Alexander Technique
Dance Movement Therapy
Helen Turnbull, MA, R-DMT
At an early age, Helen was drawn to the study of classical ballet, which led her down the path of conventional dance training in a variety of forms. Eventually, a deep need for self-expression led her to turn away from choreographed dance in favor of improvisational dance and expressive movement. In 2014, she graduated from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA with a BA in Expressive Arts Therapy and a focus in contemplative practices, holistic psychology, and mindfulness studies. Following her formal education, Helen spent several years exploring movement as an improvisational dancer and performer, busking on the streets and in small venues in Boston, Boulder, and New York City. Over time, the wear and tear on her body became too much, which led to a decade-long struggle with chronic pain. At first, Helen looked to conventional medicine, but when this failed her, she turned to holistic and alternative approaches for treatment.
It was in 2016, when during her first Alexander Technique lesson, Helen experienced remarkable relief from her pain. This led to a decision to dedicate herself to the study of the Alexander Technique. Helen's training encompassed a three year professional certification program, initially under the direction of master teacher Tommy Thompson in Cambridge, MA, and consecutively, under Deborah Adams, director of the Alexander Technique Teacher Training Program at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. In 2019, Helen became certified as an Alexander Technique teacher, which continues to inform her psychophysical movement practice today. In addition to offering private sessions in The Psychophysical Movement Approach©, Helen recently earned her master's degree in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Dance/Movement Therapy from Lesley University. She is also a Registered-Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT), certified by the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA), the highest professional certifying body for Dance/Movement Therapists in the country. She can be found in Brewster, Massachusetts, living and dancing with her husband Jack, and dog Zelda. Helen and Jack will be welcoming their first child this July, 2023!
"If you cannot find it in your own body, where will you go in search of it?"
The Upanishads
Testimonials
"Frequently I told Helen that I felt an awareness of my back, I could feel my scapula, and where they sat. I would also sometimes leave the lesson with a more relaxed voice, one that was about a 5th deeper than when I entered the space. Every time I left, I was gliding, and felt light."
- Delci, dancer, The Boston Conservatory at Berklee
"Helen's lessons made me more in touch with my body. She did a great job creating a mindful atmosphere where I could exist with my body, and she was incredibly knowledgeable about the interconnections of the muscular system. After each lesson, I felt stronger, taller and more at peace."
- Valerie, writer
"I had a truly amazing experience in my most recent session. I'd been stressed out for a couple weeks and had tried to do my best to find moments to release unnecessary tension but just couldn't let go of all of it. Helen placed her hands on the top of my skull and on my forehead and something released in my head that made me feel like a new person. I've never had that experience of active hand placement on my face but it was so helpful. I've been able to incorporate some of that in my practicing and day to day life."
- Hannah, musician, The Boston Conservatory at Berklee
"I have dealt with a slanted pelvis (and resulting pain and excess tension) for years. Lessons with Helen have greatly helped me to re-balance my pelvis and let go of excess tension throughout my body."
- Marissa, dancer & Founder, Midday Movement Series
