A growing number of occupational therapists and other professionals are beginning to incorporate sound-based technologies and methodologies into their practice. These sound-based stimulation programs combine the therapeutic benefits of music with sophisticated sound technology. These tools enable therapists to approach the auditory system directly through the use of electronically altered music.
Sound training involves equipment and materials that have been designed to produce specific effects on listening skills. Listening difficulties (i.e. the ability to accurately perceive, process and respond to sounds) are often a part of other perceptual, motor, attention, and learning difficulties that affect a large number of children and adults with sensory processing problems. Listening is a function of the entire brain, and the training of these functions goes well beyond stimulating the auditory system. We listen with our whole body. One approach to treat listening difficulties is Therapeutic Listening TM.
Therapeutic Listening TM uses sound stimulation with sensory integrative treatment techniques, emphasizing vestibular stimulation and postural movement strategies. Therapetuic Listening TM integrates a number of electronically altered compact discs within a sensory integrative frame of reference. These discs vary in musical style, sound quality and level of enhancement. Individual listening programs are created to address each client’s specific needs. Each program varies based on the client’s characteristics.
The sound stimulation in Therapeutic Listening TM appears to set up the nervous system, priming the brain to learn new skills. Capernaum therapists provide postural, movement, and respiratory activities as part of the program. Gaining postural organization is often the catalyst that allows other changes in movement and sensory modulation to become integrated into daily life.
**Portions of this were taken and adapted from Frick and Hacker, 2002, Therapeutic Resources information sheet on Therapeutic Listening TM, as well as information presented in “Listening with the Whole Body” (a workshop presented by Frick, June 2006) & “Advanced Listening with the Whole Body” (a workshop presented by Frick, September 2008).
For further information regarding Therapeutic Listening TM programs offered through Capernaum, including fees and program specifics, please contact Dena at deannad@capernaumpeds.com.
