For over a decade, the Authentic Movement Institute offered an innovative curriculum, experiential and theoretical, exploring the inter-weaving of the creative, psychological and sacred through the unique body-based process of Authentic Movement. In this work, one develops kinesthetic awareness, gaining access and giving creative expression to the inner life through an approach in which "movement is the personality made visible."

Originally called Movement-In-Depth by its founder, Mary Starks Whitehouse, the method grew from her roots in dance, Jungian studies, and pioneering work in dance/movement therapy. Building on Jung's method of active imagination, she saw symbolic meaning in physical action. 

The Authentic Movement Institute continues to develop new training approaches to psychotherapy, artistic endeavor, and the enhancement of daily life.

CALENDAR Currently, the Institute is on an extended sabbatical, and it remains to be seen if a group endeavor may resume its operation on a reduced scale. PRIOR COURSEWORK INCLUDED (ALSO SEE STUDY AND PRACTICE PAGE ): FIRST, SECOND,THIRD YEAR STUDY AND PRACTICE AUTHENTIC MOVEMENT: ORIGINS, THEORY, PRACTICE CONTINUING STUDY AUTHENTIC MOVEMENT: LIVING PRACTICE   ONGOING GROUPS INDEPENDENT OF THE INSTITUTE, IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, (see Resources page).

WHAT IS AUTHENTIC MOVEMENT?

Authentic Movement is a completely self-directed form in which individuals may discover a movement pathway that offers a bridge between the conscious and the unconscious. 

Authentic Movement explores the relationship between a mover and a witness, being seen and seeing. With eyes closed, the mover listens inwardly and finds a movement arising from a hidden prompting, a cellular impulse. Gradually the invisible becomes visible, the inaudible becomes audible, and explicit form is given to the content of direct experience. 

The witness brings a receptive quality of clear attention to the mover. The witness is mindful of the inner world of sensation and meaning, judgment and criticism. Though personal shadow issues may emerge, the witness accepts the mover without analysis or direction and speaks only when the mover asks for a response. The mover and witness together can achieve a level of perception of self and other that evokes deep respect and empathy.

THEORY
The Institute provides an opportunity for investigative studies. Authentic Movement is informed by developmental psychology, somatic epistemology, Jungian thought, dance ethnology, and mystical studies. A reader and bibliography will support the course work. Learners can contribute to the body of knowledge of this field through narrative research.

"The body is the physical aspect of the personality and movement is the personality made visible." - Mary Starks Whitehouse

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?
- Who benefits from the study of Authentic Movement?

The transformative power of this work is profoundly connected to the creative source of therapy, artistry and our humanity.

Therapists will have an opportunity to gain an embodied understanding of the somatic intricacies in the therapeutic relationship.

Artists will have an opportunity to move through old patterns, and to reconnect with the lifeblood of their own aesthetic impulse.

Educators may replenish by returning to the wisdom of the body, as our original text.

Those who seek will have an opportunity to embody questions of the spirit

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"The symbols of the self arise in the depths of the body." - C.G. Jung

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