About 'Respair'
In her book, An Emotional Dictionary, Susie Dent defines the word respair as 'fresh hope'. She goes on to say that respair is :
"a word that feels so necessary to modern times that its disappearance is quite perplexing. The word is, of course, the antithesis of 'despair'"
Clearly this word is a good match for the work of a therapist, but more than that, it seems fitting for an organisation that is similarly perplexed about how dance and the healing power of group movement has been lost somehow. And like dance, is it also a noun as well as a verb. So let's get respairing.
About Dance Movement Psychotherapy
Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) is a form of psychotherapy that uses movement and dance (as well as verbal conversation) to help individuals to explore and express their emotions and experiences. DMP is a well-recognised, but often misunderstood form of therapy. It is not a dance class, there are no steps to learn and it can be done with or without music. Practitioners require a Masters's degree and professional registration with the Association of Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK (ADMP UK), which is an organisational member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). DMP is used by the NHS to treat adult and child populations, and DMP is recommended in the NICE guidelines as a treatment for psychosis. There are no barriers to taking part in a DMP session - it can be adapted to suit any client group because of the modality’s inherent flexibility. It is based on the understanding that the body and mind are interconnected and that movement can be used to promote emotional, cognitive, and physical health.
Watch this video to find out a bit more...
About our founder
Respair Therapy was founded in 2023 by Debbie Sheringham (she/her), a fully qualified Dance Movement Psychotherapist and Circle of Security Facilitator. With a Masters Degree in Dance Movement Psychotherapy from the University of Roehampton, and as a registered member of ADMP UK (an organizational member of UKCP) Debbie has experience working with individuals of various ages and backgrounds, including those who are neurodiverse and have profound multiple learning disabilities. As well as working for the NHS, Debbie's background also includes over 20 years of experience as a radio producer for the BBC. Debbie's LinkedIn profile has more details if you're curious.
Debbie is committed to running Respair Therapy C.I.C. from an anti-oppressive standpoint, providing services to people of all races, abilities, genders, ages, sexualities and marginalised communities.
About our Directors
Respair Therapy C.I.C. is run by a board of four Directors.
More details coming soon...
About Community Interest Companies (C.I.C.s)
Respair Therapy is a Community Interest Company (C.I.C.). C.I.C.s operate differently from charities in several ways. We generate income through contracts, trading, and grants, rather than relying solely on donations and fundraising. This allows us to offer continuous services and products to benefit our defined community, without time limitations.
As a C.I.C., we can also pay our Directors and employees, unlike charities where Directors must serve in a voluntary capacity. Our founder can remain involved in decision-making while receiving compensation for her work.
While charities receive tax exemptions and can claim Gift Aid on donations, we are subject to corporation tax and don't receive the same benefits. However, we appreciate every donation given to Respair Therapy C.I.C. as it helps fund our community projects.
Overall, our business model allows us to offer continuous and affordable solutions, while generating income to fund our community projects.