Unique Occupational Therapy Approach

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Occupational Therapy (OT) holistic approach means providing support that looks at the whole person including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing.   

We’ve realized significant benefits with the combination of the SSP and Focus iLs systems in conjunction with OT.  This approach trains the brain to pay greater attention to auditory frequencies associated with language and learning while tuning out unnecessary stimuli. In addition, we incorporate strategic movements with this frequency training  to achieve more rapid and greater improvements. These combinations allow the body to achieve a mind, body, and spirit balance. 

 The Focus System - iLs is a multisensory auditory intervention using inner ear stimuli of the vestibular system which connects with the visual system using movement to support brain integration and skill-building for a wide variety of clients with sensory-motor and neurodevelopmental challenges.

 The Focus System brings together those 3 body systems, the auditory, vestibular (balance), and visual in a unique way to enable the brain to process information, allowing for greater body integration with focus and learning .

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a specially-treated (filtered) music intervention which enables the brain to shift the emotional state of the brain- calming the Nervous System to decrease sensory overstimulation by stimulating the vagus nerve and therefore empowering the brain to self-regulate, cope, and to be ready for learning. 

How is that possible? 

The brain has the ability to modify its connections or to "rewire" itself, called  Neuroplasticity.

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Before I even started dreaming of my own business or thinking of a career in Occupational Therapy, I was born and grew up in East-Germany.  I completed an apprenticeship in wheel throwing and became a Ceramist. Due to life circumstances, I went back to school and pursued the profession of Administrative Assistant which I never felt was the right fit at the time, as I always longed to help others.

In my 30's, I fell in love with Occupational Therapy and 

it became my true  calling in life to help people of all ages  utilizing my creativity and life experience.  

My own son was born 6 weeks early and later diagnosed with ADHD. I was driven to find him the help that he needed to fight the stigma of purposely interfering with class routines and its expectations. 

I was in OT school when my son was diagnosed with ADHD and my husband and I were told that medicine was our only option. But I refused to believe there weren't other tools. Integrating evidence-based research of  OT tools including every day self-awareness training and sensory integration tools  to increase focus, self-regulation, organization, and social skills was the key to my son's future. In addition, I educated teachers about techniques  and sensory diets.  

After several years of struggle, today my son is a talented, well-adjusted young man, pursuing a B.S. of Science Education in Physics. With non-medication OT, and Focus System - ils strategies, he was able to achieve the necessary focus and self-control he needed to be successful in school and in his social life. It is now my goal to help other children, and their parents, to navigate similar learning challenges.

Going through life changes myself, I experienced high levels of anxiety for 15 years. Feeling  like I was not in control of my life. Experiencing the SSP gave me a liberating sense of calm and wellbeing  balancing my nervous and sensory systems, and allowed me to develop a positive vision of further possibilities to thrive. 

My fascination lies in each person's uniqueness and my belief is that each of us want to find relief and to be heard when dealing with poor health, threats, or life tests.  However, it can be frustrating not knowing  how to make positive changes, especially when not having  access to tools. Each of us has a life story with various experiences. And BalanSense-Therapy will look at your life challenges and experiences to find the best outcome with you.

Using an holistic approach, combining 13 years of OT expertise with innovative technology, and 6 years of successful treatment outcomes, I believe BalanSense-Therapy can make a difference  in helping people take their next step towards a better life.

Therapists:

Kathrin Winter COTA/L, (A.S.) Treating Therapist

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant, 

a 2011 graduate of Penn State Berks University, PA.

Focus (iLs) and SSP Certified

Experienced in: Neurological treatments including brain processing and sensory integration, Mental Health treatments, Pain relief, Strategic learning and processing

&

Patricia Gay OTR/L , CHT (B.S.) Evaluating Therapist

Licensed Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Specialist

a 1985 graduate of Elizabethtown College, PA

Focus (iLs) and SSP Certified