Welcome to the Thrive blog
This is Elizabeth Hickman, owner and founder of Thrive Therapy. I scour medical journals, recent research and websites for information to share. Sometimes I curate breaking news on the neuroplasticity of the brain, nutrition’s impact on neurological health and other times I write posts that may give you a laugh. Everyone needs a little levity from time to time. Check back here for updates or sign up for email updates.
Lean into Learning
UncategorizedThe excitement of a new school year is fully upon us. As our children get to know their teachers, their classmates and their new routines, there is a tremendous opportunity to support their confidence in the classroom. A successful school year extends beyond school supplies and schedules, as learning patterns are established in these first few months.
Taking the Initiative
Uncategorized“She came out of that first session very calm, focused and wanting to try things. Her work at Thrive has given her a better baseline for things that previously triggered her. It’s helped prime her nervous system.”
Cherish Your Memories
UncategorizedAccording to the National Institute on Aging, one-third of adults 85 years and older suffer from a form of this cognitive deterioration. Dementia is actually a state of mental functioning that’s attributed to a number of diseases, with Alzheimer’s being the most prevalent. Deeply personal and often painful for both the patient and their caregivers, the illness is a window into how our memory is closely associated with our complex neural networks.
The Detriment of Delay
UncategorizedNever leave that till tomorrow which you can do today- Benjamin Franklin
For those struggling with productivity, those words may be easier said than done. Nearly a quarter of adults, not to mention the majority of college students, procrastinate at some point. The act of putting off or delaying tasks until the last minute, or even past deadline, is an irrational yet tempting choice.
In fact, procrastination is a classic battle of tug of war battle in our brain, between immediate gratification and potential negative consequences. In the end, procrastination persists when our brain’s center for executive functioning, the prefrontal cortex, loses out.
Landau Reflex
UncategorizedCollectively, this reflex serves to underpin postural and navigational movement, as well as binocular vision and hearing. As an arousing reflex, where blood flows to the prefrontal cortex when the head tilts, several emotional developments occur with Landau’s integration. Just as the body physically extends to reach out into the word, the reflex underpins self-initiation. With a feeling of safety and confidence, this reinforces the ability to make decisions, initiate activity and retain memory and focus.