WELCOME

I am Susan Scarth, senior movement psychotherapist. I incorporate a range of psychotherapeutic and body-oriented tools to meet the specific needs and preferences of each person. I practice from my studio at Out of the Blue Arts & Education Centre in Leith, Edinburgh. The studio offers a warm and welcoming, creative and calm space adjacent to the community café. Together we will explore the challenges you face with your mental and physical health - with the aim to facilitate you reaching a state of ‘bodyfulness’ (C. Caldwell, 2018), a mindful state that enhances confidence and contentment.

Our bodymind is an integrated system of connecting systems and networks, and movement psychotherapy aims to alleviate blocks, unravel confusions, identify links between physical and psychological issues, and so reach a more balanced, grounded and whole sense of self.

I work with gentle movement practices to bring a sense of integration to your body and mind, while listening to your story, exploring key memories, and addressing those stubborn stuck points.

PRICES

Individual sessions - 1 hour in length £65

Group session - 2 hours in length £35

Prices are negotiable where finances are limited.

We will work together to reduce

anxiety
depression
obtrusive thoughts
attachment issues
trauma & C/PTSD
chronic physical pain

We will explore ways to improve

relationships at home and at work
low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence
communication and expressing yourself without fear
feeling more comfortable in your skin

I offer

individual movement psychotherapy
creative group therapy
EMDR as an integrative tool for trauma related issues
somatic awareness and integration - using Sensorimotor Psychotherapy tools
clinical supervision & mentoring incorporating creative tools - individual and group
teaching Dance Movement Therapy/Psychotherapy on professional trainings in Europe
specialist input of the Laban Bartenieff Movement System - an in-depth knowing of self and others

BIO

UKCP EMDR RSMT/E SP (level 1) Dip.Sup. (1:1 & group) CMA MCAT

I have 37 years experience of combining teaching and practicing Movement Psychotherapy. I started my professional life as a social worker with an interest in mental health, going on to community rehabilitation projects for people surviving strokes, followed by a period in psychiatric nursing at The Maudsley Hospital, South London and community mental health care with MIND in London and Worcester. MotionHouse dance company inspired me in the 1980s when they introduced me to the value of dance and improvisation with people who rarely left their wheelchairs. The atmosphere of that residential was electric - the energy, hope and sheer joy that the participants experienced - including myself, was dynamic. I went to London to train as a Dance Movement Therapist achieving an MA from the Laban Centre/Drexel University in 1990, and later completed the Certificate in Movement Analysis at the Laban/Bartenieff Institute for Movement Studies in New York (2008). My MA thesis based on group work undertaken in a women’s refuge was the beginning of developing an accessible and relevant service to support survivors of abuse and neglect. In 2009 I completed Level 1 of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy training from the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute (SPI USA) and Trauma Training in Scotland (TTiS). This study ensured I could practice safely and effectively with clients who are challenged every day from the impact and fallout from traumatic life experiences. Since 2015 I have engaged in further studies in BodyMind Centering (BMC) – an intensive experiential anatomy training devised by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Repatterning). These latter studies help me understand the depth and breadth of the body’s physical systems and how they interface with our mindful self.

In addition to therapeutic skills I hold a Certificate in Reflective Practice and Creative Supervision in 2014 & 2025; Diplomas in Individual and Group Supervision using creative methods. I qualified in EMDR in December 2024.

I combine my private practice with teaching commitments in Croatia on a post-masters DMP programme, and China on a Dance Movement Therapy professional training programme. I played a key part in developing the European Association Dance Movement Therapy (EADMT) which was inaugurated in 2010, and since then have held the role of President for 6 years and continue my engagement as Consultant on the Training Standards Committee.

As a Registered Professional Member of UKCP and ISMETA I meet their Standards of Practice and uphold their Code of Ethics for both institutions. For more information visit https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/ or https://ismeta.org/

As a Professional Member of the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association, I meet the high Standards of Practice and uphold the Code of Ethics.