Listening Clarity Success Stories
Len Young and the Tomatis® Method have helped many people of all ages overcome challenges, expand their abilities, tap into their natural gifts, and change their lives. If you are looking for change in your learning environment, personal relationships, physical function, or workplace, you’ll find Len’s work with the Tomatis programs a hopeful and magnetic choice.
Below are stories about Len’s clients, adults from 18 to 89, young children from under two years old to 18, adolescents from 12 to 21. Read about the two-year-old speech delayed boy who recovered from autism in less than two years with the Tomatis Method as part of his solution. Laugh with the 65-year old retired woman whose energy and memory returned 100% and she is planning her second lifetime. Be amazed at the 12-year old dyslexic girl who never spent the night out to being part of sleepovers and making A’s. Rejoice with the middle-aged woman who finally awoke without anxiety for the first time.
Here are some of our client experiences so you can imagine the changes you might have.
Auditory Processing
Charles, a 40-year old adult changing career by training as a specialized motorcycle mechanic, struggled to recall specifics he was taught in school and to retain the material he read in homework. He is a talented motorcyclist though finds taking tests a challenge. His issue is auditory processing and he often takes hours to complete his projects. After taking the program, Charles found it easier to comprehend his instructions and remember what he was taught. He was able to succeed on his tests and achieve his diploma. He holds an advanced mechanic’s job today.
– Charles, age 40
A grandmother of a 7-year old boy sought Tomatis when her grandson Tom had melt-downs at school and yelling episodes when not getting his way. Tom’s mother left at two years old and Mary was helping her son raise Tom. Mary was home schooling Tom due to his emotional outbursts and inability to tolerate interpersonal communications. Tom was diagnosed with auditory processing issues. After 60 hours plus a 30 hour boost, Tom’s behavior changed dramatically. He re-integrated to public school and was able to play with friends, establish playmates, and listen in classes. His academic and social performances changed so Tom was able to return to school instead of being home schooled. Outbursts were minimized and Tom is a happy child.
– Tom, age 7
A Downs Syndrome girl, age 8, was excelling in school, but her speech was beginning to be more difficult to understand, creating some tension in her behavior. During the program, she began to articulate her words more clearly, and by the end of the 60-hour program, she was using new vocabulary and engaging in full dialogues with her parents and neighbors. Her parents could see that Margaret was processing more easily, comprehending conversations, and responding to requests and discussions. Since her original program, Margaret has had yearly boosts and will progress to middle school as a champion swimmer in Special Olympics and swimming for her local swim club.
– Margaret, age 8, now 13
The mother of a 9-year old boy, diagnosed with sensory integration, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, and one who was on several medications at the beginning of the program, reported the following: I have many wonderful things to share with you! As of week 4 of school, my son’s grades are as follows: Writing composition B+ (this involves creating complete sentences- a very big deal - previously couldn't do); Spelling A+; English B; Vocabulary A; Geometry A; Social Studies B+. His handwriting continues to improve and show evidence of smooth cursive lines and connections. His focus and attention appear to be very good throughout the day. We have now removed the melatonin vitamins for sleep, completely from his daily regimen. His teacher is creative and passionate, and very positive in her reinforcement methods. He is receiving NO special accommodations with regard to workload, etc. NO Learning Center attendance, NO NEOSMART for handwriting... and is the only student in his computer class who can type perfectly on the keyboard with eyes closed and have OOOOO mistakes! He continues to have improved short term memory with regard to homework assignments and due dates. This child is excelling in his school work.
– Mother of Warren, age 8
Memory and Attention
Gladys, age 63, came to me with a diagnosis of pre-Alzheimer’s in her eyes. She was a lifelong musician and music teacher, and she had lost her memory of how to play the piano, where the keys were, and how to play those music pieces she had always known by heart. Gladys was unable to drive or work; so her world had shrunk to her house when her husband went to work every day. After the first 30 hours of the Tomatis Method, Gladys came to see me. She remembered the keys on her typewriter and was able to type for three hours straight. AND, she remembered how to play the piano, where her fingers played on the keys, and what pieces she knew. After 60 hours, Gladys processed conversations more rapidly and was able to speak continuously without halting during her conversations. Auditory processing was improving. Her eyes continued to be a challenge, but her world had improved.
– Gladys, 63 (memory)
There are several women who return to Listening Clarity for a boost every year or two to energize their memory. They search for words they cannot locate, they lose their cars in the mall parking lots, they forget names of old friends, or they are unsure which direction to go on the golf course. Gina called one day to say she had found her car at the mall for the first time in many months. And Georgia wrote to say she was leading her husband to the next hole in golf when she had had to depend on him to lead the way. This is subtle life improvements that are vital to an enjoyable existence.
– Gina, age 65, Georgia, age 58 (memory)
A 12-year old dyslexic girl took the program. Her mother writes about many areas Mary has improved, particularly attention and focus: “Mary verbalizes that the program has helped in the classroom. She’s not sure how but believes it has helped her focus and pay better attention. Her math teacher states ‘she is more confident in the classroom and answering questions out loud in class’. Her last test grade was a 76% which Mary said was good compared to the rest of her class. Her history teacher states ‘she appears to be more focused and engages in classroom discussion…she doesn’t have that lost look on her face’. Her last grade was 96% on a project that I did help her research info but she assimilated it and actually typed and put together (the project) on a poster board. She also is ahead on working on her exam study guide in history (without any nagging at all!). Her last English test grade on Tom Sawyer was a 56%. They have been reading the book for weeks so I’m not sure how much of it she really absorbed in the beginning before Solisten. I have not heard from her teacher on what happened on the test. Other teachers have only commented verbally that she is more engaged in class and appears to be paying attention. All her 2nd quarter grades have gone up 10 points (except history) since completing the first (listening) session.
– Mother of Molly, ages 12-14 (attention and focus)
A 15-year old client, top performing golf team member, was struggling in his first year in high school after being home schooled for a number of years. He was suffering in an effort to fit in, would not make eye contact, and he was falling behind in English and math. As the program progressed, Andy began to make eye contact, take more time in his golf swing, and pay attention in class. His golf game improved with his auditory processing, and he was able to stay present in his classes to hear the entire lecture. For the first time, he made an A in a class, in biology! His posture improved and he stands his full height.
– Andy, age 15 (attention and focus)
“The loudest sound always got my attention, especially in school. It was hard to pay attention to the teacher and I kept missing important information. My grades were okay, but I had to really work hard to concentrate on my assignments. When I did this program, my mind began to work differently. I heard clear instructions so it did not take as much concentration to stay awake. I was able to complete some of my work in class. My grades improved, and everything I did was easier. I stopped struggling just to keep up in classes. Everything was clearer.”
– Fred, age 17 (attention)
“I suddenly realized in my class that I was not falling asleep; I was listening to the professor and actually enjoying what he was saying!”
– Beverly, age 19 (attention)
Speech and Language
A two-year old boy just diagnosed with autism and severe speech delay, took a full 60 hours of Solisten plus a boost with the Mini-Electronic Ear. This is a report from his mother a year after he started with Tomatis:
“It's been a while since I've been in contact, and I just wanted to send a quick note to touch base and give you some progress updates on Jonathan.
“We did his first 2-week intensive in late Dec/early Jan, then his second
2-week intensive in Feb, and finally a "booster" of 8 days in late
Mar/early April. Since that time, Jon has more than reached age-
appropriate speech, both receptive and expressive. He talks non-stop
now! Literally non-stop -no kidding. I can pretty much always tell where
in the house he is because I can hear him talking, even to himself if no one else is around. He was evaluated back in June by early intervention since he was scheduled to "graduate" out of the infant/toddler services and into the public school system at his 3rd birthday, in October. The results of his evaluation were that he is in the average ranges for all types of communication and does not qualify for any early intervention services at all. We had mixed feelings about this, but ultimately decided that it's a great situation to be in! Both of his speech therapists (one of whom he can no longer see since he turned 3) have consistently reported to me over the past six months that his progress has been amazing, and they both felt that he was even advanced in some areas of speech. When we started Tomatis, Jon was completely nonverbal and in the 1st percentile for speech, and by June (and actually earlier, but June was his eval date), he'd reached an age appropriate ability level. He can say his ABCs, count from 1 - 15, has a VERY extensive vocabulary, asks questions, and speaks not only in full sentences but, indeed, in paragraphs which include not only basic statements, but also asking and answering questions, logic/reasoning, and the full range of speech that a toddler can be expected to have mastered at his age.
“At this point, we are monitoring his social and pragmatic skills more than just speech. All in all, he continues to make steady progress, and we are very joyful in watching his recovery from ASD unfold. While we've done/are doing so many interventions for him, we continue to believe that Tomatis has played a significant role in his remarkable progress, and I wanted to share that with you along with our thanks for making such a difference in his path. I've recommended many fellow parents of ASD kiddos to Listening Clarity, so if you have received more and more inquiries from parents (some in other countries), that may be part of the reason. :) I hope you don't mind. It's hard not to share something with others that we believe has been hugely beneficial for our son.”
- Mother of Jonathan, age 2-3 (recovered age appropriate speech)
A client who has a daughter with a speech delay told me yesterday that her daughter articulates much more clearly, uses vocabulary they have never heard and increases her vocabulary rapidly. She is remembering cognitive information in ways that surprise them. This young 8 year old girl is in the middle of her second listening period.
– Catherine, age 8 (articulation)
An autistic man of 19 years had only loud outbursts when he started the Tomatis Method. Within nine months of listening, he spoke in full sentences. The music organized his sound intake so he could hear clear language and repeat the words he heard. All the sounds were new to him.
– Peter, age 21 (speech)
Autism or Some Spectrum Symptoms
A young adult autistic man started the Tomatis Method in March, 2007. He had no language, could not look me in the eye, was sensitive to sound and touch, and walked with a lope in his gate. The program completed and seventeen months later, he initiates dialogues and asks specifically for certain foods to eat using new vocabulary. He shows respect to his mother as she has taught him all his life, stands tall and erect, and greets me extending his hand and saying, “Hello” while looking me in the eye. His life has changed and his family dynamic changed, too.
– Peter, age 21 (waking up!)
Jennifer was a happy autistic young adult when her mother decided to give Jennifer the Tomatis Method. Jennifer showed some signs of language with echolalia, but not a clear perception of how to respond or take initiative. During the first listening session, Jennifer actually led her mother to the car one morning and said she was ready to go. This was the first time Jennifer showed true initiative. After the full 60 hours, Jennifer walked with more purpose, improved her posture, and responded to her mother’s questions with actions, if not words. A few years later, Jennifer is now taking a boost to see if she can gain further language.
– Jennifer, age 30 (hearing sound clearly)
An 11-year old girl took a 60-hour Solisten Program in the Fall of 2009. she had no exact diagnosis, but symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, difficulty with receptive language and expression, no eye contact, and delayed socialization.
These comments are from her mother:
“I am so glad you asked about Mandy. I am so pleased to tell you that the changes we have seen in Mandy over the last 6 months have been amazing…she has improved in every single area of her life. I keep hearing from her teachers how good she is doing. Every conference is positive, and Mandy is progressing very quickly. Especially in math, which alone would be great news, but she is also doing much better socially, her use of language and understanding has increased so much. It's like she gets things now that she never got before. Her focus and behavior has improved greatly. She is definitely maturing. So much so that I would bet if I told her she needed to listen to the music again, she would do it with much more cooperation (I might try it again in the future, who knows what potential she would reach if she did it exactly as she is supposed to!) I have to admit I was a bit skeptical that this type of program would really work, but I am convinced. Some people chalk it up to maturity, but it seems awfully coincidental that these changes seemed to take place after she did the program. She will probably always have some struggles and of course, she still has her moments, but, hey, let's not forget she is an 11 year old girl :)”
– Mother of Mandy, age 11 (possibly auditory processing issues)
Frank’s family thought there was no hope for their son who was diagnosed with autism. He did not speak, use eye contact, nor take care of his personal hygiene. They found Tomatis and over several years of working with the Tomatis Method and other recommended programs, this young man appears to have recovered. He is currently enrolled in college and holds a part-time job.
– Frank, now grown
When I was working at the Tomatis Center, there was a child who had so many sensitivities that he screamed all the time and could not stand to be touched. It took his parents’ determined commitment to hold him with headphones on for five days to get the program started. Suddenly there was quiet. The music re-organized his intake of sound and he did not have to yell to find peace. He began to develop and show curiosity. His behavior improved and he could leave his house without yelling.
– Charles, age 5
Learning and Homework
“I completed law school with very good grades and took the Bar exam. I had to re-take the Bar exam. Before the re-take, I took the Tomatis Method training and something happened when I took the program. I started processing information more quickly. I was able to easily recall what I had studied and could focus well and answer the questions. I passed the Bar!”
– Cole, age 33 (need to pass professional exam, The Bar Exam)
Eleanor asked to take a 30-hour boost in preparation for sitting for the GMAT standardized tests. She took this six weeks before the test to give her ears time to integrate the changes. As part of preparation, Eleanor took a preparation course and sample tests. After taking her boost, Eleanor was able to improve her score by 60 points, putting her in the 99%ile of test takers.
– Eleanor, age 25 (preparation for efficient auditory processing to take GMATs)
“I used to spend over four hours every night doing my homework. My attention wandered in class and I often found myself unprepared. After the Tomatis Method, I find my classes interesting and the professor holds my attention. And I only spend about an hour or so, on my homework.
– Janice, age 19 (unfocused on homework, long hours to complete homework)
Nathan, age 9, could not pay attention in school. He clearly understood some of his work, but his mind would wander during the hour. He had a strong self-image; so when he talked back to his teachers, he did not realize it was inappropriate behavior. It was confusing to know he is bright, but that he could not do the work. After the first day of listening, Nathan said to his mother about a clock in their kitchen: “Mama, did you know that clock has a loud ticking sound?” He had never heard this sound. His world began to change and he understands better how to assimilate in a group of friends and is growing towards better follow-through in writing and reading. His grades are improving, too.
– Mother of Nathan, age 9 (learning challenges, lack of attention)
Renewed Energy and Motivation
Nancy retired at 65 and was worried about her energy level and motivation to do things for herself and her husband. She had a chronic ear problem and had had several surgeries to correct it. She writes this after her 60 hour Solisten program:
“My prognosis is absolutely wonderful. The DR was able to open the ear canal fully, and that will allow him to see all the way into the ear…I see him again on Dec. 20th and at that point he will schedule me for another hearing test. I feel as though my hearing is the same if not improved. G and I walk very early in the morning and I hear things he doesn’t.
I am doing so well, I wonder what is wrong with me! I cannot wait to get
up in the morning (5am) and I’m out walking by 6. I am FULL of energy. I
have accomplished more in the past 6 weeks than I ever could have imagined. I hit every closet in the house, garage, storage shed, etc. you name it. Sounds like I’m disturbed but I could not be happier and it is not infringing on anyone else, i.e. I still have time to spend with family, friends, do volunteer work, attend charity events etc. I honestly have to say I have never been happier.
I make sure I lie down every afternoon for a half hour. I usually doze off for at least 20 minutes of it, feeling completely refreshed after that.
I’ve also been so creative. Finishing and starting projects. G asked me why there were so many empty baskets in my office. All different sizes and shapes, some huge. I told him they had been in the craft room for 2 years filled with unfinished projects and general junk. I’ve made two trips to Goodwill in our huge Nissan truck, with it filled.
“So, aren’t you glad you asked? Who is this person I’m writing about? I sound like Pollyanna, but you know I’m a reasonable person!”
– Nancy, age 65, retired (low energy, disorganized, hearing)
Molly has dyslexia and after 60 hours of the Tomatis Method, her mother writes about the changes Molly is showing.
“She (Molly) is standing up straighter and holding her head up more (confident?). My sister just commented yesterday “Molly has really gotten tall”…that’s when I noticed her posture! She does look older but I think that has a lot to do with the fact she gets up, showers, primps, and cares about her appearance. She has even started wearing a little mascara…yikes!
“Molly’s energy has “absolutely improved! She gets up in the morning without any nagging. No more yelling up the stairs 3-4 times to get up! In fact, she is getting up before us on some mornings…never before!
Molly appears much happier. She is less likely to get tearful when I make her complete a missing assignment, ask her about a poor grade, or have to punish her for something (recently was grounded for inappropriate language on Facebook). She had to stay home last night when we all went to the basketball game to complete an English project. She left all her research material at school and I refused to go back to school so she had to recreate all the research and complete the project. A 30-minute project with her research ended up taking 3 hrs. She just gets started on the assignment and/or accepts the punishment and sucks it up. She also seems to understand the meaning of consequences now.” This is a big change, she is taking responsibility.
– Mother of Molly, age 13 (Dyslexia and energy)
“I wake up before my day starts and do my listening early in the morning. I am energized for the day!"
– Louise, age 54 (energy)
“My two teenage children were fighting each other all the time. Neither was motivated to embrace life, get a job, or improve their selves. All three of us took the Tomatis Method and our lives have changed. My son at 17 has a job, has saved his money and has his own car. My daughter at 15 has taken leadership positions at her new high school and loves it. Both are doing well with their grades. I am watching amazed at how positive our lives have become and the friendship that has developed between my kids.”
– Grace, age 50 (depression in family)
“… My life seemed to have moments I felt were stale, lackluster, and I worried about the future. Where was the spark? We had lost several family members over the years and that stayed with us. I realized that by focusing on myself and my own desires, I improved the environment around me. Everything is brighter, and I am happier, motivated and loving life. All my relationships have new life in them.”
– Katherine, early 50s (depression)
“Mary (who is autistic) asks all day when she will do her listening and runs to the headphones when we get home. This is a big change for someone who would never let anyone touch her ears.”
– Mother of Mary, age 22 (behavior issues)
Hearing and Ear Related Concerns like Tinnitus and Vertigo
“My children kept telling me to get hearing aids. I’d been through a traumatic experience and I knew I was not listening well. I was worried about losing my hearing. I found the Tomatis Method. It’s not a program that says it can help hearing, but my hearing improved. It improved and my memory is better as is my energy and approach to life. I take listening boosts once a year to tune-up my hearing. It helps!”
– Lloyd, age 56 (hearing issues)
Robert called to take the Solisten program. He was plagued with dizziness from occasional bouts of vertigo and he was on leave from his job until his dizziness went away. He was seeking ways to help his ears. The Tomatis Method does not directly help vertigo, but it does work on the middle and inner ears where vertigo is rooted. During the first 30 hours, Robert found some days progressed without dizziness. By the end of the 60 hours, the dizziness had passed. His posture was improved and his sleep habits improved. He found his relationship with his wife deepened, too.
– Robert, age 50 (Vertigo)
Sinclair, age 59, took Solisten and the Mini-Electronic Ear to help his confusion in processing. During his program, he admitted that he had a constant ringing in his ears, Tinnitus. In addition to clarifying language and processing, Sinclair found his Tinnitus declined without much sound in his ears at all.
– Sinclair, age 59 (Tinnitus)
Frances, age 85, called about the Solisten program for her vertigo. She was very healthy with exercise and Zumba dancing every week. Since she was already 85, we agreed for her to take two weeks of Solisten to see if it improved her dizziness. The dizziness only showed up once every year or two. After the 30 hours, Frances found her dizziness had disappeared. It will take time to see if this lasts and she is free of her vertigo.
– Frances, age 85 (Vertigo)
Currently, we have not worked with a client with Meniere’s.
Worry and Anxiety, Some Depression
“As far as the listening, I am noticing him calming and his sense of pride about himself seems different. More assured. I can tell he is balancing out emotionally and his stature and how he presents himself seems different. Is going into things more with confidence that it will be okay. While playing with his 3-year old cousins last night, he was more playful, took the lead since he was the older one and put up with a lot of the twins' behaviors, without getting upset. That is new. He actually put himself in the role of the older child vs being the demanding and frustrating child.”
– Mary, grandmother of Tom, age 7 (inappropriate behavior)
Conner took Tomatis for two reasons: to improve his attention and to reduce the hours of homework and get better grades. When testing Conner, he showed two signs of stress. One was an eye twitch and the other was a facial twitch where his face would move involuntarily, jumping up towards his eye. Within the first week of listening, both the facial twitch and the eye twitch had settled down and were gone in the first two weeks of listening. As the program finished, he started to come out of his shell and is now an outgoing and successful adult.
– Conner, 23 (stress and twitches)
“I forgot to ask you one thing or mention it.....the last week or so maybe longer I've had this occasional twitch in my right eye. I know I had this during one of the listening sessions.....could this be a sign of more change going on?”
“…Forgot to mention that I have also ‘finally’ LOST my eye twitch which I had before starting the program - yeah!”
– Denise, 40s (nervous eye twitch)
“Today is also my birthday and I have to say.....I feel so lucky to be 41 and to have finally found this new ‘awareness’ and ‘openness’ in my life. As much as I don't like to think back a year ago to my long illness....I KNOW now that if I didn't go through all of that I never would have found all the things, and people (including you) who have helped me reach this new inner peace. The Universe really does work in mysterious ways and I hope I will never forget to step back and look at the big picture every now and then. Stepping back and looking at my work is what I was always told to do in art school and now trying to apply that same concept in my everyday life and stresses is challenging and exciting at the same time.
“I can't even tell you how much my nervous system has calmed down - it's been remarkable. And I really think my nervous system has been taxed since I was little.”
– Jennifer, 41 (recovery from clinical depression, also under psychiatrist’s care)
Ellen called to say her sleep had improved. She is sleeping soundly and well through the night, refreshed in the morning to start work early. This is a change. Her son’s habits are changing, too, and he is less combative.
– Ellen, age 46 (improved sleep)
“For the first time in my life, I have almost no anxiety. My husband wants to know what’s wrong – why my fingers aren’t tapping all the time and why I take breaths between sentences!”
– Betty, age 50, anxiety
“Molly actively participates in conversations with friends now and is a much happier girl.”
– Mother of Molly, age 12 (Dyslexia)
Reading
“It took Nancy hours to complete several pages in her history book. And rarely would she choose to read on her own. During her active listening sessions, she read to the sounds of Mozart, and even now she enjoys playing Mozart while she reads. Her processing is faster and comprehension greatly improved.”
– Mother of Nancy, age 11 (reading)
“My son, Sam, was doing his listening program and I walked to his room
to say goodnight. I was stopped in my tracks. My 14-year old son who
has never picked up a book in his entire life, was sitting on his bed
reading. He was reading The Bible and told me he would go to
sleep when he had finished reading the story he had started in “Genesis”. It stunned me. I knew something was changing deeply in him and he was motivated to follow his curiosity. I thought “Genesis” would be too difficult for him to comprehend. I was corrected. He initiated this activity and was reading!”
– Mother of Sam, age 14 (reading)
Dyslexia
Molly’s stories run throughout these Success Stories as she realized many changes in her life. Her grades improved considerably. She continued to struggle with reading, but all areas of learning improved in grades, she gained friends and started going on overnight parties, she stood her full height and realized there are boys in this world! Molly took responsibility for her life which was the biggest change. Her auditory processing improved so she could keep up with her school work and enjoy her life at the same time.
– Mother of Molly, age 12-14 (Dyslexia)
Heidi realized she was borderline dyslexic. She was the younger of twin girls and had struggled to keep conversations clear and organized all her life. As a teacher, she was successful, but she had big mood swings causing her to look at life negatively. After taking the Tomatis Method, Heidi understands instructions better, finds reading much easier, and makes clear decisions. She has increased energy and, with her doctor’s guidance, has almost quit all her medications.
– Heidi, age 56
“My mother has told me she already sees a big change in what I remember. She only has to ask me something once now, instead of many times. I feel better, too, because I participate more easily with my friends.”
– Sarah, age 22
Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and Stroke
Gladys, age 63, came to me with a diagnosis of pre-Alzheimer’s in her eyes. She was a lifelong musician and music teacher, and she had lost her memory of how to play the piano, where the keys were, and how to play those music pieces she had always known by heart. Gladys was unable to drive or work; so her world had shrunk to her house when her husband went to work every day. After the first 30 hours of the Tomatis Method, Gladys came to see me. She remembered the keys on her typewriter and was able to type for three hours straight. AND, she remembered how to play the piano, where her fingers played on the keys, and what pieces she knew. After 60 hours, Gladys processed conversations more rapidly and was able to speak continuously without halting during her conversations. Auditory processing was improving. Her eyes continued to be a challenge, but her world had improved.
– Gladys, 63 (pre-Alzheimer’s)
Two clients with Multiple Sclerosis found Tomatis through word of mouth. The first is a 30-year old woman who has worked through alternative medical means to keep her MS in remission. She found Tomatis her balance and auditory processing. She had felt anxiety around getting her daily work completed and now has enough energy to work ahead in a happy and positive mode, able to comprehend easily and produce her clients’ needs.
– Jane, 31 (Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
The second is a 50-year old woman who was diagnosed with MS in the last 10 years. She started one of the MS medications, but felt some slowing in her tennis game, her processing and memory. After Tomatis, she commented her tennis is the best it has ever been. She feels stable in her balance, and she is functioning as she always thought she had in the past, with her memory working well, too. Her auditory processing is quick. When she last had an MRI, there were no new lesions. She was thrilled with the Tomatis Method and credits it as part of her success in healing.
– Alice, 50 (Multiple Sclerosis)
The Tomatis Method has been used with stroke patients with varying results in language, learning, walking and regaining typical human functions. Some with language loss have regained their ability to speak, others have increased their ability to communicate, even without renewed language. Motor abilities do improved, both gross and fine motor skills.
In the center where I worked, there was a 48-year old man who had a severe stroke. His wife found many different therapies for him, determined to bring back his abilities to live. He had lost language, thinking processes and movement abilities. He took the Tomatis Method and in three months, he was talking clearly, writing with his hand, interacting with others, and beginning to regain all his skills. He worked with Tomatis for almost a year and he appears to be recovered almost entirely.
– Bill, 48 (severe stroke)
Clarity of Thought, Organization
Sally, a 52-year old woman who had raised her children and found her role as mother and wife was shifting, took the program to help with organization. She had wanted to clean her office and kitchen for many years and could not make herself do it. In fact, after the first 30 hours, she cleaned her entire kitchen and started through her office. More than that, however, she found her thinking was clear. She listened more easily to her own thoughts and intuitions. Her voice emerged and she was taking her place in her family with renewed strength and motivation. She decided to take additional classes and work towards a new degree. Her energy was strong and she took more responsibility to create her interdependent life.
– Sally, 52 (organization, clarity and a strong voice)
Jennifer is a mother of four children and experienced physical and emotional setbacks with her multiple births. Tomatis has helped bring back a balance to her life with clarity of her own thought process and strength in her own voice. She writes:
“Today is also my birthday and I have to say.....I feel so lucky to be 41 and to have finally found this new ‘awareness’ and ‘openness’ in my life. As much as I don't like to think back a year ago to my long illness....I KNOW now that if I didn't go through all of that I never would have found all the things, and people (including you) who have helped me reach this new inner peace. The Universe really does work in mysterious ways and I hope I will never forget to step back and look at the big picture every now and then. Stepping back and looking at my work is what I was always told to do in art school and now trying to apply that same concept in my everyday life and stresses is challenging and exciting at the same time.
“I can't even tell you how much my nervous system has calmed down - it's been remarkable. And I really think my nervous system has been taxed since I was little.”
– Jennifer, 41 (recovery from clinical depression, also under psychiatrist’s care)
“I see things differently now. My thinking is clearer and I hear my own thoughts more quickly than I did before. I had lost confidence in my ability to speak my opinion, or even feel my opinion mattered. It does matter. I have opinions in most situations and when asked, I am now able to clearly express my thoughts. My life has changed, because I no longer try to avoid leadership positions. I take charge.”
– Jane, age 36 (regained her ability to voice her opinions)
"The first day, I wondered what I was doing, committing myself to listening for two hours a day with work and family demands. Then soon after my listening program started, I had a meeting. I decided I would tune out this person, because I was not interested in the project. To my surprise, I was alert and involved in the entire meeting, because my listening was sharp. I had the energy to stay awake and aware. Something is changing."
– George, in his 50s (hearing and listening)
Decision-making and Social Interaction
“John found decisions very hard to make, from choosing restaurants to choices of activities. He was dependent on friends and family to choose for him. He had a difficult time holding eye contact. Now, he easily chooses restaurants and enjoys personal conversations with direct eye contact. He is more comfortable in conversations with others.”
– Father of John, age 19 (taking charge!)
A grandmother of a 7-year old boy sought Tomatis when her grandson Tom had melt-downs at school and yelling episodes when not getting his way. Tom’s mother left at two years old and Mary was helping her son raise Tom. Mary was home schooling Tom due to his emotional outbursts and inability to tolerate interpersonal communications. Tom was diagnosed with auditory processing issues. After 60 hours plus a 30 hour boost, Tom’s behavior changed dramatically. He re-integrated to public school and was able to play with friends, establish playmates, and listen in classes. His academic and social performances changed so Tom was able to return to school instead of being home schooled. Outbursts were minimized and Tom is a happy child.
– Tom, age 7
A grandmother of a 7-year old boy sought Tomatis when her grandson Tom had melt-downs at school and yelling episodes when not getting his way. Tom’s mother left at two years old and Mary was helping her son raise Tom. Mary was home schooling Tom due to his emotional outbursts and inability to tolerate interpersonal communications. Tom was diagnosed with auditory processing issues. After 60 hours plus a 30 hour boost, Tom’s behavior changed dramatically. He re-integrated to public school and was able to play with friends, establish playmates, and listen in classes. His academic and social performances changed so Tom was able to return to school instead of being home schooled. Outbursts were minimized and Tom is a happy child.
– Kathy, 18 (making friends)
"Yeah, I stayed on the schedule. I like the music. I feel more comfortable in crowds, as if others are more aware of me being there. I’m talking more and I’ve decided to change majors. I think I feel more involved in my life."
– Matthew, age 20
Relationships and Family Group Programs
A family of 6 took the Tomatis Method in two groups. It began with the youngest child’s needs who showed symptoms of the ADHD spectrum and could not care for his daily needs. We added his sister with dyslexia and his father who thought he might have a little ADD. They took two group programs separated into more closely connected needs.
In the end, everyone showed significant changes. The young son began speaking more clearly and his grades skyrocketed. He has straight As and he is clearly speaking and taking responsibility for his life. His sister was able to get her driver’s license and completed studies in her chosen career. The oldest sister decided to continue on in college for a degree in psychology. The brother found his strong voice and was able to expand his skills in dancing. And both parents found their family relationships improved all around.
– Family of six (multiple diagnoses and needs, great results)
A family of 5 took the program in one group. It began for their oldest child to help with behavior, enunciation and academics. The third child showed some signs of speech challenges and their father has some known hearing loss. The children were all under 7. Their program completed, the mother has found her creativity again, and her curiosity. The father is able to write reports without hesitation. It always took him a long time. The smallest child’s language improves daily and the son’s behavior has shown improvement. His school work is improving and his meltdowns are greatly reduced.
– Family of five (children needs, all improved)
“I see newness in my life, my marriage, my family.”
– Frances, age 48
“Our lives are very busy with everyone in our household coming and going. We never seemed to slow down and it was causing restlessness in me. I was losing who I was and did not seem to be able to stop it. This program allowed me to give time to myself. And when I did, I realized how easy it was to spend a few hours a day on my own desires, and that allowed me to catch my breath. My ears shifted and I heard family requests more easily. I spoke more clearly, too. As the glue in my family, I now find all our interactions are smoother and more loving. And my relationship with my husband is richer.”
– Suzanne, age 53
Athletics and Foreign Language
“Scottie played high school basketball. She was on a club team and played well. But she reached a plateau with her baskets and foul shots. She started the Tomatis Method to prepare her ears to learn Spanish easily. While doing this, her vestibular system was stimulated and Scottie’s basketball shots improved. She went on to be part of a State Championship Basketball Team. In addition, she learned to speak Spanish very quickly and advanced through two AP classes with top scores.”
– Mother of Scottie, age 14
Andy, age 15, above under Attention, told me his golf game improved, because he is taking more time with his stroke. He has been coached to slow his stroke, but was not able to process this understanding. He is doing it now and this year was part of the State Golf Championship Team at his school.
– Andy, age 15
We have worked with a number of people who want to learn a second or third language, or who want to improve a language they know. Tomatis trains the ears to hear the rhythm and pace of a language so you are able to grasp the meanings in conversations more easily. Some of these people are:
– Ellen for German, age 20
– Edgar for Hebrew, age 54
– Rosalie for Italian, age 60
– Carl for Spanish, age 17
Music, Singing, Speech and Presentation
“My singing was always very good. However, after my voice changed, I could not always stay on key. The Tomatis Method has brought back that clarity of sound in both my speaking voice and my singing voice. It allows me to produce those overtones that give a rich and full quality to a musical voice.”
– Tom, age 20
Veronique, 40, is a brilliant musician. She has suffered from life-long ups and downs and some lack of self-worth. After 60 hours of the program, she has seen a dramatic change in her approach to life. She is motivated to get things done and she is playing instruments that she has thought were not her strong ones. She is most aware that her timing and playing are much more exact and that she is a better musician.
– Veronique, 40 (musician)
James is 70. He is a vital and active writer, speaker and teacher. He is concerned about his growing anxiety for presentations and his ability to feel comfortable giving them. It is his life’s work. After the program, he is no longer anxious before presentations. He enjoys his work. The greatest result is that his voice is full and rich, with high overtones, giving the audience a lovely voice to hear. He claims this is a result of the Tomatis work.
– James, 70 (anxiety in presentations and clear voice)