what is authentic movement?

Authentic Movement (AM) is a movement awareness practice based on the relationship between a mover and a witness. The mover begins with eyes closed, and tunes into his or her internal bodily sensations, images and feelings. This process invites the mover to become aware of an inner impulse, which can be expressed through spontaneous self-directed movement in the moment. The witness serves as a holding container for the mover, creating a supportive space to receive and reflect the mover's experience.

how is Jeannine qualified to lead this form?

Although there are no official certifications to lead AM, Jeannine has been studying the form since 2000 and completed the Advanced Facilitator Training with Zoe Avstreih in 2010. Zoe, one of the pioneers of the development of Authentic Movement, is a trained psychoanalyst, dance/movement therapist, and Zen meditation practitioner. Jeannine continues to study with Zoe and leads workshops in AM in the community. The form of AM is a wonderful teacher in that the more one practices, the deeper the invitation to push the boundaries what it means to truly see and be seen by another.

How is it done and do you have to have special training to practice it?

The practice is done with eyes closed as a way to access the unconscious and listen more closely to one's true self. It is also a wonderful way to connect with one's creativity while moving in the presence of an unconditionally accepting witness. Although there is no special training required to practice AM, it helps to have a body-based and/or mindfulness practice in order to resource through the body, as various layers of the psyche emerge in the movement. Authentic Movement is a beneficial practice for therapists, performers, healers, artists, and anyone looking to deepen self-awareness and/or creative process.

"See the false as false, the true as true. Look into your heart. Follow your nature." -Buddha