Marina Rova

Dr Marina Rova is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Convenor for the MA Dance Movement Psychotherapy at Goldsmiths, University of London. She holds a PhD (2017) from the University of Roehampton, focusing on kinaesthetic empathy through interdisciplinary practice. Her work bridges dance movement psychotherapy, phenomenology, and cognitive neuroscience. She leads the MA Dance Movement Psychotherapy program, supervises PhD research, and contributes to creative therapies discourse. Rova’s research explores embodied methodologies, migration narratives, and creative practices in therapeutic and community contexts.

• University: Goldsmiths, University of London
• Department: Department of Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies (STaCS)
• Roles: Senior Lecturer, Programme Convenor, PhD Supervisor

Research Interests: Embodied knowledge, migration studies, creative research methodologies, autoethnography, and ethical practices in arts therapies. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and the transformative potential of creative practices in health, education, and community settings.

Recent Projects: 'On Being a Cultural Nomad' (autoethnographic research), 'The Body Room' (community empowerment project), and co-editing Creative Bodies in Therapy, Performance and Community (Routledge, 2023). Her research often intersects performance art, clinical practice, and community engagement.

• Awards: PhD scholarship from University of Roehampton (2012)
• Professional Activities: Peer reviewer for International Journal of Body Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy, External Examiner at Derby University, and co-founder of ArtsMinded CIC

Rova’s work is characterized by its focus on marginalized voices, ethical inquiry, and the interplay between art and science in fostering human connection and social justice.