The Transformers!
By Kathy Balcer, MEd
No, not robots; the kids that transform in a good way from participating in the Books Neural Therapy!
If your child is starting Books Neural Therapy (BNT), I wrote this article to help you know what to expect.
Research shows that most people that want a personality change or want to be more successful think they need to consider what aspects of their “old self” they want to change, distinguish what it is they want to emulate and then try to change their attitude to be more positive, confident, and decisive. In other words, take action and effort the change! How does that work with our kids?
Some parents that are worried or unsatisfied about their child’s academic, social or emotional behavior are unsure what to do to change that behavior so they cajole, bribe, or set negative consequences to try to make their child change; some just worry and fret, and love, love, love. Others have been to treatment after treatment with their child with little improvement. Effort? Lots!
Often parents come to Books Neural Therapy (BNT) hoping for a change in their child because one of their friends or acquaintances has seen their own child emerge with better strategies for academics; more at ease, more confidence, more relaxed social skills, being in better touch with their feelings with an ability to express them.
When I first begin the evaluation session for a student starting BNT, some are not sure why they are at our office and some say they are there to improve their reading. It is often said in a tone of shame or remorse for not being better; they are already measuring themselves and making sure I know they may not do well. Sometimes skin color is poor and energy levels are low. Once I begin testing, I hear, “I can’t do that”, “I don’t know how to do that”, “I’m not good at…..….”, lots of sighing, or tense effort to write and come up with answers on the academic and motor pre-evaluations. I don’t ‘fall’ for it because I know there are some blocks in the way that will get dissolved during BNT that cause a child to bloom ‘into their own’. It’s exciting!
By allowing the student to talk about themselves during the testing, (“What’s the subject you like/dislike in school the most, which one is the hardest/easiest for you, what’s PE/athletics/recess like, what do you love doing, what do you wish was different at school”) the relationship with our office begins its journey.
There are some stages during that journey with BNT that may come up for your child as they come each week. This is just what I’ve noticed; you may see some other characteristics, which I would love to hear about!
1) Reticence – “Why are we doing this?”, “This is stupid!”, “I don’t want to go!”, “I’m not stupid!”, “Here’s one more thing that proves I’m dumb”.
2) Resigned – Here we go again – Brainercises, homework?!! WHAT! No sugar! Ahrg………………
3) Semi-enjoyment – Students begin to know what to expect; they feel Dr. Books’ unconditional love/acceptance of them as she makes coming to treatment fun (during treatment she sings rhymes, makes noises, sometimes her adjustment tickles). Trust is blooming!
4) Reluctance – This starts about treatment 10-15. “Do I have to go?” “I’m too tired, can we go tomorrow?”, “Why are you making me go?” This is good news! The body and neurology are starting to shift into the right place and it can be a little uncomfortable emotionally or physically. Hang in there parents!
5) Laughter – Somewhere between the 14th and 17th treatment, the joy of who the child is begins to burble over – some students crack jokes, most students smile and laugh at almost everything, they enjoy a hug before they leave, their eyes are clear and shining, they make statements like, “I can’t wait to see you Thursday!” . Most students are more willing and enjoy doing their Brainercises and feel better off of sugar (they brazenly start to tell their friends about the down side of sugar and how to balance that or get the sweet tooth onto something healthier)
6) Mild “uh-oh” – I know that is not a term, but during weeks 17-20 the student is more relaxed, confident and realizes treatment is about over. The student makes it clear on the last few visits that they are coming back and love coming to BNT!
7) Confidence – A post academic and motor evaluation happens the last week of treatment and students are not daunted by it. No sighing, no “I can’t do this”, more focus and everything is easier seems to be the norm as they complete the academic and motor post evaluation.
A lot happens by treatment 20!
Please ask questions anytime about your child’s journey toward health. This journey is a very exciting one that we love watching students take! Many emotional and physical blocks to your child’s health and success dissolve and you see YOUR child in his or her magnificence; a journey worth taking!
Kathy Balcer, MA
