Neuro-developmental Therapy

Neuro-Developmental Therapy Programmes

Neuro-developmental therapy works by giving the brain and nervous system a second chance to develop by introducing cues of safety and the signals received in-utero and in infancy.

My Move2Connect programme is a very gentle, movement and music-based neuroplasticity programme based on Polyvagal Theory and trauma-informed somatic embodiment.

Programmes are delivered remotely, in clinic, in nature or in the comfort of your home.

Move2Connect programmes include: Primitive reflex integration, the Safe and Sound Protocol, iLs Focus, Somatic embodiment and Trauma and neuroplasticity education

I work with clients dotted all over the world! I’ve worked with people from the Faroe Islands to Tonga and Taiwan!

These are all body-based, non-talking therapies. They calm and balance the autonomic nervous system and address the central nervous system. In doing so, they gradually reduce social, emotional, behavioural, sensory and learning challenges.

I work to ensure that a person is secure in each of the following layers of the pyramid before moving up to the next level. For example, if a child does not feel safe in the world, it is pointless trying to sort their handwriting out!

Talking therapies or other therapies that require participants to name emotions or actively comply with instructions are a “top-down” approach. Neuro-developmental therapy, which works with the plasticity of the brain and nervous system is a “bottom-up” approach.

Neuro-developmental therapy involves the use of foetal and newborn movement patterns that help build higher brain connections (primitive reflex integration), the Safe and Sound Protocol, a five-hour programme that retunes the autonomic nervous system, as well as iLs Focus, which helps strengthen higher brain connections.

I was one of the first practitioners to train in Polyvagal Theory and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) in the UK shortly after it became available, so much of my current work is in the supervision/mentoring of newly trained SSP practitioners and advanced SSP training. I do still work with clients directly, however – having worked with thousands of clients, and each journey with the Safe and Sound Protocol is completely different.

Register for my training on Primitive Reflexes and Polyvagal Theory here, or register for my group SSP sessions (for SEND Parents only) here.

I’m a member of Action Trauma, the UK Psychological Trauma Society and the European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

Primitive Reflex Integration

Primitive reflex integration can help people discover the developmental steps that they have missed by showing the central nervous system what it should have done first time around, and making new, higher brain connections.

Those with behavioural, emotional, postural or learning challenges all have one thing in common: they have a prevalence of active primitive reflexes/retained reflexes. These are the reflexes we are all born with, which should have disappeared within the first two years of our lives, as we progress through the "typical" milestones, such as rolling, sitting, crawling, etc, within the "typical" window of development. If we do not integrate these primitive reflexes, they remain "retained" in our systems causing various challenges throughout life.

By using a combination of specific foetal and infant movement patterns, sometimes alongside a specially designed sound programme, it is possible to "reboot" the nervous system, giving you a second chance to meet those developmental milestones.

Primitive Reflex Integration

The Safe and Sound Protocol

The Safe and Sound Protocol by Unyte-iLs (formerly known as Integrated Listening Systems) is an evidence-based intensive listening programme aimed at those with anxiety, social communication difficulties and trauma that has been developed as a result of over four decades of peer-reviewed research, based on Dr Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory.

When you work with me, your entire family benefits from a flat rate, so there are no hidden surprises cost-wise. You will all go through the Connect programme first, which acts as part of my assessment process in terms of assessing suitability and readiness for SSP Core.

Move2Connect was amongst the first practices offer the Safe and Sound Protocol in the UK, and is now one of the most experienced Safe and Sound Protocol providers in the world, providing regular feedback and clinical advice to Unyte-iLs in the field of neuro-developmental therapy and the SSP.

The Safe and Sound Protocol

iLs Focus – Therapeutic Listening Programme

The comprehensive iLs Focus system incorporates auditory stimulation, movement and vision exercises in order to help the body and brain to reorganise.

This is a true one-stop shop neuroplasticity therapy, requiring dedication and discipline on the part of parents or caregivers for an effective result.

It is a wonderful follow-up to the Safe and Sound Protocol, offering enhanced safety, connection and whole body integration.

It is recommended that children complete at least three hours of listening per week, which can either be at home with remote check-ins.

The programme takes around six months to complete, and can be completed from the comfort of your own home, with remote check-ins to review progress and assign new movements.

For children with anxiety and auditory processing difficulties, it may be advisable to start off with the Safe and Sound Protocol before proceeding with the Focus System.

iLs Focus for auditory, visual and motor integration

Remaining Regulated for Parents

I offer online support groups and one to one sessions for those having a tough time balancing life with being a “special needs” parent. Even better, group sessions are FREE to current SSP clients. In these sessions, we’ll explore how to navigate the world of SEND and how to ensure that you look after your nervous system so that you can hold the space to advocate for your child without it consuming your sanity.

Remaining Regulated

Move2Connect Polyvagal-informed Neuroplasticity Therapies