The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics
The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) is a developmentally sensitive, neurobiology- informed approach to clinical problem solving. NMT is not a specific therapeutic technique or intervention. It is an approach that integrates core principles of neurodevelopment and traumatology to inform work with children, families and the communities in which they live. The Neurosequential Approach has three key components – training/capacity building, assessment and then, the specific recommendations for the selection and sequencing of therapeutic, educational and enrichment activities that match the needs and strengths of the individual
How it Works
The NMT approach starts with a core assessment, which includes a review of the child’s relational history, an assessment of the child’s current functioning and specific recommendations to develop a “map” of a unique sequence of developmentally appropriate interventions that can help the child get back on a more normal brain development tract.
Brain Mapping
Brain mapping significantly contributes to NMT by identifying the brain regions affected by trauma, thereby guiding targeted interventions. Through this specialized assessment tool, practitioners can pinpoint areas in the brain that may require support or intervention.
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For the creation of individualized treatment plans, an accurate brain map is vital as it offers critical data on past experiences, traumas, and developmental milestones. This data, gathered through brain maps, is used to identify areas of the brain that may have been impacted, assisting practitioners in selecting the most appropriate interventions at the appropriate time.
Interventions
This approach often involves patterned, repetitive somatosensory activities that help develop the child’s capacity for self-regulation before moving on to therapies that will help with more relational-related problems and then developmentally further into more cognitive-behavioral based approaches.
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Music
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Movement
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Yoga
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Therapeutic massage
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Reiki
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EMDR
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Drumming
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Equine or canine interactions
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Art therapy
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Drama therapy
Menu of Services
NMT METRIC ASSESSMENT, aka Brain Map, is the primary tool which provide a semi structured assessment of important developmental experiences, good and bad, and a current “picture” of brain organization and functioning. From this tool estimates of relative risk, resilience and brain mediated strengths and weaknesses can be derived. This information can aid the clinician in the ongoing therapeutic process.
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NMT Metric. The most extensive assessment which includes 3-5 hours of virtual assessment with youth, family and stakeholders, 3 hours of document review and metric preparation, 1 hour of virtual presentation of completed Metric and extensive personalized recommendations.
NMT Follow-Up Metric. Recommended at the 6th month and 1 year mark, etc. to assess progress and update recommendations. Includes approximately 3 hours of interviews and updated record review. Presentation of new Metric and personalized recommendations.
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NMT ER Metric. This metric is recommended for new or previously assessed youth who have recently had a change in circumstances, placement, functioning, etc. and a rapid assessment and recommendations of immediate needs is required. This is a snapshot in time of current functioning only, no developmental risk or historical record review. Presentation of Metric and personalized abridged recommendations included.
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THE CAREGIVER CHALLENGE ESTIMATOR (CCE). Intended to provide an estimate of the 'caregiving burden' facing a primary caregiver at a given moment in time. It provides a set of potential resources categorized into "Internal Resources" and "External Resources" which help provide estimate of the strengths (or vulnerabilities) of caregiving environment of a home. The challenge posed by the children is weighed against the resources of the caregiving setting to determine a caregiving "Reserve" score. This is an excellent tool for assessing foster, adoptive, kinship and respite placements. Estimator can be bundled with an NMT Metric for a child. It can also be done independently as an assessment tool regarding a Caregiver.