Movement offered to heal the mind

CLINICAL psychologist Maria Marshall is running somatic movement and dance classes in Buninyong for women who have experienced trauma and people with autism.

Ms Marshall is currently training to become a somatic therapist and the free classes are on Thursdays at Buninyong Town Hall beginning on Thursday 17 August.

“I have recently come across somatic therapy and the theory behind it is that due to either physical or emotional injury, chronic muscle contraction patterns are created and retained,” she said.

“If you are someone who is quite anxious or has had adverse experiences, you may be using the reaction 100 times a day and constantly be contracting those muscles which causes pain, fatigue and contributes to mental health presentations.

“Somatic therapy aims to help you bring those muscles back to a state of relaxation using slow and deliberate movements.”

The first group, beginning at 7am, is for women who have experienced interpersonal trauma, and the second group, starting at 9.30am is for autistic people.

Classes are limited to 10 people to provide an intimate, relaxed environment and participants are asked to bring an A3 drawing pad, a cushion, and a blanket.

“I’m hoping the people who benefit will not only have the benefit of releasing these muscles but also getting to know their body better,” said Ms Marshall.

“There’s a huge amount of research on the benefits of exercise in benefitting your mental health.”

The classes aim to provide a relaxed way to get the body moving, unlike other harsher ways of exercising such as running.

“I think sometimes it feels insurmountable to people, especially when they do have conditions like depression, but I think sometimes we make the goal too big,” said Ms Marshall.

“It’s actually just seven minutes of exercise a day that has a profound impact for our mental health.”

Ms Marshall encouraged anyone who is interested to come along, as it will be a comfortable and welcoming environment.

“It’s a pretty big space so you can have your own space and you can participate at whichever level you want to participate at,” she said.

“There is no pressure to do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing.”

To join the classes email [email protected].