Author Archives: Patricia Slattery

JKA – Children with Special Needs

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Jeremy Krauss Approach (JKA) for working with special needs children.             

Education based on the work of DR. MOSHE FELDENKRAIS

LEARN – GROW – DEVELOP

Frequently asked questions;

WHAT IS THE JEREMY KRAUSS APPROACH (JKA)?

The JKA is a unique way of understanding early development and helping special needs children learn, grow and develop.

JKA is solidly founded on the science of Neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to change and reorganize itself by forming new neural connections and developmental pathways no matter what the condition is.

The central focus is on a therapeutic learning process for helping special needs children develop and increase their abilities.   It is a neurophysiological therapy that helps with the growth and development of the nervous system and muscular-skeletal system.

The goal is that any child no matter what their developmental challenges are can make better use of their potential – physically, mentally and emotionally.

JKA is a non-invasive movement based approach which respects every child as an intelligent human being.

It is 100% personalised, not trying to fit the child into a frame, but on the contrary, developing a frame that fits each child.

It uses a process called Progressive – Developmental – Abilities – Formation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What special needs children does the JKA work with & are suitable for JKA?

Cerebral Palsy, genetics spectrum disorders, brain injury, stroke, global developmental delays, undiagnosed conditions, Down Syndrome

What aspects of the child does JKA attend to and can help?

Motor spasticity, hypotonicity, sensory disorders, co-ordination difficulties, fine motor skills, gross motor skill, sensory motor skills, neuro motor skills

From what age can you start with JKA?

There is no restriction of age and it is advisable to begin as early as possible.

Are there any negative side effects from a JKA session?

The approach is gentle and non invasive.  The vast majority of children have very pleasurable and positive experiences from JKA.  There are no negative side effects – this allows JKA to begin working with a child at any age from 3-4 months on.

How soon can results be expected and seen?

Once an assessment is made positive results are usually seen from the very first sessions.

How often and how many sessions should be taken?

To begin JKA a concentrated period of 5-8 days with 1-2 sessions per day is recommended.  Once the rate of progress is assessed a program for continuation will be recommended and discussed.

Are parents allowed to be with their child during the JKA sessions?

Parents are supported and encouraged to remain in the room and near their child during JKA sessions.  This gives the child more confidence and support and emotionally calms the child.

What to do with your child after a series of sessions is over?

Very often parents are given suggestions and shown what they can do with their child on their own in daily life in between sessions.  It is many times recommended that a parent does the JKA Training to get a better understanding of normal early development and how to apply these ideas to their own child.

WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE JKA

JKA is a holistic approach which looks at each child as a whole unique person with abilities and potential to learn

JKA aims to have good and permanent collaboration with the parents, including encouraging them to be present during the sessions

Parents are encouraged to freely ask questions – This helps the JKA Therapist explain what they are doing so the parents better understand and can learn more about how to support their child’s development and learning

There are no special problems of a child’s state or condition which are unacceptable for a JKA Therapist during a session: wanting to keep close a favourite toy, saliva issues, diaper issues, being held by parents, listening to music, etc.

There are no restrictions (in general) in attending other therapies during JKA.  This depends on each child’s condition and progress.  Sometimes it is even encouraged to do other therapies in conjunction with JKA to improve the child’s learning and development.

If the child cannot learn the way we teach, we change the way we teach so that the child can learn.

General information:  www.jeremy-krauss.com

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Tension & Stress

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Stress is the body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat.  When you feel danger the body’s stress response kicks in whether the danger is real or imagined causing a “fight-or-flight-freeze” response or the “stress response”.  Stress response is the body’s way of protecting you!

Stress isn’t all bad. In small doses stress can help you to perform under pressure or motivate you to do your best.  When working properly it helps you to stay focused, energetic, and alert.  In an emergency stress can save your life eg. giving you the ability to slam on the brakes in an emergency situation when driving or giving you extra strength and adrenaline to cope in a crisis. Stress symptoms affect the body, the thoughts, also feelings and behaviour.

Your overall health and wellbeing becomes threatened.  Being able to recognise common stress symptoms and triggers can help you to manage them.

Feldenkrais Method® works on reducing stress and tension which is held within the body and nervous system.

for the refinement of movement improved performance and rehabilitation wellness movement for all

Back Pain No More

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Despite the impressive  amount of treatment options that are available, most approaches to sciatica and back pain fall short of a satisfactory or lasting improvement. Back pain is as individual as the person suffering the pain and therefore requires an individual approach.  Back pain is not prevented by the strengthening of the muscles of the back. The stability of the back is what prevents your back from harm. The stability of the back is dependent on a properly functioning spinal cord. By following the neurological pathways of the system we become aware of our habits and patterns of movement and by doing so we can learn new ways of being and doing and relieve back, leg and neck pain. We also improve our whole functional and movement ability

Behaviour patterns

FELDENKRAIS METHOD

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The Feldenkrais Method® is a Neurological, Sensory, Somatic based movement  method.  By bringing our awareness of the patterns of our movement, our breathing and our posture, we bring ourselves closer to realising our full potential.  We learn to move with much more freedom, greater ease and flexibility, with grace and without pain.  The Method can permanently improve Posture, Balance and Co-ordination and awaken our capacity for lifelong Vitality and continued Self Development.

Feldenkrais Method® is suitable for people of ALL ages and ALL levels and Abilities.

BENEFITS OF THE FELDENKRAIS METHOD®

*Relief from Tension and Muscular Pain,  * Stress relief *Easier Fuller Breathing, *Greater Relaxation and Well-being,  *consentration *Improved Performance in Sport, Dance,  *Music and Drama,  *Increased Vitality!   

                                               

REHABILITATION;

*Chronic Back Problems  *Stiff neck  *Repeditive Strain injury  *Tension & Stress    *Anxiety  *Multiple Sclerosis *Cerebral Palsy  *Stroke  *Autism *ADHD  *Parkinsons  *Alzheimers  *Aquired Brain Injury

DEVELOP AND ENHANCE;

Existing Skills and performance in the areas of  *Nordic Walking *Golf  *Sports  *Music  *Dance  *Drama      *Walking  *Running  *Swimming  *Cycling

ENHANCES & CREATES AWARENESS, MINDFULNESS, MEDITATION, RELAXATION, FLEXIBILITY, IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND REHABILITATION