Moving Soma
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Gloucester
(28)
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Gloucester
(28)
Dr. Amanda Williamson: 'The Centre for Embodiment & Somatic Movement Education & Therapy. www.movingsoma.co.uk
Somatic Movement Therapy'
Body-centred Expressive Therapy
Deep relaxation & mindfulness
Somatic Education
Somatic Dance Therapy
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28 customer reviews
Karin Rugman
The bio-somatic movement therapy course is a wonderful training that mixes the right balance of informative and in depth materials with a rich variety of experiential explorations. The space is held extremely professionally by the tutors who guide you expertly through the processes with sensitivity and care. I left my first module feeling nourished and supported and leave with a sense of growth in my own understanding of this work. Having time to embody the learning enables greater insight into its potential as a practice that can both encourage and support healing in the body. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Mike Adeoye
Coming to the Centre for Somatic Movement Dance Education and Therapy in Cheltenham, UK, as an international artist and researcher, on the Jill Hayes Postdoctoral scholarship and the first African to be so honoured, is an amazing experience for me. Dr. Amanda Williamson's respect for intercultural connections has seen us exploring a pallet of cross-cultural influences between Èkìtì-Yorùbá (African) performance traditions and Western somatic practices. Of particular interest to me is the investigation of the therapeutic possibilities of the visual arts, drawing largely from the new and endless perspectives offered by the functional aesthetics of Dance and Somatic Movement. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Lizzy Le Quesne
This is inspirational and humane work that offers routes to real change in our ways of being within our own skins and minds, amongst others and in the world. .. cultivating true wellbeing and emancipatory embodied process. I am thrilled to be undertaking the training to become an ISMETA registered bio-somatic dance movement educator and therapist at Moving Soma with Dr Amanda Williamson and Anna Morris, setting creative somatic processes in active relationship to Western medicine / general health practice and in times of mental and physical health, social, cultural, political and ecological crises. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Gillian Povey
I have no hesitation in recommending Moving Soma, my first session covered so much. I left feeling much calmer, lighter and relaxed and able to cope with life. Amanda is very welcoming and friendly and wants to tailor her teaching to the needs of the client. The studio is beautiful, a very safe place. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
jey jeyapalan
I have had such a great experience with moving soma, and excited to continue this journey, my mind tends to be quite energetic and not very relaxed but coming here my mind and body feels a different kind of peacefulness which is unexplainable, but incredible! Amanda who runs the sessions is truly an amazing person she has such a warm heart and cares for your every need and just a beautiful person inside and out! I can’t help to also mention how beautiful the studios are, every time I walk in I’m amazed at how comfortable I get, I don’t feel as though I’m in a studio, I feel at home and I feel relaxed! I definitely recommend it to everyone! More...
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Maisie James
After recently staring the course with Moving Soma on the scholarship, I have engaged with new experiences that have really enlightened my awareness of self and how to apply previous knowledge of somatics into practice in the studio. All facilitators on the modules so far have understood where we are coming from as individuals wanting to learn more about this practice, but have also allowed us time to grow as practitioners starting out on this journey. I have thoroughly enjoyed the beginnings of this course and am looking forward to evolving my experience organically. More...
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Vanessa Tucker
I have recently started my somatic movement and dance therapy training at Moving Soma in Cheltenham. This dance and movement therapy and educational centre is excellent, I highly recommend. It offers educational courses, somatic dance and movement therapy for individuals and groups and dance/movement and community based workshops and conferences for educational development and community sharing. The training I have received from Dr Amanda Williamson and Anna is beautifully blended; a fantastic balance of experiential learning with high quality educational research and skill based work. They offer a very good rate for people who are suffering with chronic pain - it's powerful stuff do book a session. More...
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Cathy Washbrooke
I have just begun the Movement Education & Therapy course at Moving Soma - what a delight it has been. Amanda & Anna’s knowledge, sensitivity & empathy are second to none. Not only is the somatic work deeply healing and rejuvenating, Amanda’s studios are calming and restorative. I am so looking forward to the next two years of study. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Lisa Fasullo
I'll begin with saying... it is worth the small investment of time and resources it take to get yourself to this somatic movement center from anywhere and wherever you are in the world! It was my experience that it will make a long lasting, positive impact on your life, both personally and professionally, if you do. I was honored to be a participant in a recent movement conference led by Amanda Williamson and the 5 days were truly life-transforming. What do I mean by this? Well... the physical location is very welcoming, friendly, calming and beautiful sanctuary where you can let go, feel free and be encouraged to allow your 'best self' to come out and have some fun! Everyone I met was lovely and also appeared to be honored to be spending time at Moving Soma and taking advantage of the many creative and effective somatic practices and teachings they offer as well as spending time with Amanda and her spirited and talented team. It was super easy booking a small, bright and clean hotel room in Cheltenham just 4 or so blocks from the Moving Soma. I found both the town and people to be vibrant, playful and friendly! I returned to the US feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, having increased my professional repertoire of movement practices I now use with clients. And also full of memories I will treasure forever. I love things that I can FEEL positively impact me... and from start to ending... this whole experience was definitely one of them. More...
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Macarena Ortuzar
I am a dancer. I have just started the two year program on Somatic Movement Therapy and education with Moving Soma. Just after our first module I can happily say how wonderful has been moving and learning in such an inspiring, creative, open and safe environment. I felt great honor to the be lead by the generous and knowledgeable teachings of Anna and Amanda Williamson ,founder of the Center. It is a very cleverly put together program that is leading and empowering a movement that can truly reach and support our community and society. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Adam Hussain
I first came to know of Moving Soma by attending a dance conference here. The studios are spacious, calm and have a warm and inviting atmosphere. There are so many possibilities available here for these studios to be transformed into presentations, workshops and performances. A well-being hub for the local, national and international community. More...
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Suzan Tunca
this place is a power house of bright minds, inclusive, expansive and generous hearts as well as inspired and inspiring bodies
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Elaine Westwick
I am back from spending a weekend at Moving Soma and I am still glowing. A beautiful and inspiring place.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Vicky Wright
It has been a delight to spend time at Moving Soma this weekend & participate in the conference. Dr. Amanda Williamson is a leader in the field of somatics in the UK, and I leave deeply inspired by the depth of knowledge and research unfolding here.
Reviewed on Google Maps
helen kindred
I had simply the most wonderful experience at Moving Soma. I attended the centre for the first time recently for the conference they were hosting 'Dialogues in Dance and Spiritualities'. Moving Soma offered such a vital space for embodied thinking, processing and being. The culture of the centre created by Dr Amanda Williamson is one of love, learning, respect and development and I look forward to future experiences and continued growth in my own learning with others through the philosophy of Moving Soma. Thank you. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Marin Leggat
Amanda has created a space that supports Wholeness and transformation through somatic-based movement therapy and education. I thoroughly enjoyed spending the weekend at Moving Soma, learning more about the connection between somatics, movement and spirituality. Looking forward to returning! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
June Gersten Roberts
The Moving Soma conference on Cultural, Intercultural and Transnational Dialogues in Dance and Spirituality offered truly enlightening opportunities to share research, insights, explorations and discoveries in areas of wisdom knowledge that link soul practices and movement. Thank you to Amanda and Scott at Moving Soma for organising such a welcoming and nourishing event. The complexity and scale of this project is awesome and you handled it all with warmth, elegance and grace. I am truly enriched by the experience of attending. More...
Melanie Brierley
Moving Soma is a powerful and professional centre supporting social change and health for the local and worldwide community.
Reviewed on Facebook
Wendy Frost
I spent a day in the space with Amanda and it was so calming. I'm feeling the benefits in my body over the last 48 hours. Will definitely try and return.
Reviewed on Google Maps
WendyF-71
I attended a full day of practice with Amanda and found it incredibly fulfilling. You are given the space and time to consider your own needs and listen to your body and I totally got lost in the time and practice. I am hoping to find time to do more of this and would definitely return. More...
Reviewed on Yell
Melvin Gomez
AI did a facia release in London and found it very beneficial. Now that I am in Cheltenham, it is fantastic I can do this again here at Moving Soma! I'm so glad moving somewhere that it near my door step, they really do, do amazing work with the body. The atmosphere and the people I have met is truly incredible and amazing to be a part of! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Arran Stibbe
Dr Amanda Williamson is one of the top international scholars and practitioners of somatic movement education. It’s fantastic that she has opened a studio here in Cheltenham. The studio itself is an oasis of tranquillity, a perfect environment for a harmonious blend of relaxation and movement that is surprisingly rejuvenating and healing. As well as individual and group sessions, the Centre offers a superb professional accreditation course in bio-somatic education. I highly recommend everything about Moving Soma. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Rachel Anderson
I visit Amanda at Moving Soma every Saturday for a private one to one session. Over the weeks we have tried all different forms of movement, therapy and meditation together, all of which are proving invaluable to my recovery/rehabilitation. Last weekend we tried some cranial sacral therapy - I have been blown away by the results as not only have I been pain free in my back - which is unheard of! I set about a project to replace my turf in my garden which involved a lot of strenuous activity and I have suffered no aches or pains whatsoever in my back as a result.. I am absolutely amazed by how I have felt this week thanks to this treatment. Would highly recommend. More...
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Rachel Lewis
I am so happy I found Amanda at a time when I needed some real help in my life. I have been welcomed into the beautiful space at Normandy House and made to feel at ease, safe and supported. During our one to one sessions I am able to release feelings and emotions through movement and meditation that I have been holding inside me - in turn this has helped with reducing physical pain and anxiety, and with each week that passes these symptoms are becoming a lot less noticeable.I am discovering how to release my emotions in many different ways and have become more aware of the physical limitations my mind has been putting on my body. The work I have been doing with Amanda has given me pain free movement, which I have not experienced for a number of years. Amanda is incredibly supportive and has given me the confidence to take time out for myself for self care and to heal.. I am truly grateful to her. Would highly recommend! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Samantha Young
Amanda’s somatic movement classes have really helped me to find some calm in my hectic week and allowed me to clear my mind and listen to my body. If you’re looking for a movement class that’s truly different to anything you may have experienced before, this is for you. The classes are friendly and allow you to express yourself in a non threatening and supportive environment. All the movement is done with eyes closed, which allows you to really be free, without comparing yourself to others.I’m so glad I discovered Moving Soma and would highly recommend it. More...
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Lee Harrison
I’ve found my time at the centre for embodiment so far enlightening. I am a Mum and have a dog, so life is fairly hectic. Being busy i constantly find myself physically stooping, tensing and generally feeling anxious and quite stressed . Going to Amanda’s classes have made me feel empowered, relaxed and happy. The sessions are all about self expression and finding yourself, in a lovely calm relaxed environment. I truly would recommend these sessions to everyone, especially those caught up in the hussle and bussle of life.I’ve been to many yoga classes and although these were great Amanda’s classes are about mind, body and how they can work together in a more freeing way.To start the year on such a positive note is truly amazing. I couldn’t be feeling happier right now. The movements within the sessions are done with wyes closed, so no matter what strange or unusual position you find yourself in no-one will see you, which gives a very freeing feeling.I would recommend if you are not sure try it, they’ll be nothing to loose and a lot of positive thoughts and movements to gain.Steph. More...
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Scott Closson
Lovely space, calm and relaxing.
Reviewed on Google Maps
LeeH-469
An amazingly calming space. The studio has the feeling of positive energy and is ideal for therapeutic needs. It's in a beautiful building and in a central location.
Reviewed on Yell
What do you love most about your job?
Working in peaceful creative space; and extending this space to clients. Working in slow-time tempo; enabling clients to slow down, reflect and ease out tension; witnessing creative and perceptual change in others; supporting breath awareness and easeful being;
listening and compassion; being with others in a non-judgemental space; supporting growth and change; learning from my clients and exchanging knowledge about the human body in culture and society; supporting creativity and life-journey; and witnessing the resilience, strength and creativity of human beings.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I was inspired to open 'The Centre for Embodiment & Somatic Movement Education & Therapy' because people are under such pressure at home and at work. The centre provides a space of deep reflection, perceptual change and creative growth. The practice releases tension and stress, and provides people with time and space to self-regulate and heal.
Why should our clients choose you?
Somatic movement therapy and education is a unique approach to therapy where the sensory and expressive body is invited into the healing process. The work is slow-time and deeply reflective; it enhances life energy through focusing on breath and kinesthetic awareness. The work differs significantly from yoga because clients are not taught set exercises, but rather led through creative and reflective processes that provide freedom, ease and release in the body-mind. It is holistic practice that explores the sensory, emotional, creative, imaginative, anatomical and perceptual self. Clients report release from worry, new perceptions that enhance well-being at home and in work, and increased life-energy.
Somatic Movement Therapy & Education: Body-Centred Expressive Therapy.
International Scope of Practice
‘The purpose of Somatic Movement Education & Therapy is to enhance human function and body-mind integration through movement awareness. Professional practice combines experiential anatomy, sound, breath, touch and imagery to bring awareness to the self-regulatory intelligence of the body. Somatic movement practitioners work sensitively and gently with the human body, acknowledging that movement affects dimensions of psyche and spirit as well. As a result, practice facilitates improved vitality, creativity, easeful movement functioning, and a restful embodied experience. The profession, as represented by ‘International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA)’ helps students and clients in some way to:
recognize habitual patterns of perceptual, postural and movement interaction with the environment
improve movement coordination that supports structural, functional and expressive integration
experience an embodied sense of vitality and create both meaning for and enjoyment of life
focus on the body both as an objective physical process and as a subjective process of lived consciousness
refine perceptual, kinesthetic, proprioceptive, and interoceptive sensitivity that supports homeostasis, co-regulation, and neuroplasticity
