Susan Scarth UKCP RSMT/E SP(1) Dip.Sup. CMA MCAT

I have over 30 years experience of working as a Movement Psychotherapist and applying the model to a variety of client needs. 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 and community mental health care. I embarked on the world of movement psychotherapy with adults with visual impairment and other disadvantageous conditions. I was inspired by the value of dance and improvisation on a residential week with MotionHouse dance company; when dance through Contact Improvisation was introduced to people who rarely left their wheelchairs. The atmosphere was electric - I will never forget the energy, hope and sheer joy that the participants experienced - including myself. This led me to train as a Dance Movement Therapist at the Laban Centre, London (1990), later completing the Certificate in Movement Analysis at the Laban/Bartenieff Institute for Movement Analysis 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 men and women 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 fallout from trauma. Since 2015 I have engaged in further studies in BodyMind Centering (BMC) – an intensive experiential anatomy training devised by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen. These latter studies help me understand the depth and breadth of the body’s physical system and how it interfaces with our mindful self.

In addition to therapeutic skills I have gained the Certificate in Reflective Practice and Creative Supervision in 2014, and am currently studying the Diploma in Group Supervision using creative methods. I am also completing the EMDR training in December 2024 - having gained Parts 1 & 2. I supervise arts therapists, counsellors and health practitioners (since 2005).

I combine my Movement Psychotherapy practice with teaching internationally and being proactive in the European Association Dance Movement Therapy (EADMT). I held the role of President of EADMT for six years, and continue to support and advise on EADMT’s Training Standards working group.

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