SHERBORNE THERAPY SD

Sherborne Therapy

Sherborne Therapy
Sherborne Developmental Movement is an approach to teaching and working with movement that is both
accessible, especially by people with minimal movement experience, and yet relevant at a very
sophisticated level.

This approach based on the philosophy and theory created by Rudolf Laban (Pioneer and founder of
Modern European Dance and movement analysis) was devised by Veronica Sherborne after having worked
closely with Laban for 2 years. Staff at Ysgol Pen Coch have been trainied to teach Sherborne
Therapy and run sessions for the Foundation Phase and Key Stage 2. Pupils are recommended by staff
or parents as benefitting from this type of therapy. It has proved particularly useful for groups
of ASD pupils as well as groups of pupils with PMLD.
There are two basic objectives within Sherborne Developmental Movement:


Awareness of Self
This is gained through movement experiences that help the person concentrate so that they become
aware of what is happening to their body, listening via touch and by feeling of inner physical
sensations rather than by our usual way of looking and thinking. This helps lesson self-criticism
and allows people to grow in terms of self-esteem and confidence both a physical and emotional
level.

Awareness of others
The next step is to begin to learn to move around and interact with others in ways that encourage
the further development of trust and the building of positive relationships. These movement
experiences enable the person to be appropriately supported while being encouraged to explore their
unique creativity through shared movement activities.

Benefits of using Sherborne Developmental Movement: develop good self esteem, form positive
relationships
improve emotional and physical literacy
extend and improve communication and creative expression
build learning power, challenge thinking and increase problem solving
create pathways for inclusion; enable differentiated, productive engagement leading to positive
achievements
address provision of the Children and Young Peoples Rights to Action and the National and
Foundation Stage curriculum
support professional development, team building, extend leadership and management expertise


Staff and pupils from Ysgol Pen Coch helped produce a training DVD for the Sherborne Therapy
Association.

• #people_blogs
• #sherborne_therapy
• #developmental_movement
• #awareness_of_self