frequently asked question
My child doesn’t engage with therapists, is that a problem?
No. In these instances I guide the parents in how to facilitate the therapy with the child.
My child won’t wear headphones, is that a problem?
No, we can discuss some other options. While wearing over the ear headphones is the ideal delivery method, there are other options that are still effective. Accessing the therapy at even 50% effectiveness is better than not experiencing it because the ideal conditions can’t be met.
How many sessions are required?
Typically, 5 sessions are required for one round of the therapy. The first session will be for history taking and getting to know about you and/or your family dynamics. The second session is for setting up the app and guiding you through how it works, how to get the most out of the process and determining how many minutes per day is the right amount for your nervous system.
What are the sessions for if I do much of the listening in my own home?
Humans are complex beings, and our nervous systems respond to our all types of stress that can go under our awareness. I am here to support everyone in the family. Bringing calm to multiple nervous systems will give the best results. I see myself as a nervous system coach. The information you give me will inform me about what tools and information you may benefit from. I commonly talk to parents about polyvagal theory, reading nervous system cues, how to respond rather than react to a challenging behaviour, and ‘translate’ how the world may seem from your child’s perspective. We can also use the sessions to intentionally set aside to listen to the music if your family is struggling to find time to add it to your routine.
How does the therapy work?
The short answer: The therapy has been developed by scientist and psychiatrist Dr Stephen Porges over his 40-year career. On the surface, it looks like you listen to music, but there is more to it than that. The music has been modified to fall within certain frequency ranges that mirrors the frequency range of the human voice. Using the acoustic portal in the ear, the frequency does multiple things. It stimulates the vagus nerve, it exercises tiny muscles in the middle ear and nerves in the face which influences how the nervous system responds to input (sounds, facial expressions, touch, textures).
It’s a little like a gym workout for the nervous system…it helps to increase its capacity. The result is a more flexible nervous system. One that doesn’t get ‘stuck’ in fight/flight or shutdown.
It’s a little like a gym workout for the nervous system…it helps to increase its capacity. The result is a more flexible nervous system. One that doesn’t get ‘stuck’ in fight/flight or shutdown.
Cost?
A session is $193.99 which is covered by NDIS if you are eligible. At this point in time, you can’t be reimbursed by Medicare for my service.
Waiting list?
Not currently. I can see you within a week.
What are you hours?
Monday to Friday, session times start between 9am and 1pm, and 4pm to 6pm.
Which ages do you work with?
There is no limit. Every being with a nervous system can benefit (some practitioners even use it with animals).
How do we start?
Just message me through Facebook, phone or email me to organise an appointment.
Cassandra Trewin Therapy and Autism Support | 0477 586 010 | cassandra.trewin.therapist@gmail.com
Cassandra Trewin Therapy and Autism Support | 0477 586 010 | cassandra.trewin.therapist@gmail.com
What equipment do I need?
A phone or iPad for the app., Zoom app, the Unyte-ILS app, and over the ear headphones (not earbuds). If they are noise cancelling headphones you must be able to switch the noise cacncelling function off. They don’t need to be expensive.
How effective is the therapy?
Results can be anywhere from subtle to profound. There are a lot of factors that will influence its effectiveness (like environmental stressors) which I can work on with you to identify and reduce. The therapy can be repeated several times and used on an ongoing basis for nervous system maintenance.
What are your qualifications?
I have completed a Diploma of Psychology, and I am currently enrolled in the Honours year of my psychology studies while I work towards qualification as a psychologist. I previously worked as a high school teacher for 15+ years, so I have plenty of experience working with young people, families and conveying information.
I am also a mother to a child with autism. I have learnt an enormous amount on my parenting journey that I am able to share with other families.
I am also a mother to a child with autism. I have learnt an enormous amount on my parenting journey that I am able to share with other families.
How long will the therapy take?
We move at the pace of each nervous system. For those of us with sensitive nervous systems, it may be five minutes a day. For others, 20 minutes a day. One round of the therapy is complete when you have completed the 5-hour program. I don’t place time limits on how long you have to complete the process.
