Brain / Body In Synch

Making moving, learning and living easier


Janet de Witt, Registered Educational Kinesiologist/Brain Gym® Instructor, NZ Faculty for Brain Gym International Educator

BTchL., P. Grad Dip Ed., Dip. T.E.S.S.O.L , Dip., E.H.C, SPELD Trained, Reg. Primary Teacher

Janet has worked in primary, secondary and special education for over 30 years. As an Educational Kinesiologist/Brain Gym® Instructor, she has been running her clinic for over 11 years.

Janet has also been an experienced Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) so can weave her knowledge of learning difficulties, developmental delays, learning and behaviour problems (ADD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Autistic Spectrum Disorder) and underperformance by gifted students into her kinesiology work with children and their parents.

‘We learn to move and move to learn’

For a long time, it was believed that as we aged, the con­nec­tions in the brain became fixed. Research has now shown that the brain never stops chang­ing. ‘Neuroplas­tic­ity’ is the term used to describe the capac­ity of the brain to change with learn­ing.

Neu­ro­plas­tic­ity occurs in the brain:

At the beginning of life: when the immature brain orga­nises itself
In case of brain injury: to compensate for lost functions or maximize remaining functions
Throughout life: whenever something new is learned and memorized
In order for new neural connections to be made, the brain’s pathways are stimulated through activity.

Using Educational Kinesiology, Janet switches on the neural pathways between your child’s brain and body. The goal is to make the brain receptive to learning new skills which have either been lost or as yet under-developed. Combined with Brain Gym® movements and other Kinesiology protocols; efficient, effective and self-directed learning is achievable. Janet also draws upon a range of other treatment modalities as required, such Interactive Drawing Therapy, stress release and emotional diffusion, and Rhythmic Movement Training.

Support for your child

Janet works with children and young people affected by a range of physical, learning and emotional difficulties – issues the brain has a significant impact on.

Following an initial assessment, Janet provides programmes tailored to your child’s particular needs and goals. Sessions may include goal setting, drawing and role-playing, incorporated into a movement-based programme. This individualised programme is designed to be fun for your child and worked on at home together for around only 10 minutes a day.

Your child can learn strategies to improve their handwriting, spelling or times tables, or learn ways of reducing stress and anxiety related to emotional issues such as self-esteem or bullying. Janet works to change ‘I can’t…’ attitudes into ‘I can…’

Here are some of the changes you can expect to see after a few sessions:
  • Learning can become easier and faster (eg. reading, writing, physical coordination)
  • Challenges around learning and development may reduce
  • Retained primitive reflexive movements are integrated. These can interfere with learning and moving
  • Decrease in sensory overload
  • Improvement in balance
  • Positive changes to fine motor and handwriting skills
  • Increased ability to focus and attend to and complete tasks
  • Improved performance in sports/whole body movement e.g. soccer, swimming, dancing, martial arts, the arts and drama
  • Decrease in ‘explosive’ behaviour
  • Overall increase in risk-taking behaviour, confidence and calmness

Best results are achieved with commitment to a daily movement programme, with the parent being actively involved. Sessions with Janet are spaced 3-4 weeks apart and usually cover a 6 month period.

Support for you

Whether you are looking for advice on where to go next or wanting personal support, Janet also offers one to one parent sessions, talks with parent support groups and courses for parents.

Janet provides strategies for you to use on a daily basis with your child to deal with stress. She can help you navigate your way through medical and educational services being offered by agencies and give you referral advice for other professionals.

Janet’s consultancy is based in Torbay, and Kerikeri (on request) from Wednesdays to Fridays. She also runs Brain Gym® courses for parents and teachers/educators at different locations. For details about her next training course click here www.braingym.org.nz

If you would like to know more about how Janet may be able to assist your child, please call her on (027 669 0783) for a confidential chat.

Services

Educational Assessments for:

  • Dyslexia screening
  • Brain Dominance Profiling (identifying learning styles)

Treatment and support for:

  • Anxiety
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
  • ADD
  • Dyslexia
  • Dyspraxia, retained reflexes, messy handwriting & clumsiness
  • Giftedness
  • Sensory processing issues

Education and Parental Support:

  • Brain Gym Instruction
  • Educational Kinesiology training
  • Courses and workshops for parents, educators, health professionals

Services

Educational Assessments for:

  • Dyslexia screening
  • Brain Dominance Profiling (identifying learning styles)

Treatment and support for:

  • Anxiety
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
  • ADD
  • Dyslexia
  • Dyspraxia, retained reflexes, messy handwriting & clumsiness
  • Giftedness
  • Sensory processing issues

Education and Parental Support:

  • Brain Gym Instruction
  • Educational Kinesiology training
  • Courses and workshops for parents, educators, health professionals

The Physical Needs medical providers on our site have no testimonials because of Guideline No. 04 – Testimonials and Professional Endorsement.

For further information about this guideline, please visit ANZA http://www.anza.co.nz/Section?Action=View&Section_id=36