Johnar Movement Therapy offers both dance movement therapy and facilitated dance sessions, supporting emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing through expressive movement.
Dance movement therapy sessions are grounded in a therapeutic, person-centred approach, supporting individuals to explore emotional expression, body awareness, and connection through movement. Alongside this, facilitated dance sessions within dance health settings focus on accessibility, creativity, and participation, supporting mobility, social connection, and overall quality of life.
We offer individual and group therapy, as well as engaging and inclusive dance sessions for older adults in retirement living and aged care settings. We also provide dedicated dance movement therapy for individuals living with endometriosis and pelvic pain, offering a gentle and supportive space to reconnect with the body through mindful movement and creative exploration.
At the heart of our work is the belief that movement is for every body, and that meaningful connection both within ourselves and with others, can be nurtured through movement.
Dance Facilitator and Dance Movement Therapist
DTAA Registered
Olivia (she/her) is a qualified dance movement therapist based in Meanjin/Brisbane. She is dedicated to creating safe, supportive environments where individuals feel empowered to express their authentic selves. Guided by a person-centred approach, Olivia works at the pace of each client, honouring the innate wisdom and capacity of the body.
Olivia works with a diverse range of individuals, including neurodivergent people, older adults, adolescents, women and people assigned female at birth. She currently facilitates multiple dance movement therapy sessions across aged care and retirement living settings, with a particular focus on supporting people living with dementia. Olivia is also a certified Dance for Parkinson’s instructor, offering inclusive, evidence-informed movement experiences that support mobility, creativity, and overall quality of life.
Olivia will soon be offering Flowing Still, a dedicated dance space for women and people assigned female at birth living with endometriosis and pelvic pain.
In addition to her private practice, Olivia is a teaching artist with Queensland Ballet, where she contributes to a range of dance health programs, integrating her passion for movement with community wellbeing.
At the heart of Olivia’s work is a deep belief in the power of movement to connect, heal, and transform. She is passionate about reaching and connecting with as many people as possible through the art of dance and the expressive potential of the body.
See Olivia’s DTAA profile here.
Qualified Dance Movement Therapist registered with the dtaa Graduate Diploma of Somatics and Dance Movement Therapy Cert IV and Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) Certified Dance for parkinson's instructor Olivia Rooney (she/her)
“Dance movement therapy is the relational and therapeutic use of dance and movement to further the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and cultural functioning of a person.”
-DTAA (Dance Movement Therapy Association of Australasia )
“ Paradoxically, when we dance, our psyche is mobilized through the freedom of symbolic expression and unresolved divisions within the self can become integrated as one mind-body-spirit.”
- Christina Devereaux
What is Dance movement therapy?
Dance movement therapy is a psychotherapeutic tool. It is a holistic approach to healing and empowerment, using the mind-body connection. It helps to address physical conditions, mental health issues such as anxiety & depression, cognitive conditions and social/ behavioural issues through nervous system regulation, self awareness and exploration and the art of play.
Dance movement therapy works to shift the focus from living in our heads to living in our bodies and increasing the mind-body connection through the ‘felt-sense’.
Our body and posture hold memories that our mind may have suppressed. Dance movement therapy (DMT) has the potential to bring the unconscious to consciousness.
Benefits of DMT
Benefits of Somatics (include, but are not limited to)
Increased emotional awareness
Decrease in chronic tension and chronic pain
Increase in mobility and correct posture
Helps to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression
Improves quality of sleep
Aids in nervous sytem regulation
Increases the body’s proprioception
Helps to release both the physical and emotional imprint of trauma
Benefits of Dance Movement Therapy ( include but are not limited to)
Helps to improved mobility and motor skills
Promotes stress relief
Promotes nervous system regulation
Improved body image
Improved self-esteem and confidence
Increases and improves communication skills
Increases self-awareness, body awareness and the ability to self regulate
Dance movement therapy has been shown to be beneficial to those experiencing; autism, ADHD, mental health conditions and mood and anxiety disorders, cancer, trauma, chronic pain, PTSD, dementia and alzheimers.
Johnar Movement Therapy Services
A person centred approach, 1:1 sessions offer the most personalised attention. Olivia will work with you to help you address your needs and achieve your goals.
Sessions are 1 hour in length and are often held weekly. However, alternative options can be arranged.
Individual Dance Therapy Sessions
Group Sessions/ Moving Reflections
Dance classes in retirement villages offer older adults a fun, social, and accessible way to stay active and connected. These classes focus on gentle movement, rhythm, and expression, supporting physical health, coordination, and balance. Beyond the physical benefits, they also foster community, boost mood, and create a joyful space for creativity and connection.
Group sessions offer individuals to experience the benefits of dance movement therapy without the cost of an individual session. It also encourages connection, creativity and play as a sense of community is established from week to week.
Dance in aged care uses movement and creative expression to support the physical, emotional, and social well-being of older adults. It encourages gentle movement, self-expression, and connection in a way that is accessible and adaptable to each individual's abilities. Particularly for residents living with dementia or limited mobility, dance therapy can enhance mood, stimulate memory, and foster a sense of joy, presence, and community.
FAQs
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No dance experience is necessary. All bodies of all ages and abilities are welcome in this space.
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Please wear comfortable clothing that you can move freely in. Active wear or free flowing material that is non restrictive is suggested.
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Yes. Dance movement therapy is an evidence based approach and can be beneficial to NDIS participants by; improving motor skills and mobility function, improving confidence and communications skills, increasing their level of self awareness and improving the relationship they have with themselves and others. In addition, dance movement therapy is also a fun and creative outlet and is a form of nonverbal communication and is therefore very beneficial to some NDIS participants.
Dance movement therapy can be accessed through NDIS funding if plans are either self managed OR plan managed.
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For individual sessions, the initial consultation is $100 for one hour with subsequent sessions at $90.
A sliding scale of fees can be applied where required.
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The name ‘Johnar’ is a combination of two names, Jan and John. Two loved ones who have recently passed and were integral to Olivia’s growth and upbringing and provided unconditional love and support. The business name is dedicated to them.
Testimonials
“Thank you for our sessions. It was so helpful and beneficial for me in my healing process. I was able to process a lot of trauma through our sessions in ways that felt safe and explorative, knowing I could always come back. Thank you so much for everything, it’s meant the world.”
- Kaleigh in Canada.
I had the pleasure of witnessing Olivia's remarkable work with my NDIS clients in the past. Her genuine compassion and deep understanding of others make her a truly exceptional Dance movement therapist. The individuals she worked with thoroughly enjoyed their sessions with Olivia, benefiting greatly from her expertise and care. As a compassionate Dance movement therapist, she has consistently proven her ability to create a safe and nurturing environment for individuals with disabilities, fostering meaningful connections and facilitating their personal growth.
- Aiko Ushizuka, Dance Movement Therapist, Brisbane
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