As witnesses, participants learn to see without judgement, to communicate with personal responsibility, to develop empathy and understanding, and to listen with openness, clear attention, and respect for self and other. The witness stays present with personal sensation, experience and meaning. The witness speaks only when the mover asks for response.

As movers, participants learn to listen to their inner impulses, become aware of self-critical inner monologues, integrate body and mind and practice presence in the physical body. With the eyes closed and with a witness, the mover eliminates external visual stimuli and senses deeply into the tissues of the body evoking imagery, emotion, body sensation, memory and dreams. This experiential process allows one to become receptive to the knowledge stored in the body and to explore cellular memory, body metaphors and subconscious material.

The use of language in Authentic Movement follows a specific form. Making “I” statements, speaking in present tense and describing physical movement and sensation, develops awareness and communication skills. Inherent in this practice, both mover and witness learn to take responsibility for projections and transference, develop empathy and non-judgmental abilities to see and be seen.