Press release

Joy first to graduate in Dance Movement Psychotherapy

A young lady from Carluke is one of the first students to graduate from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh in Dance Movement Psychotherapy.

Joy Robson, aged 25 from Orchard Street, Carluke, was within the first cohort of students to graduate from the University with a Masters of Science in Dance Movement Psychotherapy.

During the two year course, Joy carried out several placements including one at Victoria Park School in Carluke. There, she worked with children who were on the autistic spectrum and others with additional support needs.

Joy said:”Dance movement psychotherapy is not terribly well known in Scotland and as the first cohort of students in the therapy we are able to help develop and promote this form of psychotherapy in various settings such as hospitals, schools and prisons. I was lucky enough to see what a significant impact the therapy had on various client groups, including the children at Victoria Park School. It was very rewarding to see such a transformation in the children and to receive such positive feedback from teachers and parents.

She continued: “During the sessions, many of the children really grew in confidence. Children with autism often struggle with relating to other people and to their external environment – often living in their own world. It was extremely encouraging to see how they began to react more positively to their surrounding environment and in their interaction with other school children.”

Joy is extremely passionate about her work with children and following her experiences at Victoria Park School, is now very keen to develop her career with various client groups, in particular, children who have additional support needs.

Vicky Karkou, Programme Leader in Dance Movement Psychotherapy at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh said: “Despite her youth, Joy showed emotional and somatic intelligence and maturity that are essential ingredients for a good dance movement psychotherapist.  We know that Joy has a lot to offer children with autism, as well as a range of other client groups, and we wish her all the best in her career. “

ENDS

For further media information please contact Lynne Russell, Press and PR Officer, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, tel: 0131 474 0000, mobile: 07711 011239, email: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk