Calming Connecting Engaging
Feldenkrais supports self-regulation by developing a greater connection between the body and brain through the nervous systems. Using slow and purposeful movements Feldenkrais invites the child or teenager to slow down, breathe a little more and begin to feel and listen to their internal intelligence.
Having a sense of grounding provides opportunities to learn through sensation, enabling children and teenagers to function in more connected ways. Calmer, more connected, with a greater sense of self they can engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.
I work with how they are already moving, whether this is their bouncing, spinning, tip toeing movements or flapping hands and bubbling vocalisations.
Feldenkrais is fantastic for
- Developing ways to communicate- verbal or non-verbal
- Sensory overloads – melt downs, tantrums, moments of crisis
- Times of being underwhelmed
- Finding anxiety reduction approaches
- Developing body coordination
- Calming of challenging behaviours
- Finding connections in balance and movement
- Finding anxiety reduction approaches
- Developing movement strategies for sensory diets
- Acknowledging self-stimulatory behaviours, known as stimming – bouncing, spinning, tip toeing movements, flapping or fidgeting hands and bubbling vocalisations.
Touch as communication
During our sessions I use a hands-on approach to guide movements using a clear, respectful touch. I use verbal conversation as required. I appreciate some children and teenagers are touch sensitive or defensive and have ways of working to accommodate this.
My previous training includes autism behaviour management and supporting autistic people with challenging behaviours to communicate more effectively.
I have experience and training in Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and familiar with the different approaches that are used to support ASC – deep pressure therapy, sensory integration, repetition techniques, behaviour management strategies, communication and anxiety reduction approaches. All of these influence how I work with children and teenagers using Feldenkrais, and I can use them if required.
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Lou Coleman 