Meet Dr. Wildman

I have been a teacher, practitioner and mentor to countless medical professionals, athletes, fitness experts, musicians, dancers and a host of others who have embraced the proven health benefits of neuromotion education.

While studying patterns of animal movement and child development, I recognized links between psychology and the science of motion. This insight grew into an innovative understanding that has influenced the field of movement studies and has led to advances in physical therapy adopted internationally by hospitals, universities, physical and occupational therapists, and somatic psychologists.

I have undergraduate degrees in biology and dance and a doctorate in somatic psychology, along with decades of expertise in motor learning and the evolution of motion. I’ve long been smitten by the way not only our bodies, but also our movement (including the good, the bad, and the ugly) can be traced to the way we evolved as a species. My research and insights in this area have fueled my hands-on care.

My work with the Intelligent Body is based on brain sciences. I have developed an understanding of the work of Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais and others in terms of neuroscience.  

My work in the world is embodied science: I blend theory and proven methods with touch to impact people’s bodies and lives. I’ve had a longtime private movement practice in Berkeley, California, and derive great satisfaction from seeing my clients embrace movement and life again, as their function and agility is restored. I have worked with people of all ages, occupations, and physical abilities--including doctors, dancers, athletes, artists and musicians.

For the last 40 years, I’ve led four-year professional trainings all over the world, including the US, Italy, France, Japan, and Australia. My leadership positions include  Founder and Educational Director of the Berkeley-based Movement Studies Institute. My signature programs, “The Evolution of Motion,” “Your Brain as the Core of Strength and Stability,” and “Reconstructing Dance Technique,” distill a lifetime of experience in science, education and clinical practice into brief but powerful courses.

As the author of three books on movement and The Intelligent Body® series of CDs and DVDs, I am renowned for bringing the practical applications of my work to the medical community in the areas of pain, agility, and physical therapy--including the well-received back care program I created and taught across the University of California system. I’ve also worked with the Australian Olympic team as well as retired professional athletes.

In addition to my mentor and friend Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, I’ve had the good fortune to study and work with Anna Halprin, creator of dance theater; Stanley Keleman, creator of formative psychology; Gene Gendlin, developer of Focusing; and Will Schutz, regarded as the founder of the human potential movement.