Potential & Possibilities Holistic Occupational Therapy
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  • Therapy for Adults
    • Microcurrent Point Stimulation
    • Concussion Treatment
    • Reflex Integration
  • Rhythmic Movement Training (RMT)
    • RMT Workshops
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Background with RMT

Rhythmic Movement Training (RMT) is truly considered to be foundational work because the rhythmic movements stimulate different brain areas to mature and make needed connections. The primitive reflexes are at the very base of the developmental pyramid (even below the sensory systems), so if don't address the problems there, then we will continue to have a "shaky" foundation!

Heidi first learned about Rhythmic Movement Training in the Summer of 2009, and she will admit that, at first it was a little bit challenging to wrap her head around all the new and intriguing information! At first she was somewhat unsure of the process and what to do when, but within a couple of years, things have become much clearer. The process is more of an "intuitive" one of sorts. We need to be aware of where the person is, at the moment, and move on from there. While there are general guidelines to follow if a person has certain retained primitive reflexes, there is no real "recipe" to employ in terms of how long to do the movements and how frequently. She struggled with this at first, because as an occupational therapist, we are trained to guide people and give some very specific recommendations. One of the big differences she notices with this work is that it has the potential to affect the emotions and stimulate other effects in the body due to the stimulation of various parts of the brain.

Due to the astounding changes that Heidi has witnessed with children and adults using this work, she felt it was necessary to spread the word. So, she set out to complete the required training and case studies and on January 1, 2012, Heidi McLarty became the first RMT 1 & 2 Instructor in Canada!! :o)

Here is a summary of many of the profound effects Heidi has seen with her clients using RMT:
heidi_mclarty_my_journey_with_rhythmic_movement_training.pdf
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RMTi Level One (2 Days) Focus, Organization & Comprehension

Learning Outcomes: How rhythmic movements assist in integrating reflexes; Why this is important; and what to do to stimulate brain connections for increased impulse control, attention, balance, coordination, stamina and learning. Some of the topics include:

  • How RMT builds neuro-sensory-motor foundations for focus & higher level learning  
  • Basics in brain development for learning, attention and comprehension
  • Ways to identify developmental imbalances
  • Information on a selection of reflexes involved in laying the foundations for focus and comprehension – Tonic Labyrinthine (TLR); Landau; Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR); Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR); Spinal Galant; Amphibian; Infant Palmar and Babinski reflexes
  • Methods for integrating primitive reflexes
  • The 17 foundational RMT passive and active movements, isometric pressure and other movements

RMTi Level Two (1 Day) Emotions, Memory & Behaviour

Learning Outcomes: Learn effective RMT techniques for integrating developmental reflexes that are crucially important for sensory integration as well as social and emotional maturity. Some topics include:
 
  • Methods for integrating Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR), Moro Reflex & Babkin Reflex
  • Attack and defense behavior and the Tendon Guard Reflex (TGR)
  • How to release muscle tension & emotional upset
  • Movements to release anxiety & stored emotional & physical tension
  • Ways to support people with SPD & ASD
  • Precautions & possible reactions/& contraindications

Who can benefit from taking the courses?

This training is ideal for occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language pathologists, parents, social workers, family and mental health therapists, developmental optometrists and VTs, yoga therapists, classroom teachers, special educators, nursery and pre-school teachers, school counsellors, Healthcare providers, massage therapists, trauma specialists & caregivers, kinesiologists, Alexander practitioners, Feldenkrais practitioners, yoga teachers, Brain Gym instructors, neuro-developmental practitioners, osteopaths and Chiropractors. 
Upcoming Courses 
*If registering from the United States, please make a money order out to Heidi McLarty

Upcoming RMTi 1 & 2 Course Locations

Rhythmic Movement Training International 1 & 2 (RMTi 1 & 2)
Dates and Locations TBA 
Halifax, NS - Fall of 2019
Lethbridge, AB - Spring of 2020
Toronto, ON - Spring of 2020  
*Please note that Heidi may also be willing to travel to your location to teach. If interested, please inquire by sending a message below. Incentives are available for you if you may offer to help arrange a course location, advertising the course, etc. 

What People are Saying about RMT:


“The changes in my son were immediate and profound. After the very first RMT session of approximately 2 minutes of RMT my son slept soundly through the night with no cry-outs and woke up easily and happily for the very first time! I am proud to have been able to give my son some simple and fun tools (which are easily implemented into a busy daily routine) to be able to face his future with confidence and joy.” L.S., Ontario

"What I like about RMT is that it is very specific in its testing procedures and in a variety of techniques to use to help integrate the reflex.  It cuts down my testing and program planning time, which gives me more time for actual treatment.  It is also possible for individuals and families to carry out at home without a huge time commitment or additional equipment and is based on the activities that all human beings integrate their own reflexes.  Other reflex inhibiting activities that I have known have not focused on the rhythmicity needed for the cerebellum to network and integrate.  I am using RMT as it is complementing my other treatment modalities for sensory integration quite nicely."  B.W., Ohio

"Our daughter had long standing emotional, social, sensory and attention challenges. The Rhythmic Movement Training helped immensely with these issues. She is much happier and healthier and we are so grateful to see her blossoming." S.S.

"RMT absolutely ROCKED our lives as we found huge growth for my son, when nothing else seemed to help!" R. M., Nebraska

"I was in a very serious car accident 40 years ago and the AC joint separated and was never fixed and my neck was injured. As a result, for 40 years I could not lift my head up from a supine position (had to use my hands to get up the first 30 degrees). In RMT Level 2 we did the Moro integration which requires lifting the head. I had someone help me do it. After doing the series of isometrics twice, I felt a shift internally. On time #3, I requested to try myself. I could do it. 40 years of no sensation for lifting, and I could do it in 3 minutes of reflex work. Mostly it has held, and the few times it went back, I did the isometrics again and in one go it was back "on."  B.S., Rhode Island

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