What is Therapeutic Listening?
- The Therapeutic Listening Program is an auditory treatment approach that is developed by Shiela M. Frick (OTR/L) and Mary J. Kawar (MS, OT/L) from the United States.
- It is a comprehensive sound-based approach that involves more than just the use of the auditory system. As a result, it has a vast range of influence as neurologically, the auditory system is connected to all levels of brain function.
- How we listen can affect on our overall physiology as well as on our behaviour. Therapeutic Listening is a specific sound-based intervention that is embedded in a developmental and sensory integration perspective.
How does it work?
- The music in Therapeutic Listening gives the listener unique and precisely controlled sensory information.
- The music is electronically modified to highlight the parts of the sound spectrum that naturally capture attention and activate body movement, synchronizing it with the environment.
- Therapeutic Listening uses electronic modifications, along with the organized, rhythmical sound patterns inherent in music, to trigger the self-organizing capacities of the nervous system.
- Many therapists currently trained in Therapeutic Listening find it an important addition to their Sensory Integration treatment modalities that can increase the intensity and shorten the duration of treatment.
Who can benefit?
Therapeutic Listening may benefit children of various ages who display:
- Poor attention/distractibility
- Trouble interacting with peers
- Limited play skills
- Difficulty with transitioning or changes in routine
- Difficulty communicating (verbal and non-verbal)
- Battle with sleep, bowel/bladder control and eating
- Difficulty following directions
- Challenges wit body position in space
- Poor timing and sequencing of motor skills
- Battle with irritability, mood
- Poor regulation of energy levels (i.e. too low arousal or hyperactive)
- Postural insecurity (fear of heights, playing on playground equipment)
- Abnormal responses to different sensory stimuli (sounds, touch, taste, pain)
- Poor praxis and motor planning
For more information contact Hope Studio on 011 462 7490 or visit www.vitallinks.com