What we offer
Teacher Trainings :
1. Creative Movement in Education:
In most classrooms, learning often happens in a very still and head-centred way. Children sit, listen and try to absorb knowledge. But we know that children learn best when their whole body and mind are involved.
This training invites teachers to explore how movement can bring energy, joy and deeper learning into the classroom. Through creative movement, teachers can discover simple ways to help children express themselves, understand subjects better, build social connections and develop emotional balance. Movement also makes the classroom a happier space where learning feels natural and engaging.
The methods we share come from dance therapy, theatre, storytelling and other creative practices. They are easy to use and do not require any prior training in dance or therapy. The focus is on supporting teachers with practical tools that make learning more alive and meaningful.
At Khelghar, a Pune-based project of Palakneeti Pariwar Trust, we have been holding regular support groups for teachers. Each gathering is built around a theme such as self-care, understanding systemic pressures, setting healthy boundaries as teachers, body awareness, emotional regulation or gratitude.
In these circles, teachers share their experiences, reflect together and practise simple activities that bring more awareness to their wellbeing. Over time, many teachers have shared how these groups give them a safe space to pause, express freely and feel supported by peers who understand their challenges. This sense of community often leaves them feeling lighter, more balanced and better prepared to return to their classrooms with renewed energy.
As teachers, our role goes far beyond teaching subjects. We listen to children, we resolve conflicts, and we support them in their everyday struggles. Sometimes a child may come to us with a mental health concern, and in such moments many of us feel unsure about what to say or how to help.
Teachers are not mental health professionals, yet they are often the first ones to notice when a child is struggling. This training equips teachers with simple and practical tools to hold space for children in a safe and supportive way. The aim is not to provide therapy, but to help teachers respond with sensitivity and without causing further harm.
Teaching is not just about academic lessons. It also requires teachers to connect with students, show empathy, understand their needs and make learning enjoyable. All of this is possible when teachers themselves feel balanced and cared for.
3. Teacher Wellbeing – Trainings, Workshops and Support Groups:.
2. Psychological First Aid for Teachers :
A Case Study : Teacher wellbeing :
Research shows that teachers can nurture children better when their own wellbeing is looked after. Since teaching is a caregiving profession, self-care for teachers becomes essential. Through these workshops and support groups, we offer methods and simple practices that help teachers reflect on their wellbeing, build awareness and find ways to take care of themselves while they care for their students.
Dance Movement Therapy :
1. Dance Therapy Groups:
Our dance therapy groups are designed for children, adolescents and young adults. These groups create a safe and confidential space where participants can express their emotions, explore their inner world, build social skills and learn to empathise with others.
Through movement, drama, play and music, children find ways to express feelings that are difficult to put into words. This process helps them feel seen and understood, while also supporting their growth and wellbeing.
The groups usually run over 4 to 12 sessions. This longer engagement gives participants enough time to trust the process and meaningfully benefit from the modality. Each group has its own focus, which is shaped by the needs of the children or young people who are part of it.
2. Dance Therapy Workshops:
3. Creative Movement Workshops:
Dance therapy workshops are shorter interventions. They use movement, props, music and play to create a safe and joyful environment where participants can express themselves and connect with their inner world. Each workshop is designed around a theme, helping participants explore themselves in fresh and creative ways.
Creative movement workshops focus on movement as a form of creative expression rather than on mental health concerns. Here, participants explore elements of dance, theatre, play and music to experience the joy of movement and the integration of mind and body.
These workshops invite children, teachers or young people to express freely, discover new possibilities through movement and carry that energy back into their everyday lives.
What is Dance Movement Therapy?
The Indian Association of Dance Movement Therapy (IADMT) defines DMT as
"a psychotherapeutic method that uses movement and creative expression to further socio-emotional, cognitive, and somatic integration. This approach is based on the principle that the body and mind are integrated." It helps in self-expression to bring about a change in the total functioning of an individual.
What does the session look like?
Talk- The session will often begin with a few minutes to share how you are feeling.
Move- We may use props, play, music, movement, art materials to creatively process your feelings and thoughts.
Talk- In the end there is time for talking about how the movement felt and how it helps us to understand ourselves
डांस थेरपी ही मानसोपचाराची पद्धत, हालचाली व इतर सृजनशील माध्यमे वापरून मानसिक, शारीरिक, सामाजिक व बौद्धिक स्वास्थ्य सुधारण्यास मदत करते. यामध्ये मन आणि शरीर यांचे विभाजन न करता एकत्रित स्वरूपात पाहिले जाते. थोडक्यात, हालचाली, संगीत, साधने, पात्रांचा वापर करून आपल्याला स्वतःला समजून घ्यायला, भावनांची ओळख व्हायला हायला, इतरांशी संवाद साधायला मदत होते. गेली ६०-७० वर्ष जगभरात या विषयातील संशोधनातून लक्षात येते की या पद्धतीचा उपयोग अनेक मानसशास्त्रीय आजारांसाठी , तसेच सर्व वयोगटातील लोकांसाठी होऊ शकतो. सेशन कसे असते? संवाद- सुरवातीला, भाषा, हालचालींच्या माध्यमातून आपल्या भावना व्यक्त करायला जागा असते. हालचाली- व्यक्तीच्या/ गटाच्या इच्छेनुसार, गरजेनुसार हालचाली, साधनं, नाटकांच्या माध्यमातून व्यक्त व्हायला आणि त्याच्या खोलात जायला जागा असते. संवाद- मागच्या या सृजनशील माध्यमातून बाहेर आलेल्या प्रक्रियेला शब्दांच्या किंवा चित्राच्या माध्यमातून अर्थ लावण्यासाठी, व्यक्त होण्यासाठी आणि सेशन मध्ये घडलेल्या गोष्टींचा बाहेरील आयुष्याशी संबंध जोडण्यासाठीया वेळेचा उपयोग केला जातो.
What is the diffrence between Therapy and Therapeutic practices?
Therapy
Therapy space is held by qualified & licensed professional
Therapy process is structured with an intention to achieve certain goals towards wellbeing
Therapy modalities emerged from scientific research and clinical trials
Examples- Psychotherapy, Counselling, CBT, REBT, Drama Therapy, Dance Movement Psychotherapy, Play Therapy
Therapeutic
Everyone with an intention and willingness can practice
Activities have direct or indirect impact on one’s wellbeing
Therapeutic practices emerged from experience, Intuition, traditional knowledge, cultural practices etc.
Examples- Yoga, meditation, nature walks, sharing with friends, listening to music, dance class, Zumba etc.
FAQs
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Who is Dance Movement Therapy for?
People of all age groups, genders, backgrounds can participate in Dance Therapy. It is beneficial for people who wish to focus on therapy practice that focuses on mind body integration.
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Which dance style is involved in Dance Therapy?
There is no particular dance style involved in Dance Therapy. Everyone has a different movement language and all movements are welcome in the session. One does not need to be a trained dancer to participate in the sessions.
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“I can’t dance, can I still participate?”
One does not need to be a trained dancer to participate in the sessions. Movement is the first form of communication for any human being. Hence, everyone with a willingness can participate in a Dance Therapy session.
Contact us
All contributions and collaborations are most welcome!