The Focus Program

The Focus Program is like an exercise program for the brain. It improves brain and body function combining elements of music, movement and language to build foundational supports for body organization. As the body becomes organized, so does the brain which results in improved ability to process information from the environment, sustain attention and learn. This increases an individual’s ability to manage stress, cope with emotions, increase social adeptness, and improve school and work performance. A foundation for attention and learning is formed that may have never fully developed or lost due to brain injury. Clients report having more ability to control impulses, self-regulate behavior and engage with others more easily. Clients report having more energy, increased mental clarity, improved organization, and greater ease at getting things done. The Focus Program is effective for individuals who have been diagnosed with ADHD/ADD, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorders, Speech and Language Disorder. The Focus Program improves Written Expression and Reading Comprehension, Memory and Attention Performance, Motor Skills and Balance, and Processing Speed.

The Focus program uses the auditory system to access the vagus nerve and related nerves. The vagus nerve is responsible for regulating the bodily states, listening and vocal communication. This protocol is rooted in Polyvagal Theory and the work of Dr. Stephen Porges (Porges, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2007). Dr. Porges discovered that we are able to calm our nervous system by exercising and rehabilitating the middle ear and auditory system. As a client learns to process certain speech related frequencies, they improve the functioning of two cranial nerves that are important for promoting overall social behaviors. The Cranial Nerve VII (Facial Nerve) helps clients focus on the human vice and tune out irrelevant frequencies. The Cranial Nerve X (Vagus Nerve) enables self-soothing and nervous system regulation. Click here for more information on the Focus Program.