GENESIS
DANCE THERAPY
Faith-Based Healing for Trauma and Anxiety through Movement, Scripture, and Neuroscience
GENESIS DANCE THERAPY
Faith-Based Healing for Trauma and Anxiety through Movement, Scripture, and Neuroscience
OUR UNIQUE APPROACH TO HEALING
THE GENESIS FRAMEWORK
RELEASE
This involves releasing the emotional burdens of past traumas
RESET
We establish a new foundation of inner peace and balance
RENEW
Scriptural meditation to strengthen spiritual
connection
REDEFINE
Involves setting new
intentions that reflect your
true desires
REBRAND
This involves setting new
intentions and goals that
reflect your true desires
OUR STORY
THE GDT BIRTHING
OUR STORY
THE GDT BIRTHING
In 2009, after having my daughter, I hit rock bottom.
I was overwhelmed, emotionally numb, and constantly weighed down by guilt and anxiety. I looked fine on the outside, but inside I was struggling. I couldn’t keep going through the motions, feeling half-alive — something had to change.
That’s when I turned back to two things that saved my life: African dance and a deeper relationship with God.
Movement became my way of releasing all the emotional pain I had held inside for years. Dancing helped me express what I couldn’t put into words. It gave me access to parts of myself I had lost in survival mode.
WHY CHOOSE GDT
GDT OVER
TRADITIONAL THERAPY
Why Choose Genesis Dance Therapy (GDT)?
Genesis Dance Therapy (GDT) is a Christ-centered, science-supported healing method that helps women release emotional trauma, regulate their nervous system, and reconnect with their God-given identity — through movement, scripture, and neuroscience.
Whether you’re a mom carrying guilt, a high-achieving woman battling burnout, or someone who feels emotionally stuck despite prayer and therapy — GDT offers a path to real healing.
Satisfied Clients
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Workshops Hosted
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Years in Movement Therapy
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TESTIMONIALS
LET OUR STUDENTS
DO THE TALKING
Sarah LGDT Alumni Read More
Chefi’s program helped me feel less
afraid and more connected to my body.
She accomplished this through helping
me to normalize and depersonalize the
experience of trauma. Her
compassionate presence and
willingness to be vulnerable in sharing
her own story created a supportive
container for facing my pain. Setting
aside a limited, yet specific block of
time and Chefi’s acknowledgement that
releasing trauma can be a difficult and
takes time made it more accessible.
Setting an intention and focusing on
being safe in the present moment
grounded me. Staying connected to the
beat and using the forceful dance
movements and accompanying sounds
kept me embodied as the traumatic
energy was releasing. Letting go and
allowing the fluid rhythms to guide me
made it a unified body-mind-spirit
experience that resulted in feeling
lighter and freer.
Jennifer RichardsGDT Alumni Read More
Coach Chef’s vibrant energy
lights up the room as she
teaches and empowers you
through Afro dance. Her class
allows for your body to feel
the rhythm which gives your
soul the chance to expressively
release through movement. This
dance experience was a perfect
example of tapping into your
inner power. I recommend her
class!
Susie ShawGenesis Dance Therapy Read More
The best experience ever!
I felt like all the stress was released & felt
great moving in dance
Minessa KoneckySouth Shore Woman Conference Read More
I had the great privilege of moderating a panel
that Chefi was on at the South Shore
Conference for Women, and as our
conversation with the audience evolved, she
led us through some dancing practices that
filled me with joy, happiness, and 1 really felt
like I was accessing a part of me I hadn’t
since I was a child. All around me as we
danced in unison, like we had rehearsed it, but
were all learning the moves for the first time –
I saw that same child like happiness in the
eyes of others. Some people cried, 1 certainly
did – and that was the result of just 5
minutes, FIVE of dance. The kind of healing
that can be facilitated through consistent
practice is mind boggling and fills me with
hope.
Elissa LizarraldeGDT Student Read More
Great teacher!! She explains the dances very
thoroughly and teaches you where each
dance originated from. Her classes will
challenge you and you will have a lot of fun.
There is a strong sense of community and
Chefi’s positive attitude helps to make the
class feel welcoming. I can’t wait to take more
classes with her!
Ready to Release Stress?
FAQ
YOUR QUESTIONS,
ANSWERED.
What exactly is Genesis Dance Therapy?
Genesis Dance Therapy is a unique healing approach that blends African dance, movement-based psychotherapy, faith-based insights, and neuroplasticity principles. It’s designed to release stored trauma, ease chronic pain, improve mental health and help you reconnect with your body and purpose.
Why African dance—what makes it so effective?
African dance involves fluid, rhythmic movements that naturally help unlock tension in areas like the hips, shoulders, and spine—places where trauma and stress often accumulate. Its dynamic nature also boosts circulation, elevates mood, and encourages emotional release.
Is this a faith-based program? Do I need to be religious to participate?
While Genesis Dance Therapy is rooted in the transformative wisdom of the Word of God, it’s open to anyone seeking deeper healing. The faith component offers hope and a sense of purpose, but no specific religious background is required.
How does neuroplasticity fit into the therapy?
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to form new neural pathways. Through guided movement, coaching, and positive reinforcement, Genesis Dance Therapy helps replace old, harmful thought patterns with healthier, more supportive ones for lasting change.
I’ve been dealing with chronic pain. How can dance therapy help?
Chronic pain often stems from emotional trauma stored in the body. Gentle yet effective African dance movements help release tension and stress in tight muscle areas, offering relief and improved mobility over time.
Can this program help me manage anxiety or depression?
Yes. Genesis Dance Therapy addresses the root causes of mental health struggles by releasing stored emotional trauma, reshaping thought patterns, and providing tools for better mood regulation and stress management.
Will I need any dance experience?
No dance background is required. The focus is on mindful movement, not on perfect choreography. The steps are adapted to your comfort level, ensuring everyone can participate safely and effectively.
I don’t have much free time—how demanding is the program?
The program is designed with busy individuals in mind, offering flexible sessions and efficient techniques that provide significant benefits without requiring hours in a traditional gym setting.
Is Genesis Dance Therapy suitable for all ages or fitness levels?
Absolutely. The movements can be modified for people of different ages, body types, and physical conditions. The goal is to meet you where you are, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
How long does it take to see results?
While everyone’s journey is unique, many participants notice improvements—such as reduced tension or enhanced mood—after a few sessions. Consistent practice leads to deeper, more lasting transformations.
Do you offer coaching and dance therapy simultaneously, or are they separate?
They can be combined or offered separately, depending on your needs. Some sessions focus heavily on dance and movement, while others include coaching conversations and spiritual insights. In many cases, I blend both seamlessly in a single session—beginning with physical release through dance and then using coaching to help you process emotions, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence.
Genesis Dance Therapy is a unique healing approach that blends African dance, movement-based psychotherapy, faith-based insights, and neuroplasticity principles. It’s designed to release stored trauma, ease chronic pain, improve mental health and help you reconnect with your body and purpose.
African dance involves fluid, rhythmic movements that naturally help unlock tension in areas like the hips, shoulders, and spine—places where trauma and stress often accumulate. Its dynamic nature also boosts circulation, elevates mood, and encourages emotional release.
While Genesis Dance Therapy is rooted in the transformative wisdom of the Word of God, it’s open to anyone seeking deeper healing. The faith component offers hope and a sense of purpose, but no specific religious background is required.
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to form new neural pathways. Through guided movement, coaching, and positive reinforcement, Genesis Dance Therapy helps replace old, harmful thought patterns with healthier, more supportive ones for lasting change.
Chronic pain often stems from emotional trauma stored in the body. Gentle yet effective African dance movements help release tension and stress in tight muscle areas, offering relief and improved mobility over time.
Yes. Genesis Dance Therapy addresses the root causes of mental health struggles by releasing stored emotional trauma, reshaping thought patterns, and providing tools for better mood regulation and stress management.
No dance background is required. The focus is on mindful movement, not on perfect choreography. The steps are adapted to your comfort level, ensuring everyone can participate safely and effectively.
The program is designed with busy individuals in mind, offering flexible sessions and efficient techniques that provide significant benefits without requiring hours in a traditional gym setting.
Absolutely. The movements can be modified for people of different ages, body types, and physical conditions. The goal is to meet you where you are, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
While everyone’s journey is unique, many participants notice improvements—such as reduced tension or enhanced mood—after a few sessions. Consistent practice leads to deeper, more lasting transformations.
They can be combined or offered separately, depending on your needs. Some sessions focus heavily on dance and movement, while others include coaching conversations and spiritual insights. In many cases, I blend both seamlessly in a single session—beginning with physical release through dance and then using coaching to help you process emotions, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence.