Sheila Frick visits APT!!

It was a packed house to get an education from Sheila.

A few weekends ago, we had a visit from a big name in the occupational therapy world:  Sheila Frick.  Sheila provided a two day conference on “Core Connections:  Exploring the Core’s Developmental Roots.”  Basically, what we can do to more effectively work on core strength and also new concepts relating to why core strength is even more essential than we previously thought.  The course also taught us new ways to cultivate better breath control and we got to practice on each other.

Sheila created the Therapeutic Listening Program, which many of you are already using.  You can learn more about Sheila and TLP at vitallinks.net.  Sheila is an amazing lecturer and she makes even the most elaborate neuroscience seem accessible.  She has been an OT since 1980, has a private practice in Madision, Wisconsin and has published countless books and articles on pediatric occupational therapy.

All of us came back from the weekend rejuvenated and eager to share what we learned with our families.  If you have any questions let us know, but your child is already benefiting from the knowledge all of us gained through Sheila.  We can’t wait til she comes back again!

Some familiar faces just before they all jumped off the platform.  See, we do it too!

Headphones and Music: What’s Therapeutic Listening?

3 year old Alexa wears headphones during writing activity.

You may have seen kids wearing headphones in and around the clinic.  Your therapist may or may not have talked to you about TLP, or the Therapeutic Listening Program.  As therapists, we frequently refer to the program as “TLP” or “listening.” Any of us would love to answer any questions you might have about the program.

In a nutshell, therapeutic listening is a tool for treating a variety of issues related to problems with sensory processing including focus/attention, mood, energy, tolerance for noise, sleep, handwriting and anxiety.  One of the best ways to learn about therapeutic listening and its benefits is to visit the website vitallinks.net and view the video on the front page.  With a smattering of case examples and the scientific basis for the program, you are sure to understand TLP more completely.

Your APT therapists all attended the Mentorship Listening day.

Last month, all APT occupational therapists and some invited colleagues attended a mentorship day with Sharron Donnelly to refresh our skills in providing listening to kids, choosing music, sharing case stories and troubleshooting.  It was a fantastic gathering with lots of professional problem solving and interaction.  We all left with renewed confidence both in the program and in our skills implementing it.

Please visit the Vital Links website, talk with your therapist and even other families who have used the program.  We have informational articles, research and home programs we can discuss with you.

Get Listening!