Move, Play, Thrive!
Blossoming Through Movement and Play
Training Courses: For a current list of courses, locations and sign ups please click on the "Training Courses" tab in the column to the left.
What is Move, Play, Thrive?
Move, Play, Thrive is about using a wide range of specific Neurodevelopmental and Integrative Movement tools to complete our infant movement patterns and maximize potential.
For most of us, there are movement patterns left over from infancy that are underdeveloped to a minor degree causing inefficiency, instability or gaps in our neuro-sensory-motor processing. For children and adults with learning and emotional challenges, these movement patterns, called reflexes and rhythmic movements, are disrupted to a more severe degree. (See research studies).
When we complete and integrate the reflexes and rhythmic movements, we literally grow and re-wire the brain. We experience much greater ability to focus, learn, process sensory input, communicate, manage our emotions, control our impulses, and develop physical strength and the motivation to carry out plans that are meaningful to us. In short, life is easier and more enjoyable when our infant movement patterns are complete. There is no substitute for a calm nervous system and movement is the key to create this.
Our brains respond to infant movements more than any other kinds of movement because these are the movements we are designed with in the first place to wire, organize and mature the brain and neuro-sensory-motor system. Most people are familiar with the importance of crawling for learning later on. That is true, AND there are many movements that come before crawling that are just as important to build the proper foundation for future learning and emotional maturity.
What is Integrative Movement?
Integrative Movement is a vast field of movement tools that promote rapid and deep benefits in mental, emotional and physical functioning.
Integrative Movement tools enhance and energize the brain, body and emotions for optimal effectiveness in any area of life. These tools are applicable to any life challenge (see Uses For MPT Program tab), though they are most well known for their effectiveness in overcoming learning and behavioral challenges.
Integrative movement tools have shown to be highly effective in transforming ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, difficulties with handwriting and written expression, test anxiety, developmental delay, trauma, stress, chronic overwhelm, depression, sensory processing disorders, autism, and challenges common in the elderly.
What is a Neurodevelopmental Approach?
All movement changes the brain. In fact, movement is the main force that trains the nervous system as we develop in infancy. A neuro-developmental approach is one that uses specialized, targeted movement based on infant movements (see Reflex Integration) to develop the brain, nervous system and sensory system for optimal processing and learning. Once the nervous system is integrated through movement, many learning and behavior challenges diminish or disappear entirely. Tasks that are stressful, stilted and difficult become easier, smoother and more enjoyable.
How can Neurodevelopmental Movement Affect Such a Wide Variety of Conditions?
Harald Blomberg, MD, developer of the Rhythmic Movement Training, explains: Neurodevelopmental movements “activate critical links between the cerebellum, limbic system, and prefrontal cortex.” This “whole-brain linking” creates optimal functioning and accounts for why the movements are so helpful in overcoming a large variety of conditions.
