia 3581, New Zealand
    Spend a 3 day weekend of deeply mindful resting with Jessica Dziwulska.
  • Bali Bliss
    Bali Bliss
    Wed, 26 Jun
    THE YOGA SHALA, UBUD, BALI
    26 Jun 2024, 3:00 pm – 03 Jul 2024, 11:00 am
    THE YOGA SHALA, UBUD, BALI, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
    26 Jun 2024, 3:00 pm – 03 Jul 2024, 11:00 am
    THE YOGA SHALA, UBUD, BALI, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
    Discover paradise in Bali, the land of 1000 temples.
  • Seen, Heard, Valued - Exploring the power of Belonging
    Seen, Heard, Valued - Exploring the power of Belonging
    Sat, 20 Apr
    Auckland
    20 Apr 2024, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
    Auckland, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
    20 Apr 2024, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
    Auckland, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
    A FREE 6 hour therapeutic workshop that uses movement, art, writing, and dialogue to explore self-regulation, group-regulation, and belonging.
  • Nelson Bays Retreat
    Nelson Bays Retreat
    Mon, 01 Jan
    Nelson
    01 Jan 2024, 7:00 pm – 02 Jan 2024, 7:00 pm
    Nelson, Nelson, New Zealand
    01 Jan 2024, 7:00 pm – 02 Jan 2024, 7:00 pm
    Nelson, Nelson, New Zealand
    quick catchy summary

Keep an eye out for retreats, workshops and courses which I offer regularly throughout the year. If you'd like to contact me directly, feel free to email me at info@brighterlife.nz, I'd love to talk about how we might work together to build the very unique path to your own brighter life.

REGISTER

If you are interested or would like to know more please chat with Jessica on:

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Phone: 021 884 518
Email: info@brighterlife.nz

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Or using the form below

Thanks for reaching out. I'll be in touch shortly.

REGISTRATION
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