Authentic Movement in Tucson
Authentic Movement
This simple but potent practice engages Jung’s “active imagination,” engenders self-actualization, and evolves what could be described as an embodied spirituality. As we discover and embrace dimensions of our being previously unknown to ourselves, we recover our innate wholeness and power.
Over time, authentic movement can promote seeing through the illusion of a separate, fixed self via experiences of the collective unconscious and “the communal body.” As we are empathically witnessed in the universal manifesting through our particular form, in the here-and now, we develop the capacity to empathically witness ourselves and others. We develop a sense of being both deeply individual and not; ultimately, “waves” inseparable from the ocean of existence.
I offer one-on-one authentic movement to people who have no active mental health concerns as a powerful practice that furthers the integration and evolution of the self. Authentic movement can also be a part of individual somatic psychotherapy.
I also offer periodic, group-based authentic movement practice opportunities. Please visit my events page for dates.
“Authentic Movement is a wise and generous teacher, a portal into the school of the body. It asks only that we be true to ourselves in the present moment, look within, and trust the teacher that resides there.”
Avstreih, 1993
“For me, authentic movement is a tremendous, unshakable love; a kind and fearless teacher; a perennial spring, a deep well and a vast sky— offering both light and star-speckled, sacred darkness. A deep mindfulness practice, authentic movement is a wise teacher who knows how, when, and what to teach us.”
Leslie McCormick
“Maturity in the practice of the discipline of authentic movement becomes manifest in the phenomenon of presence … our ability to notice when we are present and when we are not has become heightened. When we are present, more than the details of personal history, engraved into the body matter, are evident …
A felt distinction between personality and presence becomes apparent as giving and receiving requires less and less of the self. Presence allows offerings to emerge from the body as vessel. Within the open space of a witness circle the discipline itself grounds the arrival of such offerings.”
Janet Adler, from "Offering From the Conscious Body: The Discipline of Authentic Movement"
Authentic Movement in Tucson
What Is Authentic Movement?
Authentic movement looks different in different settings. Like meditation, it can be beneficial in various ways — including the many simple benefits of moving in an unprescribed way (as in the trending term, “intuitive movement”). But authentic movement, as a formal practice with a clear structure and a witness who knows the psyche as it manifests through movement, has its roots in dance/movement therapy lineages: its potency is preserved through embodied teachings passed down from dedicated teacher to dedicated student.
Although authentic movement has many benefits, I encourage you to simply explore it if you feel drawn to it, allowing it to be a mystery, letting go of any idea of what you might “get out of it.”
I invite you to reach out to me with your questions about authentic movement and how to get started.
About Tucson Somatic Psychotherapy
About Me
Through my training as a licensed Dance/Movement Therapist at transpersonal psychology hub, Naropa University, my witnessing involves a deep knowledge of psychosomatic development, the attachment process, and the internalization of the compassionate, curious, attentive, non-invasive witness. As a more spiritual or transcendental process, this level of witnessing creates the conditions for the mover to notice and widen gaps in the continuous process of self-re-creation.
In the 20+ years since I first practiced authentic movement, I have become an ordained Buddhist. Both paths have at their center presence, love, beauty, and movement toward an ever-expanding relationship with Truth.
My personal journey with authentic movement has thus involved the various threads — even stages. It’s been for me, at different times, what Jung termed “active imagination”; an holographic somatic practice; a way of life; and an embodied Insight practice.
* When I agree to work with someone in authentic movement, I reserve the right to — at any time — discontinue or augment the work with treatment for specific mental health concerns that may require different or additonal approaches.
TUCSON SOMATIC PSYCHOTHERAPY REVIEWS
Testimonials
“I connected with my body, mind, and soul in ways I have never been able to realize… I somehow feel more ‘whole’. I am moving forward with a larger sense of self and the space I inhabit.
Leslie created a safe environment that allowed everyone to express themselves without judgement. She was able to draw out those of us more hesitant to be more vulnerable to the point where what once felt so intimidating felt so natural, good, and freeing! It was a profoundly beautiful experience.”
Trudy W.
“The self exploration and focus encouraged me to turn inwards and explore my inner thoughts and feelings. Going forward, I imagine a more peaceful and full outlook and moving more from my body. Leslie held space for everyone and made us feel comfortable.”
N.V.
“Leslie McCormick is an artist and a therapist of high caliber. She brings a deep, embodied commitment to creativity and a keen attention to important and subtle detail, to her work as a clinician and teacher.”
LEAH D’ABATE
MA, LPC, BC-DMT
Let's Connect
Tucson Somatic Psychotherapy and Arts is home to dynamic, holistic transformational work. Whether you’re looking to heal, grow, thrive, or simply rest into your authentic self, the seeds of what’s possible are in you. I look forward to working with you to tend them.