Entries by Elizabeth Hickman

Fear Paralysis

Known as the withdrawal reflex, Fear Paralysis is responsible for the body’s ability to immobilize, or freeze, when one’s nervous system is threatened. Fear paralysis emerges around 5 weeks after conception, even before most women realize they are expecting. Its initial job is for survival of the growing embryo. When something stimulates the mouth area, the embryo’s whole body moves in unison to pull inward toward the core, similar to the curl of a roly poly or pill bug. It’s reacting for self-protection. Notably, the action of being immobile is just as critical to development as the early stages of mobilization in the body.

January 5, 2025 by

Brain Trainer: About Elizabeth

As a professional, I’m not trying to do it all but I am trying to make a difference with my work. I’m priming the nervous system to create a foundation, so that the child or adult is able to gain what they need from other therapies, or blast into areas of development. I can’t take away the stressors in life, but I can continue to help people build a stronger and stronger foundation, so they are more resilient and able to handle all of those stressors.

January 1, 2025 by

Winter Lights

Winter Lights
In the midst of the holiday hustle, we’ve arrived at the Winter Solstice. Saturday marked the shortest day of the year, where daylight hours are fleeting and we become even more aware of light’s important role in regulating our circadian rhythms.

December 22, 2024 by

A New Face at Thrive

“What’s great about the work at Thrive Therapy is that you need to feel it in your body in order to understand it. Not only does Elizabeth present the information, but you also go through the movements. You have to feel it.” – Keri Teague, MA, OTR/L

December 8, 2024 by

Do I Feel Safe?

Fear and the ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response is triggered when a child, or adult, senses they are in an unsafe environment. When someone explores a social context without safety or the properly integrated reflexes to cope, defensive reflexes take over and behaviors emerge. RMTi and the practice of rhythmic movement in therapy is a critical pathway to feeling safe and self-aware.

October 13, 2024 by

HOW ARE YOU SUPPORTING EDUCATION THIS SCHOOL YEAR?

The backpacks are packed and the pencils are sharpened, but preparing your child for a successful school year extends well beyond school supplies and curriculum nights. Foundational connections in the brain, or reflexes, shape our social, emotional and physical well-being as we navigate through life’s daily interactions. In a classroom setting, a child’s reflex integration is critical to their learning, and simple, targeted exercises can strengthen their ability to succeed this school year.

September 18, 2024 by