About David
David is a Registered Dance Movement Therapist with the Dance Therapy Association of Australia. He provides support for clients to explore connections between movement, feelings and perceptions.
David has worked within Metro North Mental Health for nearly thirty years. His experience as a clinical nurse and his studies have shaped his understanding of how emotion, movement and the mind are closely connected.
David’s work creates a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their experiences through gentle movement, awareness, and reflection. Sessions are conducted in small groups, which helps create a sense of safety, shared understanding, and connection between participants. The comfort and safety of clients is his highest priority.
His approach focuses on helping people slow down, notice physical sensations, and explore internal connections.
Professional disclaimer: My dance therapy practice is a private service and is entirely separate from my employment within Queensland Health. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Queensland Health or The Prince Charles Hospital.
David’s Background
David’s professional background combines mental health nursing, therapeutic practice, and a long-standing interest in the relationship between the brain, the body, and emotional wellbeing.
Throughout his career, he has seen how stress, trauma, and emotional challenges can be held physically in the body—appearing as tension, restlessness, or a sense of disconnection. This understanding led him to explore therapeutic approaches that support healing not only through conversation, but also through movement, body awareness, and mindful attention.
David’s work reflects a commitment to creating a respectful environment where individuals can explore their experiences at their own pace. His interest in mindful movement extends beyond formal training and includes personal exploration of movement practices—including activities such as juggling, which he describes as a form of mindful coordination and attention.
These experiences inform his belief that the body can become a valuable source of insight, awareness, and personal growth.
Professional Perspective
David’s work is informed by an understanding that movement, sensory experience, and emotional awareness are closely connected.
Many emotional experiences are not only expressed through thoughts, but also through the body — in patterns of tension, posture, breathing, and movement.
Through mindful movement and gentle exploration of these patterns, individuals can begin to develop greater awareness of how emotional experiences are reflected physically.
Over time, this process can support self-awareness, emotional resilience, and a stronger connection between mind and body.
Professional Qualifications
David’s professional background combines extensive clinical experience in nursing and mental health with specialized training in somatic and movement-based therapeutic practices. His qualifications reflect a long-standing commitment to understanding the relationship between emotional wellbeing, the body, and therapeutic movement.
Through both clinical practice and advanced training, David has developed an approach that integrates mental health knowledge with body awareness and mindful movement to support emotional regulation and personal insight.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Nursing — Australian Catholic University (ACU), 1992
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing — Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2004
Graduate Diploma in Somatics and Dance Movement Therapy — Tensegrity Training, 2025
Therapeutic Approach
David’s approach integrates movement, body awareness, and psychotherapy principles to support emotional wellbeing and deeper self-understanding.
Visitors can then expand each section to learn more.
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Encouraging gentle exploration of movement, posture, and balance to develop greater awareness of how the body responds to emotions and life experiences.
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Developing awareness of the relationship between breathing patterns, physical sensation, and emotional state.
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Creating a safe space where movement can support the expression and exploration of emotions that may be difficult to put into words.
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Helping individuals strengthen the connection between physical experience, emotional awareness, and mental state.
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Sessions include time for reflection and discussion, allowing participants to process their experiences and develop greater self-understanding.
David’s Philosophy
David believes that movement can play an important role in emotional healing and personal growth.
Many experiences and emotions are not only held in thoughts, but also within the body. Through mindful movement and body awareness, individuals can begin to notice patterns of tension, breath, posture, and emotional response.
By gently exploring these connections, people may develop a deeper understanding of themselves and strengthen the relationship between mind and body.
This process can support greater emotional awareness, resilience, and a stronger sense of personal wellbeing.
David offers sessions in a calm, supportive environment where individuals can explore the connection between movement, emotional experience, and body awareness.
Sessions are designed to support people at their own pace, creating space for curiosity, reflection, and gentle exploration of physical and emotional experience.
Whether someone is new to movement-based therapy or already familiar with body-oriented approaches, David works collaboratively to ensure that each session feels safe, respectful, and supportive.
Working With David
Begin the Conversation
If you’re curious about exploring movement, awareness, and emotional connection through this work, you are welcome to reach out to learn more about upcoming sessions.