Authentic Movement
A practice of non-directed movement, supported by a group process and compassionate witness.
What is Authentic Movement?
Authentic Movement is a non-directed movement practice rooted in the relationship between a mover and a witness. The mover closes their eyes and follows the impulses of the body — without choreography, without direction, without judgment. The witness holds the space.
Developed from early explorations in dance/movement therapy and active imagination, Authentic Movement offers movers access to the unconscious through movement. It is not about how movement looks, but what it reveals.
No dance or movement experience is necessary. The group welcomes all bodies, all levels of mobility, and all ways of being.
“After years of meditation, yoga, and dance, I have found that only Authentic Movement helps me to simultaneously identify, accept, and release feeling I did not know I had. And that, in turn, allows me to be present.”
— Laura Raffa
Group details
Who this is for
Frequently asked questions
No. Authentic Movement is not choreographed and is not about how movement looks — there is nothing to learn beforehand and nothing to perform. The group welcomes all bodies, all levels of mobility, and all ways of being.
You move with your eyes closed, following the impulses of your body rather than any instruction, while a witness holds the space and watches without judgment. Afterward there is time in the circle to speak, draw, or write about what surfaced.
No. Authentic Movement is a community practice rather than a healthcare service. If you are looking for therapy, my group therapy offerings are separate and are available remotely to clients (for now) located in New York State.
Authentic Movement groups meet in person in the DC Metro area, so you do need to be able to travel to the studio.
People drawn to body-based experience, creatives looking for a different way of reaching their inner voice, meditation practitioners curious about embodied awareness, therapists and helping professionals wanting their own embodied practice, and anyone interested in deep, supportive community.
That is a common place to start. Movers keep their eyes closed throughout, which means you are not watching anyone and are not performing for anyone. Witnessing is an active, attentive practice rather than evaluation, and the structure is designed to make being seen feel safe rather than exposing.
How to join
Getting started is simple. Send a message through the contact form or email me directly. There's no clinical intake or formal assessment — just a brief conversation to share what drew you to the practice and answer any questions you might have.