JO HARDY
I have worked with hundreds of wonderful people over the years as a psychotherapist, coach, mentor, supervisor, trainer, conscious dance teacher and group facilitator. Exploring what truly facilitates lasting transformation is my passion and has led me to study many perspectives, philosophies and modalities of transformational work.
Having trained extensively in Contemplative Psychotherapy and Body Psychotherapy (Core Process Psychotherapy at the The Karuna Institute), (Biosynthesis Body Psychotherapy and Chiron, UK) my approach is integrative, phenomenological, process oriented, body based, rooted in mindfulness and informed by gestalt, archetypal psychology and dream work, embodied movement alongside Buddhist and Sufi spiritual practice and contemporary paths of awakening. From 1990 I held a private psychotherapy practice for 20 years and was a senior trainer on an MA program in Contemplative Psychotherapy for 12 years (Core Process Psychotherapy at the The Karuna Institute). Since 2009 I have been faculty, coach, mentor and supervisor for the The School of Movement Medicine + offering mentoring, coaching and professional supervision. Approaches I have studied to some depth - Voice Movement Therapy, Transpersonal Supervision, Facilitation for Leaders (CFOR (Process Work).
I have explored and taught conscious dance and embodied movement since 2002 teaching workshops in many places, with a focus on regular programs in China (until covid). I am a 5 Rhythm teacher (Waves and Heartbeat Level), an Open Floor Teacher and TIM practitioner (Open Floor International), Movement Medicine teacher and facilitator The School of Movement Medicine. I love each of the practices and have also deeply inspired and influenced by many years of studying with Suprapto Suryodarmo (Prapto, Amerta Movement)
Through engagement in the Transition Town movement (Transition Network) I have offered Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects, Personal Resilience training, Conflict Fundamentals, facilitation skills to support groups to effectively self-organise and co-facilitated several International Transition Network conferences. I have had the privilege of being a working member of ICMTA and Open Floor allowing me to gain experience in Dynamic Governance and enjoy working with amazing colleagues.
As I gather years on planet earth what matters to me most is the joy and profound healing of movement and dance, the blessings of holding space, collaborations and connection with super amazing colleagues, playing great music for folks to dance to, the endless number of things to learn and be curious about, walking with my dog and specifically at present the potential of movement practice to profoundly enhance the skills of psychotherapists and coaches in the dance of presence, embodiment and relatedness.
“We have known Jo for many years and recognise in her a truly beautiful blend born of her many years of dedicated practice and enquiry. She is wise, funny and a truly unique dancer with a heart of gold and the uncompromising intelligence to match. She’s a force of nature who will stay with you wherever your journey leads.”
Ya’Acov & Susannah Darling Khan – Directors School of Movement Medicine
“Whether it’s 5 rhythms, ecstatic dance or just a bop! Jo creates a space and invites you to dance and move from the core of their being. Her wide selection of music is brilliant, from wild world beats to the sublime and angelic.”
Joyya Whelan – Seeds & Quest Festival Producer
“Jo is an outstanding 5 Rhythms teacher. Her work is rapturously received wherever she goes. She has 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist and group facilitator. She is passionate about creating a space where the unique dance of each person can blossom and is known for her inspired and wide choice of music.”
Malcolm Stern – Psychotherapist, Writer
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” ….. Jo certainly knows how to tiller a boat in the midst of a storm. …. I want to acknowledge your wisdom, guts, humanity, experience and normality that brings so much wealth to these explorations – you are a true mistress in the marrying of every day experience and deep spiritual diving. I love your fierce commitment, presented again in such a simple way, to the collective and community."
Rosie Perks, Movement Medicine teacher
“Jo holds such a deep safe space. It is rare that I come across anyone willing to do that; holding a nurturing space for thirty people to dive in together and yet each have their own journey, and still feel enough spaciousness in which they can support one another is phenomenal. What a gift you bring to the world. It was magical watching the transformation of some of those I was with unfold and blossom before my eyes."
Steph Bradley - Writer, Poet, Story Teller
“Over the past six years I’ve been dancing every week and I’ve come to realise that nothing else comes close to Conscious Dance Space Totnes on a Monday night. My life has been so enriched by this space. I love the realness, humility, humour and honesty that Jo brings to the space. This gives such permission to bring all of me. Its rare to experience such a deep sense of being welcomed over and over for who I am with complete acceptance and no judgement”