Success stories

Brett’s mom brought him in for sessions to help with anger management.  We did some exercises together, then wanted to test out that temper of his.  Mom tried some phrases that usually got him mad, but he just smiled at her. “Actually Mom,” he said, “I don’t think I could get mad right now.”  Three… Continue reading Twelve-year-old-Brett says about exercises: “I loved it; I’m so glad I did it!”

It’s not just for learning blocks, sensory processing, ADD/HD, ASD/Asperger’s, emotional control, social skills, stress management, right/left brain balance! Add CREATIVITY to the list! Andrea, the mother I’d wrtten about from the previous newsletter, decided she wanted some of this increased function and joy for herself. Creativity is practically one of this woman’s middle names,… Continue reading Want creativity? We got that.

One of the more fascinating perks of my job is when an unexpected jewel is born.brought forth such a jewel recently. I’d been seeing her monthly (they live more than 2 hours away). Her progress pointed to their diligent practice in the exercises I’d assigned. On our first visit, Rebekah was cheerful, cooperative, but frantic… Continue reading When profound art hints at inner growth

I saw 10-year-old John yesterday for the first time. He had two homes before going to his adoptive family 8 years ago and has more than the usual level of difficulties. He seemed brighter and happier when he left, and his mom, Julie, was very receptive to the therapy and home plan. Six hours later,… Continue reading You’ll want Kleenex AND pom-poms for this one: You can’t help but cry and cheer!

Oh my heavens, what a story! Sean came for a session this week.  He’s 22 and would like to sketch more (and presumably, do video games perhaps a little less). Sean chose, as a pre-exercise demonstration, to do the following self-portrait:   He noted that while I undoubtedly saw a stick figure, this was a… Continue reading My brain says so silly, but (these exercises are) surprisingly effective!” — Sean, 22

Here’s a class picture of my last RMT class — TWO physicians, a myofacial therapist, an occupational therapy doctoral student … and one Boy Scout leader who wanted tools to use when he encounters boys who need help. The physicians aren’t just doctors, they’re super-achiever doctors.  They’re sisters, Nahla (plaid shirt)) and Musheera (smiling lady… Continue reading When you can startle physicians, you know you’ve got a WOW!

Heidi Tillotson, COTA/L come to just two days of RMT last month; at the third day of training this month, she told us this story.  I’ve distilled the official version into a laymen’s story, and am including the therapist’s version for those of you who speak therapist-language. The laymen’s version:  My student has always been… Continue reading Looking ahead: seeing a baby bloom into maturity

                                           (This isn’t Christian, but it looks as though he felt this way) Christian’s mom stopped me in the entryway.  “Not one!” she said, holding up a finger for emphasis.  “Not ONE phone call from… Continue reading NOT ONE!

For years when I was an active RN, our main treatment for people with Parkinson’s was to administer medication and help to manage the progressing symptoms of the disease.  Now there’s a lot of new research and helps for Parkinson’s disease — we’re finding that things as diverse as Tai Chi, riding a bicycle, and… Continue reading Symptom REVERSAL for those with Parkinson’s disease

About 5 years ago, Katy’s mom brought her to see me.  Nineteen years old, tall, with long honey-blonde hair and stunningly beautiful, Katy was STUCK. Stuck in depression, anchored by anxiety, and seemingly unable to make decisions or do much more than sit on her bed looking at social media. She was on three different… Continue reading Triumph over Depression