Meghan Dempsey MS, LCPC, LCAT, NCC, BC-DMT, CMA
HOW DID I GET HERE...
My Journey​
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Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) is not a field well known by many, so how did I find it? Well, it all began when I started dancing at three years old. Dance was a creative and expressive outlet that began in childhood and continues today. It has taken a few twists and turns over the years and no longer resembles the performative and competitive scene of my youth.
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In high school I was exposed to the healing power of dance and movement through my dance teacher and mentor. I knew I wanted to help others heal, but I also knew I did not want to spend a good chunk of my life in medical school. I was introduced to DMT by my high school history teacher and without knowing much about it, I chose to attend UCLA to continue my dance career and to begin studying this field.​
Studying DMT was a challenge and a shock to my system. It was a big leap to transition from performative movement to finding an internal connection with my body. Even though I still did not quite understand it at the time, I could connect with how powerful the modality was and felt this was the work I wanted to do. After college I knew I had to continue learning and pursued my Masters in DMT.
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When people ask that cliche saying, "if you could do anything, what would it be?" I am so grateful to be able to say I already do what I love! I know it is a gift to find something you love doing and want to do it everyday. I truly love my work and I am grateful for clients who trust me and show up to sessions ready for change. Like my beginning experience learning DMT, I know not every client comes to me knowing what they have signed up for, but I know that when they learn how to enter their bodies in a safe way, they can begin to understand how necessary the embodied experience is to nurture growth, resilience and lasting change.
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Professional Qualifications
EXPERTISE
Education
Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies
Pratt Institute
UCLA
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2005-2006
2003-2006
1999-2003
Trainings/Certifications
EMDR for Perinatal Mental Health Specialists
Reproductive Psychology
PESI Perinatal Mood Disorders Training
Licensed ZUMBA Instructor
NY Center for the Study of Authentic Movement
2021
2019-2020
2018
2012
2009-2011
Professional Experience
Private Practice
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Woodhull Medical Center
2014-Present
2011-2012
2005-2011
Professional Acknowledgements
American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA)
Maryland State Chapter, President
National Board of Directors, Treasurer
Recipient of the National Exceptional Service Award
New York State Chapter, Fundraising Chair
ADTA Talk Moving Through Grief
Guest Teacher at Laban/Bartenieff Institute of
Movement Studies
Published chapter in The Use of Creative Arts Therapies with Chemical Dependency Issues
Production member of Moving Stories: Portraits of
Dance/Movement Therapy
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2016-2018
2011-2015
2010-2011
2008-2011
​2015
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2007-2012​
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2009
2007-2008
Out of Network
I am currently out-of-network and do not accept any insurance plans. I am, however, happy to provide a monthly superbill that clients can directly submit to their insurance for reimbursement.