Riverbend
Grief and Movement Therapy LLC
"Rivers are places that renew our spirit, connect us to our past, and link us directly with the flow and rhythm of the natural world"
Ted Turner
Let Your Grief Flow. Let Your Grief Breathe.
Riverbend Grief and Movement Therapy LLC is a private practice led by Kelsey Sawyer MA, BC-DMT that offers individual and group grief support services guided by movement, breath, and the body.
Beyond the Bend
The Story Behind the Name
Water is a cleansing and nourishing element that encourages movement, flow, and healing. In Chinese Medicine theory water is the element that is connected to the kidneys and urinary bladder organs, which when out of balance are associated with the fear of letting go, and have been referred to as the channel of life and death, as they link the past and future. Water in river form shapes the land it flows through and awakens with the seasons and weather. It smooths stones, houses habitats, and calms souls. Rivers can vary in length, width, shape, movement, and direction, much like our lives throughout a lifetime.
Rivers and water have always been a natural grounding force in my life. When I think about my own grief process, water is always an element that's present. Whether it's in tears, baths, walks by the water, or cups of tea, water realigns me and connects me back to my body, my meaning and purpose, and my people who died. It only felt right to name my private practice after something that has truly nourished and supported me in my grief.
Riverbends are a beautiful representation of the experience of change and adaptation to loss. When you come to a bend in a river it's hard to see what's coming next. You never know what twists and turns could appear, and it may even take you in a completely different direction than you had planned. This is the same with life, and with death. Instead of fighting against the current or sinking to the bottom and becoming stuck, what if we could allow our grief to flow and fully experience what's beyond the bend?
Offerings
Riverbend Grief and Movement Therapy LLC offers a variety of services to fit your grief needs. These services are available both in person and virtually, and can be adapted for ages 6 to adults. ​
50 min individual grief support for children, teens, and adults using Dance/Movement Therapy, Yoga, and Mindfulness techniques to encourage healthy adaptation to loss
Live Virtual Support Circles for those who have experienced the death of someone important to them (Ages 18+). Groups include movement, journaling, grief psychoeducation, sharing, and connection to encourage participants to process their grief courageously. Participants will engage in acknowledging and expressing their feelings of grief and practice staying present in their grief experience surrounded by a community of support.
The Flowing with Grief practice invites individuals to connect to their bodies and their grief through movement, breath, and sound in order to release any pain and suffering that may be stored in the body. Each 1 hr class will be hybrid (virtual and in person) and address a different theme related to grief.
What to Expect
During our Sessions
Our sessions together are a time to explore your grief in a supportive way through creativity, movement, and expression. Everyone's grief is their own and I am strong believer that each individual has within themselves the capacity to navigate their grief in a their own way, allowing for growth and healing to occur over time. This means I will let you be the guide in your grief process, and I will serve as a trusting companion by your side.
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Because grief is our natural response to loss, I will not try to "fix" your grief. Instead I will establish a safe container to hold and support you in your grief, while providing holistic tools for you to learn how to integrate loss into your every day life.
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Grief can be an isolating experience for many. Having someone there to support you in all of the ways that grief shows up can be extremely beneficial to the healing process. I promise to meet you where you are at and be present with you and your grief experience throughout our time together.
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This may look like sitting and talking about your feelings, or moving through them. I like to incorporate the body and breath into my sessions as ways to connect deeper with our bodies and our grief. As a Board Certified Dance Movement Therapist, I use elements from Dance Movement Therapy theory in my sessions as the base to build our work upon. This looks different for each individual and we will work together to explore what process works best for you! You can find more information about what D/MT is and how it relates to grief here.
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Finding a therapist you feel safe with and can trust is not an easy process, especially when it comes to sharing about your person and your grief. You can learn more about my own grief experience and training to see if we might be a good fit by clicking the about me button below.
Interested in exploring your grief in a more embodied way?
Book a Session
Please leave your name, email, phone number, the offering you're interested in, and a brief description of your grief experience so we can work together to choose the right support for you.
Or contact me directly at: