Answers to frequently asked questions
Q: What types of challenges can your therapy address?
A: We have seen improvements for individuals struggling with focus, sensory processing, autism, speech and language delays, dyslexia, PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), cerebral palsy, depression, anxiety and more. With the brain’s remarkable ability to grow and change, we don’t like to be distracted by labels and/or diagnoses.
The majority of our clients come to us without a diagnosis. We work with any child or adult whose potential is being limited for whatever reason.
Q: How long does each session last?
A: Every session is unique and we monitor the individual’s ability to tolerate the therapy. Sessions can last from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Q: How long do you recommend patients attend therapy?
A: It’s different for every individual. At our first session, a comprehensive evaluation will be performed to identify challenges and establish goals. Using this as a roadmap, we can discuss approximate duration. Some individuals may notice positive changes within weeks whereas for others it may be more subtle and gradual. To reinforce improvements or to address additional concerns, it may take a year or more.
Q: What does progress look like?
A: The first thing you will notice is a child or adult requesting very specific exercises. Typically, they cannot explain why they want a particular exercise. With our movement-based program, their somatosensory system is learning what can help their system. This is the foundation for creating self-awareness for regulation. You may also see changes and improvements in any sensory behaviors. The frequency, duration and intensity may change.
Q: What can limit progress?
A: The severity of “stressors” being managed by the individual throughout the day can limit progress. Stressors can include after school activities, things going on at home/work/school, caregivers’ stress levels, poor nutrition, sickness and lack of sleep.
Q: Should we expect regression?
A: At times there may be temporary regression. The individual may also engage in new activities, initiate role-playing or experience escalated emotions. As an example, there may be increased fears, a need for more cuddle time, physical touch and rocking. They may need to do or experience these in order to finish part of the neurological maturation process. We strive to educate parents, caregivers and teachers that change can be scary; new growth creates experiences that one may have never known and this may lead to some less mature behaviors at times.
Q: What do we do if the therapies are over stimulating?
A: We will teach you how to monitor for overload. Always follow the lead of the individual even if that means not doing exercises one day. This could be an indication that their nervous system isn’t prepared to do the activities. Less is more when it comes to this type of therapy.
Q: Should parents expect to participate?
A: Often times we will do the exercises with the parents. While the exercises can benefit all of us to a certain extent, the reason we work with the parents is so they can experience what the activities feel like. They appear to be simple activities, yet they create a lot of stimulation to the nervous system. Once a parent feels the effects, they are more likely to be receptive to the requests, actions or physical signs of their child when they have had enough.
Q: Is it okay for siblings to come?
A: Siblings are welcome! The clinic is set up with a waiting area with toys. We certainly understand how hard it is for parents juggling work and life schedules. Sometimes we invite a parent to engage in therapy (see previous question explaining why). Yet, there may be times when it’s less distracting for siblings to stay at home, if possible. Please feel free to discuss this with us further.
