What's different about our clinic?

Polyvagal Theory, developed by renowned neuroscientist and psychologist, Dr Stephen Porges, helps us understand how our body and brain work together to respond to different everyday situations such as stress, danger or safety. 

It emphasises the role the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), especially the Vagus nerve, plays in regulating our physiological and psychological states.

The Vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the ANS, stretching from the brainstem to the colon. It helps to regulate critical aspects of human physiology, including the heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, digestion.

The Vagus nerve communicates the information taken in by the body to the brain, which processes the signals and cues from the world around us and in turn determines how we react through three physiological states: 

1. Parasympathetic/ventral vagal state: This is when we are relaxed, feeling safe and connected to others. In this state, we are open to social interaction and engagement using our eyes, facial expressions and tone of voice.
2. Sympathetic state: This is the "fight or flight" response which is activated when we are in a dangerous or threatening situation, and feeling the need to either “fight” or “flee” from a situation to seek safety. 
3. Dorsal vagal state: Our “freeze” state, which is activated when we feel overwhelmed or powerless. In this state, we feel our lives are so immediately threatened that our body shuts down and become immobilised.

Polyvagal Theory suggests that by understanding the fluctuation of these different response states, we can better manage our own health and wellness and better understand the behaviour of others.  

For more information, visit https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/whatispolyvagaltheory

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, founder of the Polyvagal Theory, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) features specially filtered music which clients access through headphones or speaker under the guidance of a therapist. The music of the SSP has been filtered through a patented, evidence based algorithm that highlights specific sound frequencies that are shown to help regulate the autonomic nervous system and stimulate the Vagus nerve. The SSP is an evidence-based therapeutic tool designed to work with other therapeutic approaches and modalities. It is suitable for children and adults. SSP can help individuals connect with themselves, others and the world from a foundation of physiological safety. It has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences, autism, ADHD and much more.

Many clinicians have noted results after completion of the full program, the ability for clients to  better regulate and connect as a result of physiologically re-tuning their nervous system toward safety.

For more information on how to access the program, feel free to contact us here.

The Integrated Listening System (ILS) is a program for improving brain and body function through combined elements of movement, and filtered music delivered via air and bone conduction headphones. It creates an experience that activates multiple sensory systems to create and strengthen neural connections and networks, harnessing the power of neuroplasticity. By addressing brain function at a foundational level, we are better able to become more mentally and emotionally resilient, more effective at school or work, and function in our world.

Just like with physical activity, specific, simultaneous and repeated multi-sensory stimulation gradually trains the brain and body to process and respond to multi-sensory input more effectively through improved organisation, leading to improved function in the world.

ILS is proven to be effective for improving an individual's  emotional regulation, language & cognitive processing, memory, attention, concentration, gross and fine motor coordination, auditory and visual processing, dynamic balance and proprioception.

For more information on how to access the program, feel free to contact us here.

Interactive Metronome (IM) is an evidence-based assessment and therapy tool that consists of a computer-based technology where a person focuses on an auditory stimuli (computerised metronome) and makes a motor response such as clapping to a specific  rhythm. It is different than just clapping to a regular metronome because the program provides visual and auditory feedback about the person’s performance at the millisecond level. This will let the individual know whether they are tapping too fast, too  slow or at the correct pace. Efficient millisecond timing is crucial for engaging the brain to respond automatically. 

Focus, attention and concentration rely on timing. IM can improve the rhythmic communication within the brain's functional networks to lay the groundwork for you to be able to stay focused. When your internal clock is in sync, it frees up the brain's networks so they can perform cognitive functions associated with processing, memory and coordination without losing focus. The program is also designed in a way that encourages people to maintain focus over a sustained period, which helps you stay focused longer. Due to its effectiveness in improving both focus and concentration and impulse control, it is seen as a powerful tool for managing symptoms of ADHD. IM research has also shown improvements in working memory, processing speed, executive functions, self-regulation, expressive & receptive language, mathematics, reading comprehension, motor coordination, upper arm function (Parkinson's Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Hemeplegia etc).