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The Methods

Making learning last

S.E.B.S. Brainery (a division of Synergic Therapy) provides integrated therapeutic services delivered by a highly trained speech pathologist and not speech assistants (SLPA), internists/clinical fellows (CF), or entry-level therapists.  No computer-based independent programs are used in treatment nor assigned for homework.  Brain-based learning methods such as cognitive learning strategies, visualizing, and Cognitive Training are used to teach students how to learn, why it is important, what they need to know, and where and when to use the skills. 

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Brain-based essentially means the way the brain naturally functions when it processes, stores, and recalls information.  Brain-based learning is utilized at S.E.B.S. Brainery to achieve optimal student success in strengthening foundational competencies, improving brain processing and functional academic skills, and developing essential life skills while focusing on real-world application.  We start with the core Cogmental (cognitive-developmental) skills, Executive Functioning Skills, and Fundamental Neurological Skills to develop a strong foundation to enable students to use strategies and skills to learn, understand, store and fluidly retrieve knowledge.  

C.O.N.N.E.C.T. Cognitive Training Programs

Essential Features

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Created from the evidence-based theory of neuroplasticity

Outcomes are meaningful and measurable

Neuroscience research supports context-based 1:1 cognitive skills training

Notice changes in memory, processing, thinking, academic skills, communication

Essential Cogmental skills are developed and strengthened using a whole-brain approach

Children age 3 through to the elderly can benefit from an individualized program

Think faster, learn smarter, understand and remember more

C.O.N.N.E.C.T Cognitive Training Programs are developed based on the student's goals or treatment targets.  Specific skills, strategies, and behaviors are taught using innovative brain-based learning methods created from the theory of neuroplasticity.  Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change and adapt by forming new neural pathways and connections and rewiring itself.  
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Treatment plans are developed based on individual strengths and challenges.​  The student's strengths and interests are used to improve the challenges whenever possible.  Goals are analyzed down to the core Cogmental processes needed to drive progress (executive functioning skills and fundamental neurological skills).

Treatment Outcomes

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  • Increased independence

  • Decreased negativity around homework

  • Better emotional and behavioral regulation, 

  • Helps students learn new things faster

  • Improves comprehension and problem-solving skills

  • Improved self-awareness, self-perception, and self-management

  • Enhanced cognitive functioning (concentration, recall, thinking, initiating)

  • Improves long term learning

  • More strategies to learn successfully, study effectually, plan and organize instinctively, greater understanding of time management

Who can benefit?

  • Auditory Processing Disorder, Autism, ADHD, ADD, academic challenges, Apraxia, attentional control issues​

  • Behavior challenges

  • Comprehension difficulties, fleeting concentration

  • Down syndrome, Dyslexia, Dysnomia

  • Executive Functioning skill deficits, 

  • Fragile X

  • Higher-level intellectual students

  • Intellectuall disabilities

  • Learning disabilities

  • Memory concerns

  • Neurodevelopmental, neurotypical skill strengthening

  • Reading difficulties

  • Speech and language impairments

  • Traumatic brain Injuries

  • Undiagnosed difficulties

Developing Independent Thinkers

Synergic Therapy uses a holistic approach to programming by ensuring that core Cogmental functions (Executive Functioning Skills and Fundamental Neurological Skills) are always addressed in addition to learning new information.

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Learning goals are analyzed and constructed to include the steps necessary to achieve the goal, the subskills necessary to master the steps, and the core neurological functions imperative to successful mastery and generalization of the goal. 

 

With such a strong structure, students are more likely to understand the expectations of the goal, know when and where to use the knowledge, why

it is important, and how to demonstrate the knowledge/skill independently using learned strategies.  Synergic (combined) treatment makes learning last, develops confident students who actually learn to implement the knowledge as independently and successfully as possible. 

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My goal is to nurture and develop successful independent thinkers who achieve by using learning strategies to understand information and through practice, create knowledge that they can fluidly retrieve and use.

Teaching students about their brains and learning

Learning about the brain, helps students gain greater control over their thoughts, emotions, and actions.  They also develop stronger self-awareness and emotional intelligence.  When faced with challenges, these students feel empowered/ motivated to overcome them, a life-long needed skill.

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A young brain has limitless potential to change by adapting, compensating, and learning new information. The brain is a social organ that needs to be kept active in making new connections to learn and live. It needs to connect with other brains in a positive way to improve performance and learning.

 

The brain is always changing by making neuronal connections stronger or creating new connections which means we are not given a set amount of intelligence at birth that cannot change. Instead, the brain can become smarter by developing (growing) and changing.

 

School success happens when you try hard, learn new things, and practice skills. You are not just born smart; smartness happens when you try hard, eat proper nutritional food, meaning eating a variety of foods includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, and sleep enough.  Similar to the body, the brain needs food, plenty of rest, and hydration to perform at its best. 

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What shuts the brain down and signals the deflecting defense shields? Stress, fear, and anxiety.  The brain learns best when it is calm and stress-free.

 

What strategies provide control and influence to the brain?

  • Repeated practice

  • Taking time to think before you act, answer, announce, argue, or accuse

  • Visualization

  • Understanding what, where, when, why, and how

  • Learning strategies and studying skills to get things done

  • Overcoming challenges by using thinking skills

  • Being positive and believing that you can do it

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Brain Vocabulary

  • Neuroscience-information on how the brain works

  • Neuroplasticity-the brains ability to rewire to adapt from injury and learn new things

  • Neurons-nerve cells that have 3 parts: cell body, axons, and dendrites

  • Neurogenesis-a process whereby the brain grows new brain cells (neurons)

  • Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)-is a region of the brain that helps you to learn new things by thinking, planning, problem-solving, and doing.  The PFC helps you understand how you are feeling and helps you pause and think before acting

 

Just like muscles, the brain's connections between neurons can get stronger. Each person’s brain has thoughts and feelings but when, why, and how much of the thoughts and feelings are triggered, if at all will vary from person to person. This is what makes each person’s brain unique, each brain thinks and feels different things at different times and for different reasons. Individual brains have different strengths and challenges, come up with answers at different speeds, and remembers and forgets different things. 

 

Aside from learning new skills and information, the brain is responsible for controlling and monitoring breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. 

Basic Brain Regions and Their Functions
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