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Tell us about Chicago Dance Therapy.
I am the CEO and founder of Chicago Dance Therapy, the premier dance/movement therapy and counseling practice serving Chicago and its suburbs. Founded in 2011, Chicago Dance Therapy provides psychotherapy using a combination of movement and talk therapy to integrate mind, body, and spirit. Chicago Dance Therapy provides body-based counseling to individuals of all ages and abilities. Client needs range from difficult life situations and life transitions to mental health issues like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, anxiety, depression, trauma, and developmental differences. Chicago Dance Therapy has been awarded grants from the National Parkinson Foundation and has had the pleasure of working with medical institutions across Chicagoland to enrich the lives of individuals living with cognitive and movement disorders. In May 2018, Chicago Dance Therapy received a GHP Alternative Medicine and Holistic Health Award for Best Dance & Movement Therapy Practice.
MINDY GARFINKLE PHOTOGRAPHY
What inspires you? Who have your role models and mentors been?
Human potential and the power of movement to help people overcome adversity and hardship is what inspires me. Seeing people reconnect to their authentic selves is uplifting and empowering. I have many role models; fellow entrepreneurs, family members, colleagues. Their tenacity, innovative ideas, and ability to challenge the status quo are what continue to drive me to do more and push the envelop. Understanding that it is not about having it all, but appreciating what you have and how you got there has been a guiding light.
What do you love about Chicago?
I love the accessibility, the culture, and the diverse opportunities that this city offers. Being from the east coast originally, I still find it hard to believe that I live in the Midwest, but Chicago is a bustling metropolis and with a lake the size of an ocean, I often find myself forgetting that I live in Illinois.
What advice to have to share with other women?
Just because something hasn't been done before doesn't mean it is not worth pursuing. It is important to surround yourself with a supportive team that can challenge you and keep you on track. It is not feasible to have all the answers, but you can align and network with people who will help you find the answers you are looking for. Do not be afraid to be creative and think out of the box. It is important to find what drives you and lights a fire inside of you. I follow my passion and, although it takes hard work and dedication, I truly love every moment. Lastly, do not be afraid to make mistakes. We must make mistakes in order to grow and find the path meant for us. Learn from them and move on.
What are your natural strengths that have brought you success?
Being a woman in the field of mental health is not unusual. I embrace my independence, resilience, adaptability, and nurturing compassionate self. These traits are not reserved for women, but I celebrate my ability to experience them as a woman in Chicago. As a mother, I have learned that I am stronger than I even knew and that I can wear many hats, some I might not have even thought about trying on before.
In the era of female empowerment, why is a strong community of women important to you?
It is no secret that there is power in numbers. The more women who can support each other, the better off we will be. There is so much dissonance, cattiness, and competition in the world that I believe it is vital to remember that we have our womanhood in common. Someone else's success doesn't lessen your own. We can learn from each other's strengths and support each other's weaknesses. In my line of work, it is about living an embodied existence. If we can reside in our bodies and not just our minds, we can build empathy and compassion for all womankind.
Why is self-care so important?
We take on so many responsibilities and roles and often times sacrifice ourselves in the process. We must remember that we are deserving of time, energy, and love. Take time for yourself. It is not selfish, it is necessary in order for you to be the best version of yourself.
To learn more about Erica and Chicago Dance Therapy, visit.chicagodancetherapy.com
Phone Number(847) 848-0697