Kendra Kambestad, MS, LCAT, BC-DMT and Laura Raffa, MS, LCAT, BC-DMT, talk about what it means to truly witness another and be seen by another through Authentic Movement, a process that can help individuals discover and understand their deepest impulses and needs.
Kendra Kambestad specializes in movement psychotherapy and authentic movement. She has worked in the mental health field since 2006 and is based out of New York City. Her philosophy is rooted in the process of self-discovery, helping individuals express their whole story through movement, dance, and words in order to move forward, experience transformation, and heal. She has extensive clinical experience working with adults struggling with mental illness, addiction, and incarceration and she’s had the honor of teaching at several universities throughout New York City. In 2013 she established an authentic movement group for professionals seeking to integrate a healthy relationship to the body, connect with others authentically, and reach a positive sense of self in the world. In 2016 she collaborated with artist Megan Snowe to provide authentic movement during Once More, with Feeling at Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts Project Space. For more information about Kendra Kambestad and authentic movement, visit www.nycmovementtherapy.com.
Laura Raffa graduated from Pratt Institute with a master’s degree in dance/movement therapy, and is a licensed Creative Arts Therapist and board certified dance/movement therapist. She received her group psychotherapy certification through the American Group Psychotherapy Association and is a certified authentic movement practitioner. She has worked with forensic populations at both Bellevue Hospital Center and Rikers Island Jail, and currently coordinates a program that bridges the two facilities to provide sustained mental healthcare. In her work at Rikers, she also conducts Crisis Intervention Trainings for the department of corrections and mental health staff. She has worked with civilian in-patients adults as well as children with cancer and those with developmental disabilities. With her colleague, Kendra Kambestad, she ran an authentic movement group in private practice and lectured at several colleges.