Hello, I’m Jackie Butler, and I’ve been practicing as a Dance and Movement Psychotherapist since 1998. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients navigate a wide range of personal, emotional, and psychological challenges. I am a registered member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy (ADMP), which licenses my practice in the UK.

 

My career as a freelance practitioner has spanned both the private and social care sectors, allowing me to maintain a diverse and dynamic practice. Currently, I run a private practice where I offer individual therapy, one-on-one sessions, and supervision. In addition, I work within mental health and learning disabilities settings and teach on Dance Movement Psychotherapy MA programs. I’m also proud to have co-edited the book *Dance Movement Psychotherapy with People with Learning Disabilities: Out of the Shadows, Into the Light* (Routledge, 2017).

 

People seek psychotherapy for many different reasons. My approach centres on integrating the wisdom of the body to help you think, understand, and move forward from whatever challenges bring you to therapy. The balance between talking and body awareness or movement is always tailored to your comfort level. I believe that connecting with our bodies offers us a unique perspective on ourselves, providing the foundation for meaningful change.

 

Areas of Focus

 

Over the years, I’ve worked with a broad spectrum of mental health, psychiatric, and learning disabilities issues. My individual work has often focused on:

 

Anxiety

Depression

Mental Health Issues

Stress

Trauma

 

However, this list is not exhaustive. People come to therapy with a variety of concerns, and I provide support for many different struggles at various stages of life.

 

I believe that creating a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space is essential. It offers you the opportunity to step back from the daily grind, be actively listened to, and explore what might be holding you back.

 

Movement Psychotherapy

 

Movement psychotherapy offers a unique space where we can explore and make sense of what’s troubling you by focusing on both the non-verbal and spoken aspects of your experience. While the idea of movement psychotherapy might seem daunting, in practice, it involves shining a light on how our bodies and movements communicate alongside our thoughts. For example, we might simply sit and talk while noticing how you are sitting—what does this posture convey or do for you? It may sound simple, but this awareness can help us uncover what you are carrying within your body and life.

 

Moving your body differently can also lead to changes in patterns of thinking and behaviour. Neuroscience research suggests that bodily movement can create a sense of agency, helping transform feelings of anxiety into a sense of control. Ultimately, movement can help restore the harmony between mind and body, allowing them to work together rather than in opposition.

 

Healthcare Registration

 

I am a registered therapist with AXA and Aviva UK. If you have insurance coverage with either of these companies, you can contact your GP for a referral to see me.