The basis for therapy at KidsBrainTree Fort Collins

These 6 components are based on the following premises. We have been careful to keep the traditional approach of rehabbing before adapting. To the best of our ability we have encompassed the whole person with these foundations.

We have integrated well researched ideas and methods, which have proven time and again, when used correctly, are able to create the changes our clients need. The researched constructs that inform our thinking includes:

1. Nutritional building blocks are essential for optimal neurological function. Any disruption in their ability to reach the tissues that need them, hampers those tissue's innate function. (Lyle MacWilliam ⁽¹⁾ )
2. The physical brain has the purpose of controlling and directing muscular contraction and by extension movement (Daniel Wolpert ⁽²⁾ )
3. If you cannot find a muscle sensorially, you cannot move it voluntarily. (Moshé Feldenkrais ⁽³⁾ )
4. Neuroplasticity as a process exists and follows the principle of what fires together wires together (Donald Hebb ⁽⁴⁾) and that which is ignored is pruned (Michael Merzenich ⁽⁵⁾ )
5. Deliberate movement and posture has an influence on neurological firing (Cynthia Berrol ⁽⁶⁾ ) just as neurological firing causes movement
6. Muscle tone can be reset, and balance of firing influenced through proprioceptive neuromuscular techniques (Lorraine Pedretti ⁽⁷⁾ ; Margot Heiniger ⁽⁸⁾ ; SS Adler et al ⁽⁹⁾)
7. Muscle firing can be influenced by the electrical fields around the body, which turn can be influenced by the environment. (Charles Krebbs⁽¹⁰⁾ ; John Thie ⁽¹¹⁾, Carol Phillips ⁽¹²⁾)
8. The first neurological pathways established in utero, are reflexive in nature; involving muscular contraction in response to a sensory stimulus and are predictable and obligatory in their initial appearance. (Mary Fiorentino ⁽¹³⁾; Sally Goddard ⁽¹⁴⁾ )
9. Patients should be evaluated developmentally and treated sequentially. (Margaret Rood ⁽¹⁵⁾ Margot Heiniger ⁽⁸⁾)
10. Any skilled and differentiated movement follows a specific plan of acquisition. (Signe Brunnstrom⁽¹⁶⁾ )
11. Motor development leads to cognitive development in a predictable manner (Signe Brunnstrom⁽¹⁶⁾ ; Carla Hannaford ⁽¹⁷⁾; Margot Heiniger ⁽⁸⁾ ; Billye Ann Cheatum et all ⁽¹⁸⁾, )
12. All 3 midlines need to be established for development to progress optimally (Maxine Haller ⁽¹⁹⁾ )
13. Lateralization and hemispheric dominance is a factor of 3D existence and influences all functions particularly stressful engagements (Carla Hannaford ⁽¹⁷⁾ )
14. Activated Defense mechanisms will override all developmental progress and shut down choice if unmitigated - thus perceived safety is crucial (Margot Heiniger⁽⁸⁾ ; Bessel van der Kolk⁽²⁰⁾ )

We have amalgamated these principles into a useful tool that does not compartmentalize a person in process of recovery or development. We have honed the skills needed to implement the premises and produced a model that can clinically address the problems we are faced with concerning academics, emotional regulation and social skills. The model is sequential and developmental in nature and considers the influencers on obligatory action, mitigates them and produces choice of interaction and response to any given stimuli.

In more simple words –

we know how to grow the brain connections needed to succeed academically, in relationships and in self care for whoever wishes to play with us.

Here is a list of the articles, videos and books referenced above so that you can research for yourself - should you so wish. This is NOT the complete list of resources we have used or techniques we know. It is meant to be a place to start to validate what we do, based on the premises we used to decide this.