Helping Kids Express Big Feelings: How Dance/Movement Therapy Supports Emotional Growth

Children don't always have the words to explain what they're feeling—but they almost always show us through their bodies.

As parents and caregivers, you've probably noticed it before. A child stomping through the house after a difficult day. Constant fidgeting before school. Spinning in circles when they're excited or curling into a ball when they're overwhelmed. Long before children can identify emotions like frustration, disappointment, anxiety, or grief, they communicate through movement.

That's where Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) can make a meaningful difference.

At Inspired Healing Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy offers children another way to process emotions, build confidence, and strengthen emotional regulation—especially when talking alone doesn't feel like enough.

What Is Dance/Movement Therapy?

Dance/Movement Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses movement as a tool for emotional, social, cognitive, and physical well-being. Despite its name, Dance/Movement Therapy isn't about learning choreography or performing dance routines.

It's about using the body as a pathway to healing.

Sessions might include:

• Creative movement

• Guided play

• Breathing exercises

• Mindfulness

• Rhythm

• Stretching

• Storytelling through movement

• Games that build emotional awareness

Every activity is thoughtfully chosen based on a child's developmental needs and therapeutic goals.

Why Movement Matters

Children experience emotions in their whole bodies.

Think about the last time your child was nervous before school. Maybe their stomach hurt. Maybe they couldn't sit still. Maybe they suddenly became tearful or irritable.

Our nervous systems respond to stress physically before we can often make sense of it mentally.

For children, movement can help:

• Release built-up tension

• Increase body awareness

• Improve emotional regulation

• Support sensory processing

• Develop coping skills

• Strengthen confidence

• Encourage healthy expression

Instead of asking children to simply "use your words," Dance/Movement Therapy gives them another language entirely.

Back-to-School Regulation: When the After-School Meltdown Hits

The first few weeks of school can ask a lot of children's nervous systems.

They've spent hours listening, sitting, following directions, navigating transitions, managing friendships, learning new information, and adapting to a different environment. By the time they walk through the front door, they may have very little capacity left.

And that's when the meltdown happens.

Crying over the wrong snack.
Getting frustrated because a shoe won't go on.
Yelling about homework.
Collapsing on the floor over something that seems very small.

It can be tempting to think, "Why are they falling apart now when they held it together all day?"

Sometimes, that's exactly why they're falling apart.

School may require children to spend much of the day managing their emotions and bodies. Once they return to a place where they feel safe, all of that accumulated stress can finally come out.

Movement Can Help Children Come Back to Their Bodies

Instead of immediately asking a child to explain what happened or "calm down," consider giving their nervous system an opportunity to discharge some of that built-up energy first.

Try:

• A short walk around the block

• A family dance party

• Jumping on a mini trampoline

• Stretching together

• Playing freeze dance

• Throwing a ball back and forth

• Animal walks across the room

• Lying on the floor with music and taking a few slow breaths

• Simply giving them some unstructured movement time before asking about homework

The goal isn't to distract children from their emotions or make a meltdown disappear.

It's to help their bodies become regulated enough that they can access the skills they need to process those emotions.

Connection Before Correction

When your child comes home dysregulated, it can help to pause before correcting the behavior.

Instead of:

"Why are you acting like this?"

Try:

"Looks like your body had a really big day."

Instead of:

"You need to calm down."

Try:

"Let's help your body slow down first."

Instead of:

"Stop crying. It's not a big deal."

Try:

"Something about today feels really hard right now."

Once a child feels more regulated and connected, there's often a better opportunity to talk about what happened, problem-solve, or set boundaries.

And sometimes the best intervention is simply less talking and more connection.

What If This Happens Every Day?

Frequent after-school meltdowns don't automatically mean something is wrong. Transitions take time, and some children need more decompression than others.

But if your child's emotional responses are consistently intense, interfering with daily life, or making school and home feel increasingly difficult, it may be worth exploring additional support.

Dance/Movement Therapy can give children a dedicated space to build body awareness, emotional regulation, communication, and coping skills while using a language that already feels natural to them: movement.

The goal isn't to prevent every big feeling.

It's to help children develop more ways to move through those feelings—and to remind them that they don't have to navigate them alone.

Who Can Benefit?

Dance/Movement Therapy can support children experiencing:

• Anxiety

• ADHD

• Autism spectrum disorders

• Emotional regulation challenges

• Grief and loss

• Trauma

• Life transitions

• Low self-esteem

• Behavioral concerns

• Difficulty expressing emotions

It can also be beneficial for children who simply connect more naturally through play, creativity, and movement than through conversation alone.

What Does a Session Look Like?

One of the biggest misconceptions about Dance/Movement Therapy is that children are expected to dance.

In reality, sessions are playful, flexible, and tailored to each child.

A therapist might invite a child to:

• Pretend to move like different animals

• Create movements that match different emotions

• Practice calming breathing while gently stretching

• Build confidence through obstacle courses or movement games

• Explore storytelling through imaginative play

• Learn grounding techniques using rhythm and body awareness

The goal isn't to perform. It is to help children better understand themselves and develop healthy ways of coping with life's challenges. Our dance therapists at Inspired Healing therapy would love to get to know you and your child.

The Science Behind Movement

Research continues to show that movement can positively influence emotional regulation and nervous system functioning.

Physical movement helps activate areas of the brain involved in attention, emotional processing, and self-regulation. It can also support children in recognizing internal body cues, managing stress responses, and building resilience over time.

When movement is paired with a strong therapeutic relationship, children gain opportunities to practice new skills in ways that feel engaging, safe, and developmentally appropriate.

How Parents Can Support Emotional Expression at Home

You don't need to be a dance therapist to encourage healthy movement at home.

Try:

• Having a family dance party after school

• Taking a "feelings walk" and talking while moving

• Stretching together before bedtime

• Playing freeze dance and noticing different emotions

• Letting your child invent movements that match how they're feeling

Sometimes the most meaningful conversations happen while our bodies are moving.

Every Child Deserves More Than One Way to Be Heard

Not every child processes emotions through words—and that's okay.

Dance/Movement Therapy recognizes that healing can happen through movement, creativity, play, and connection. By honoring the ways children naturally communicate, we can help them build emotional awareness, confidence, and resilience that extends far beyond the therapy room.

If you're wondering whether Dance/Movement Therapy could be a good fit for your child, our team at Inspired Healing Therapy would be honored to help you explore the possibilities.

Finding Their Voice: How Music Therapy Helps Children Grow, Connect, and Thrive

Sometimes healing begins with a song, a steady beat, or a familiar melody.

Have you ever noticed how quickly a favorite song can change your child's mood? A lullaby can soothe a fussy baby. A silly song can turn tears into giggles. A steady rhythm can help children clap, march, and move together without anyone saying a word.

Music has a remarkable way of connecting us—to ourselves, to others, and to our emotions.

For children, whose communication skills are still developing, music can become another language entirely.

At Inspired Healing Therapy, Music Therapy uses music intentionally and therapeutically to help children build emotional regulation, strengthen communication, develop social skills, and express themselves in ways that feel engaging, safe, and joyful.

What Is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is an evidence-based mental health profession in which a board-certified music therapist uses music experiences to help individuals work toward personalized therapeutic goals.

Unlike music lessons, music therapy isn't about learning to play an instrument perfectly or performing for others.

Instead, music becomes a tool for healing, connection, and growth.

Sessions may include:

• Singing

• Playing instruments

• Listening to music

• Songwriting

• Musical games

• Rhythm activities

• Movement paired with music

• Guided relaxation with music

• Improvisation and creative expression

Every activity is carefully chosen to support each child's unique strengths, challenges, and goals.

Why Music Matters

Long before children can explain their emotions, they respond to rhythm.

Think about how naturally children sway to music, clap along with a beat, or hum a familiar tune. Music engages multiple parts of the brain at once, making it a powerful way to support emotional regulation, attention, communication, and social connection.

Music therapy can help children:

• Regulate big emotions

• Build confidence

• Improve attention and focus

• Strengthen communication skills

• Increase social engagement

• Develop coping strategies

• Practice flexibility and problem-solving

• Experience success through creative play

For many children, music creates a sense of predictability and safety that helps them feel comfortable exploring new experiences.

Who Can Benefit from Music Therapy?

Music therapy can support children experiencing:

• Anxiety

• ADHD

• Autism spectrum disorders

• Depression

• Emotional regulation challenges

• Trauma

• Grief and loss

• Developmental delays

• Social communication difficulties

• Low self-esteem

It can also support children who simply connect deeply through music and benefit from learning in creative, multisensory ways.

What Happens During a Music Therapy Session?

Every session looks a little different because every child is different.

One child might write lyrics about a difficult experience. Another might practice taking turns while playing instruments with the therapist. A younger child may sing songs that build emotional vocabulary or practice identifying feelings through musical games.

A session might include:

• Singing songs that explore emotions

• Playing percussion instruments together

• Writing simple songs about daily experiences

• Using rhythm to practice calming strategies

• Creating musical stories through imagination

• Exploring different instruments to encourage curiosity and confidence

• Listening to music while practicing relaxation or mindfulness

The goal isn't to become a musician. It's to help children discover healthy ways to express themselves, connect with others, and navigate life's challenges.

The Science Behind the Music

Music activates many areas of the brain at the same time, including those involved in emotion, memory, attention, movement, and communication.

Because rhythm is naturally organizing for the nervous system, music can help children feel more regulated, engaged, and present. It also creates opportunities to practice listening, taking turns, expressing feelings, and building relationships in ways that often feel playful rather than overwhelming.

When these musical experiences happen within a trusting therapeutic relationship, children can safely develop new emotional, social, and communication skills that extend beyond the therapy room.

Bringing Music Into Everyday Life

You don't need to be musical to use music as a tool for connection at home.

Try:

• Creating a "feelings playlist" together with songs that match different emotions.

• Singing cleanup or bedtime songs to build predictable routines.

• Having a family dance break after school to release stress.

• Playing simple rhythm games by clapping or tapping together.

• Listening to calming music during transitions or homework time.

• Encouraging your child to make up silly songs about their day.

These moments aren't about performance—they're about connection.

Every Child Has Their Own Rhythm

Children don't all express themselves in the same way, and that's something worth celebrating.

Music Therapy honors each child's unique voice by meeting them where they are and using rhythm, melody, and creativity to support growth, confidence, and emotional well-being.

At Inspired Healing Therapy, we believe healing can happen in many forms. Sometimes it begins with a conversation. Sometimes it begins with movement or art. And sometimes, it begins with a simple song that reminds a child they are safe, supported, and never alone.

If you're wondering whether music therapy could be a good fit for your child, we'd be honored to help you learn more about this creative approach to mental health care.

When Words Aren’t Enough: How Art Therapy Can Help Children Process Big Feelings

Sometimes a child can draw what they cannot say.

As adults, we often rely on words to explain how we're feeling. We can tell someone we're anxious, frustrated, excited, or overwhelmed. Children, however, are still developing those emotional and language skills. Even when they know something feels "wrong," they may not have the vocabulary—or the confidence—to put those feelings into words.

Instead, children often communicate through play, behavior, imagination, and creativity.

That's where art therapy can become a powerful tool.

At Inspired Healing Therapy, art therapy offers children a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, build coping skills, and make sense of their experiences through the creative process. The focus isn't on creating beautiful artwork—it's about helping children express themselves in ways that feel natural, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate.

What Is Art Therapy?

According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy is a mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. Guided by a trained art therapist, children use a variety of art materials to explore thoughts, feelings, relationships, and life experiences.

Sessions may include:

• Drawing

• Painting

• Clay and sculpting

• Collage

• Mixed media

• Storytelling through artwork

• Creative journaling

• Mindfulness-based art activities

No artistic talent is required. In fact, there is no "right" or "wrong" way to create in an art therapy session.

The artwork simply becomes another way to communicate.

Why Creativity Helps Children Process Emotions

Think about how often children naturally reach for crayons, markers, or paint when they're given free time.

Art gives children the freedom to express ideas that might feel too confusing, overwhelming, or vulnerable to explain out loud. Creating something with their hands can also slow the body down, increase focus, and help regulate emotions.

Through the creative process, children can:

• Explore difficult emotions in a safe way

• Build emotional awareness and vocabulary

• Increase confidence and self-esteem

• Develop healthy coping strategies

• Strengthen problem-solving skills

• Practice flexibility and resilience

• Experience a sense of mastery and accomplishment

Sometimes the picture itself tells only part of the story. The colors a child chooses, the way they approach a project, and the conversations that happen while creating often provide meaningful opportunities for reflection and growth.

Who Can Benefit from Art Therapy?

Art Therapy can support children experiencing:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Grief and loss

• Trauma

• ADHD

• Autism spectrum disorders

• Emotional regulation challenges

• Family transitions, such as divorce or relocation

• Low self-esteem

• Social or behavioral difficulties

It can also be a wonderful fit for children who enjoy creating, prefer hands-on activities, or simply find it easier to express themselves visually than verbally.

What Happens During an Art Therapy Session?

One of the biggest misconceptions about Art Therapy is that children are asked to create artwork that the therapist then "interprets."

In reality, art therapy is a collaborative process.

The therapist may invite a child to:

• Draw what different emotions look like

• Create a "safe place" using art materials

• Build a collage that represents personal strengths

• Sculpt worries or fears out of clay

• Illustrate coping tools they can use at home or school

• Use colors and shapes to explore different experiences

The therapist gently guides the process, helping the child notice patterns, identify emotions, and develop new ways of understanding themselves.

Rather than assigning meaning to the artwork, the therapist remains curious about what the creation means to the child.

The Benefits Go Beyond the Artwork

One of the beautiful things about Art Therapy is that healing often happens during the process of creating—not because of the finished product.

As children make choices, solve creative challenges, and experiment with new ideas, they're also practicing important life skills like flexibility, frustration tolerance, emotional regulation, and self-confidence.

The art becomes a bridge between thoughts, feelings, and conversations that might otherwise feel difficult to access.

Simple Ways to Encourage Creativity at Home

You don't need elaborate supplies or Pinterest-worthy projects to nurture creative expression.

Try:

• Keeping a basket of basic art materials within easy reach

• Inviting your child to draw how their day felt instead of asking, "How was school?"

• Creating together without worrying about the final product

• Making gratitude or feelings collages from old magazines

• Painting while listening to calming music

• Displaying artwork to celebrate effort rather than perfection

The goal isn't to make masterpieces—it's to make space for expression.

Creativity Is a Language All Its Own

Every child deserves to be heard, even when words don't come easily.

Art Therapy honors children's natural creativity while helping them develop emotional awareness, resilience, and confidence. Through drawing, painting, sculpting, and creating, children can safely explore their inner world and discover new ways of understanding themselves.

At Inspired Healing Therapy, we believe healing doesn't always begin with a conversation. Sometimes, it begins with a blank piece of paper, a handful of crayons, and a safe place to create.

If you're curious whether art therapy might be a good fit for your child, our team would be honored to help you learn more about this creative and compassionate approach to mental health care.

Creative Arts Therapy for Kids: Discover the Power of Play, Movement & Mindfulness

At Inspired Healing Therapy in Royal Oak, Michigan, we believe that healing and growth can happen at any age—and that creative expression plays a powerful role in that process. That’s why we’re excited to invite families to our upcoming Creative Arts Therapy Day on Friday, August 15th, from 9:00–11:30am! Designed for children aged 2–5 (with younger siblings welcome if parents are present), this fun and affordable event gives families a chance to experience a variety of creative arts therapies in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Why Creative Arts Therapies Work for Kids

Young children process the world differently than adults. They express emotions through play, movement, and creative activities before they can fully articulate their thoughts with words. That’s where creative arts therapies come in. Our licensed therapists use techniques like dance/movement therapy, art therapy, music therapy, play therapy, and mindfulness to help children develop emotional resilience, build social skills, and process challenging experiences.

Here’s a look at some of the key benefits:

🎶 Music Therapy

Music therapy helps children regulate emotions, improve communication, and build connections through rhythm, melody, and movement. Studies show that music can help reduce anxiety and improve focus in young children. Learn more from the American Music Therapy Association.

🎼 Dance/Movement Therapy

Dance therapy supports healthy motor development and helps children build body awareness, self-confidence, and emotional regulation. Movement gives children a safe outlet to express big feelings. Our therapists specialize in using movement to help kids process experiences and release stress.

🎨 Art Therapy

Art therapy allows kids to express themselves without needing words. Through drawing, painting, and other hands-on activities, children explore emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and gain confidence. It’s also a great way to connect with others in a non-verbal, judgment-free space. Explore more about art therapy with kids.

🌟 Play Therapy

Play therapy uses toys and imaginative play to help kids explore emotions, resolve conflicts, and learn new coping skills. It's especially effective for younger children who naturally express themselves through play. Our therapists use child-centered techniques to meet each child where they are.

🧘 Mindfulness Techniques

Mindfulness can be a powerful tool even for toddlers. Through breathing games, guided movement, and calming rituals, children learn how to tune into their bodies, manage stress, and feel more secure. These techniques set a foundation for lifelong emotional wellness.

Join Us for Creative Arts Therapy Day

This special workshop is a perfect way to experience the benefits of creative arts therapies firsthand. Led by our expert clinicians in a playful, supportive setting, your child will have the chance to explore story time, movement, music, art, and more!

Event Details:
Date: Friday, August 15th
Time: 9:00am–11:30am
Location: 3204 N Main Street, Royal Oak, MI
Cost: Only $25 per family (snack included)
Note: Kids must be potty-trained.

Register now to reserve your spot—space is limited!

At Inspired Healing, we offer year-round creative arts therapy services for kids, teens, and families. If you can’t make it to the event but want to learn more about:

• Art therapy

• Dance/movement therapy

• Therapy for kids and teens

...we’re here to help. Reach out to us today and find the right support for your child’s journey.

Let creativity be the path to healing. We can’t wait to welcome you and your little ones!

Register here!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creative-arts-therapy-day-tickets-1435111510159?aff=oddtdtcreator

Our Therapists who specialize in children & teens: Sashay Lurry LLMSW, Justin Work LPC

Why "Private Pay" Therapy May Be a Better Option for You

As a licensed professional counselor and creative arts therapist, I often see clients who wrestle with the decision of whether to use insurance for therapy or to opt for private pay. While insurance can provide valuable coverage, private pay therapy offers several benefits that are important to consider. In some cases, paying out-of-pocket can result in more effective, flexible, and personalized care. Here’s why private pay therapy might be a better option for some individuals:

1. Greater Privacy and Confidentiality

One of the most significant advantages of private pay therapy is the level of confidentiality it offers. When you use insurance, a diagnosis is often required to justify the need for treatment. This means that your mental health records, including your diagnosis and treatment plan, are shared with your insurance company and potentially reviewed by third parties.

Private pay therapy keeps your mental health information solely between you and your therapist. This can give you peace of mind, knowing that your personal details are not being disclosed to anyone outside of the therapeutic relationship.

2. No Need for a Diagnosis

Many insurance providers require a formal mental health diagnosis in order to reimburse for therapy sessions. For some individuals, this may not feel appropriate or necessary, especially if they are seeking therapy for personal growth, relationship concerns, or temporary stressors. You may not fit neatly into a diagnostic category, but that doesn’t mean your concerns are any less valid.

Private pay therapy allows you to engage in therapy without the need for a clinical diagnosis. This flexibility can empower you to focus on the specific issues you want to address, without feeling the pressure to be "labeled" with a disorder.

3. Tailored Treatment Approach

Insurance companies often have limitations on the type of therapy they will cover, the number of sessions allowed, or the duration of treatment. This can restrict your therapist’s ability to fully personalize your care. Private pay therapy eliminates these constraints, allowing you and your therapist to design a treatment plan that best suits your needs.

You are not limited by the number of sessions dictated by insurance. Instead, you can work at a pace that feels right for you and continue therapy as long as you find it beneficial. The ability to customize your treatment approach can lead to more meaningful and lasting progress.

4. Enhanced Therapist Availability

Insurance-based therapists often have large caseloads and may be limited in the amount of time they can spend with each client. They may need to rush through paperwork or manage the requirements set by insurance companies, leaving less time for client care. In a private pay setting, therapists generally have more flexibility in their schedules and can dedicate more time and energy to each client.

This translates into a more focused, present, and responsive therapeutic experience. Your therapist can prioritize your needs and may have greater availability for sessions, communication between appointments, and scheduling flexibility.

5. More Treatment Options

Private pay therapy opens up a wider range of therapeutic options. When insurance is involved, the focus tends to be on treatment modalities that fit into their reimbursement guidelines. While these treatments can be effective, they may not always align with your unique needs, goals, or preferences.

With private pay, you can access alternative therapeutic approaches, such as holistic treatments, creative arts therapies (dance/movement therapy, art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy), longer-term psychodynamic therapy, specialized modalities like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or somatic therapy, which may not always be covered by insurance.

6. You Control Your Investment

When paying out-of-pocket, you are fully in control of your investment in therapy. The financial commitment can encourage a stronger sense of ownership and dedication to the therapeutic process. Knowing that you are actively choosing to invest in your mental health can foster a deeper engagement with therapy, ultimately contributing to more significant outcomes.

Additionally, many therapists offer sliding scale fees or payment plans to make private pay therapy more accessible. While it may feel like a financial burden at first, the long-term benefits of investing in your mental health and well-being can far outweigh the initial costs.

7. No Restrictions on Frequency or Duration of Therapy

With insurance, you may face restrictions on how many therapy sessions you can have in a certain period. These limits are often set by the insurance company, not based on what you and your therapist feel is necessary for your healing and growth. In contrast, private pay therapy gives you and your therapist the freedom to determine how often you meet and for how long, based on your needs rather than external restrictions.

Is Private Pay Therapy Right for You?

Choosing between private pay and insurance-based therapy is a highly personal decision that depends on your circumstances, values, and financial situation. While insurance may be a great option for individuals seeking short-term treatment for specific mental health conditions, private pay therapy offers a level of privacy, flexibility, and personalized care that is often unmatched.

If you value having full control over your therapy, want more confidentiality, or are looking for a tailored, long-term therapeutic relationship, private pay therapy could be a better fit for you. Ultimately, the most important thing is finding the type of therapy that will support your growth, healing, and overall well-being.

Remember, investing in your mental health is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself, and the benefits of therapy—whether through insurance or private pay—can be truly transformative.

By focusing on what you need as an individual and exploring all of your options, you can make an informed decision that will help you move forward on your journey toward mental wellness.