VERONIKA RAKLI
I am a Somatic Body Psychotherapist with over ten years of experience in the mental health field.
Originally from Hungary, as a former athlete, dancer and aerial artist, I developed a deep interest in how movement and emotion are connected, and in how we can use our bodies to aid in the recovery from psychological issues.
After earning a PhD in Psycholinguistics from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest in 2010, where my research focused on learning difficulties and human comprehension, I moved to London to pursue an MA in Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) at Goldsmiths, University of London. In
2017-2018, I participated in a postgraduate mentorship program, during which I learned about Somatic Body Mapping from Annette Schwalbe. Additionally, I studied Somatic Experiencing through an introductory workshop in 2023.
Since 2013, I have worked with a diverse range of client groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. My areas of focus include trauma—specifically prenatal and childhood trauma—post-traumatic stress disorder, body image issues, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, and recovery after a suicide attempt.
For those struggling with severe trauma, words are often insufficient to break through the barriers of pain.
Dance Movement Psychotherapy provides an opportunity for clients to express things through their bodies that cannot be articulated verbally. Since movement mirrors personality and contains deep symbolism, a dance movement psychotherapist can work with the unconscious relational processes in the therapeutic space. Through this nonverbal and creative self-expression, hidden thoughts and feelings can be accessed and processed in my therapeutic space. Clients are encouraged to explore and rebuild their
relationship with their bodies in a compassionate, kind, and accepting atmosphere where fun, humour, and play are also welcome.