This malleability of the brain is especially promising for those who have suffered brain damage, such as through a stroke, radiation or other neurological impairments. Only a few decennia ago there was generally little hope given with regards to overcoming the effects of such life – changing event.
Some of the first trials to see how far this concept of brain malleability could go was with stroke patients. Physical exercise became a number one priority but besides that, therapists were also looking at other ways, to optimize neurogenesis (brain growth) by creating positive, experiences for their patients. All with the premise that these might contribute to healing and change. “The brain that changed itself” by Norman Doidge, is a great book on the subject. In another book of his ‘The Brain’s Way of Healing” also features Tomatis’s work, and that of many others that made it their mission to not give up and find solutions.
On a much smaller scale and without any medical credentials that is also what we like to achieve here at Joya. We’d like to give people some ‘time out’ from their daily patterns and offer them a chance to change focus and not give up, however big the challenge and emotional devastation. Because it is part of human nature to get caught, even in patterns that do not really serve us. Especially when we have been taken by surprise in such a seemingly cruel fashion it is important to look into the possibility of other options that still might be available.
Countering the effects of Aphasia
As a language disorder Aphasia can range from having to search for words and names, to being completely unable to speak, read, or write after a stroke, head injury or as a side effect of radiation therapy. At our centre we have only had experience with clients who had a mild form of aphasia. If a patient is not able to travel, there are options to hire some of our equipment. Feel free to discuss your options.