Welcome

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Welcome to Move Into Motion. I’m Dr. Jan Filer, and for over fifty years I’ve dedicated my work to supporting children, adults, families, and professionals through movement, play, education, therapy, and supervision.

This website introduces my courses, therapeutic work, research, and international involvement in Sherborne Developmental Movement (S.D.M.). I hope you find inspiration, clarity, and the information you’re looking for.

For enquiries, bookings, or further information, please contact me at:
📧 jan_filer@hotmail.com

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About My Work

My practice is grounded in the theory, philosophy, and practical application of Sherborne Developmental Movement, which I first encountered during my teacher training at Bristol University. Since the late 1960s, I have taught, researched, written about, and developed S.D.M. across education and therapy.

“All children have two basic needs: to feel at home in their own bodies and to be able to form relationships.”
— Veronica Sherborne, 1990

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What Is Sherborne Developmental Movement?

Sherborne Developmental Movement is a movement-based approach rooted in natural developmental patterns and informed by Laban’s Movement Theory. It is inclusive, accessible, and adaptable for people of all ages and abilities.

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S.D.M. supports:

• Emotional and psychological wellbeing

• Physical confidence and body awareness

• Relationship-building and communication

• Creativity, play, and problem-solving

• A sense of safety, connection, and belonging

It is used in education, therapy, parent–child work, community programmes, and workplace team-building.

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My Approach

I work with people, not at them. I participate fully in the movement experience—on the floor, in the group, sharing the process.

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My focus is on:

• Building trust and positive relationships

• Helping participants feel safe, centred, and connected

• Encouraging playfulness and curiosity

• Supporting developmental experiences that may have been missed

• Using movement to promote emotional, physical, and relational wellbeing

I have used this methodology in communities experiencing profound psychological distress. It has never failed me—and in today’s world, where physical play and touch are increasingly limited, it is more relevant than ever.

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International Sherborne Developmental Movement

I am part of the International Sherborne Developmental Movement community, which continues and develops Veronica Sherborne’s pioneering work.

The international network spans Japan, Europe, Scandinavia, Brazil, and beyond. Its purpose is to:

• Maintain high standards of training

• Support practitioners worldwide

• Share research and developments

• Foster international collaboration

National Boards currently exist in Sweden, Norway, Belgium/Holland, the UK, and Turkey. Practitioners in other countries may join as “floating members” until they have enough practitioners to form their own Board.

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Courses, Workshops & Training

Move Into Motion Courses (2025–2026)

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Developmental Movement • Education • Research • Therapy • Clinical Supervision

All courses suspended during lockdown have now resumed and are open for booking.

 

 

Therapy & Supervision

I offer:

• One-to-one therapy

• Group therapy

• Clinical supervision

• Educational supervision, coaching and mentoring

• Parent support sessions

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Sessions can be delivered in person or remotely via Zoom, Teams, Messenger, FaceTime.

 

Upcoming Events & Training

2024

April 20th, 9.00–1.00 GMT
Conference: Health and Personality Development
Stradins University, Latvia
Self-encounter through movement
Using S.D.M. to facilitate healing psychotrauma from the mother–child relationship

SDM Levels 1–4 (New Structure)

28.11.24, 9.00–4.00
New Fosseway Special School, Bristol BS13 0RG

Safeguarding in Schools

02.09.21, 8.30–12.00
St Bernard’s School, Shirehampton#

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Participant Feedback

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• “Good basic foundation — will use in practice. Clear delivery. Practical experiences made it easy to understand.”

• “The course exceeded my expectations. The psychology behind the practicals was most useful.”

• “Excellent course. Practical activities were great team-building.”

• “Loved both practical and theory. Jan is very knowledgeable.”

• “Fantastic course — thoroughly enjoyed it. Can’t wait to try it out.”

• “Theory and practical exceeded my expectations. Jan made us feel very comfortable.”

 

Contact

For bookings, course information, or general enquiries, please email:
📧 jan_filer@hotmail.com

If you’d like, I can now create navigation menus, section banners,

 

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