Dance & Dementia

About Me

Nicola Jacobson (MA RDMP)


My work is informed by a love of dance and an enjoyment in sharing dance and movement with others. I trained as a Dance Movement Psychotherapist at Goldsmiths, University of London, between 2005 and 2007.


I first worked with people with dementia as a Support Worker over 15 years ago in care homes, hospitals and in the community. I found a passion working with people and their family carers and spent several years working for Alzheimer’s Society delivering and managing dementia support services.


In addition to my work with Dance & Dementia, I currently work as a Dementia Practice Development Coach for the Association for Dementia Studies at the University of Worcester, involved in developing and delivering dementia education and research.

My dance therapy work is covered by:


  1. *Registration to practice with the Association of Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK

  2. *Public liability insurance

  3. *DBS check available on request

Conferences and Publications


Jacobson, N., Knights, C., Smith, S. (Nov 2013) Dance and Movement Therapy in a Specialist Hospital Settting. 8th UK Dementia Congress


Jacobson, N. (Nov 2013) Dance and Movement with People Affected by Dementia. Swindon Dementia Conference (Swindon NHS CCG and Borough Council)


Jacobson, N. (Nov 2012) Creating a Sense of Community through Circle Dance. 7th UK Dementia Congress


Jacobson, N, Knights, C., Smith, S. (Nov 2013) Dance and Movement

Coaten, R. & Jacobson, N. (July 2011) Dance Movement Psychotherapy as a ‘Golden Thread of Remembrance’ and a Key to Communication. Signpost Journal.


Bone, L., Coaten, R., Hamill, M., Heymanson, C., Jacobson, N., Kershaw, K. (Nov 2010) Interactive session with presentations on dance and movement with people with dementia and carers. Presentation, 5th UK Dementia Congress.


Jacobson, N. (Sept 2010) Making Connections: Using Dance and Movement with People affected by Dementia. Practical Workshop, ‘Kindling the Spark - Creativity in Dementia’ Trent Dementia Services Development Centre Conference.