Reflex Integration with Jon is a movement-based therapy which uses short daily exercises that mimic the body’s natural development process to improve the functioning of the body’s innate reflexes.
In an ideal scenario, these reflexes emerge, develop, and then become dormant, only activated as and when required. However, no one passes through life with a full set of perfectly ‘integrated’ reflexes due challenges life throws at us. As a result, many difficulties and challenges in life, such as anxiety, or sensory processing can be exacerbated by unintegrated reflexes, and therefore, by retraining reflexes through movement, these difficulties can be significantly reduced.
This approach is a movement-based complementary therapy which aims to replicate our earliest movement patterns. By replicating the rhythmic movements that originally work through these primitive reflexes, we can create the ‘ideal scenario’ for their full integration, allowing the reflexes to only be triggered as and when they are needed as a subconscious response. Babies in the womb and in the first year of life use a series of primitive reflexes that are essential to survival, such as ‘fight or flight’ response, which ensures the body can react appropriately to a perceived danger.
Click the arrow to find out more about the history of RMTi.
The movements used by accredited Rhythmic Movement Therapy International (RMTi) consultants were first devised by Kerstin Linde, a Swedish therapist who devised a series of movements based upon what infants naturally do in the first few months of life. These movements have since been developed by other, such as Dr Harald Blomberg and Moria Dempsey. Rhythmic Movement Therapy has grown in popularity in recent years with practitioners all over the world.
Reflex integration is suitable for adults and children of any age. There is no one-size-fits-all approach; rather, a bespoke approach is taken dependent on the challenges an individual may be facing.
A useful analogy for the impact of unintegrated reflexes is that of leaving the headlights on overnight – not needed at that time, but will drain the battery, potentially to the point where the car cannot run. Namely, managing unintegrated reflexes takes up our energy reserves.
It has been shown that reflex integration:
- improves memory and the ability to focus
- reduces work-related stress
- reduces anxiety
- improves speech difficulties and supports non-verbal communication
- improves social and emotional skills
- develops better time management
- reduces bed-wetting (over 8 years old)
- helps to regulate behaviour and strengthen self-control
- improves sensory processing skills
- reduces bed-wetting (over 8 years old)
- improves sensory processing skills
- helps with coordination, along with gross and fine motor skills
It has also shown to be particularly beneficial for those with a diagnosis, or signs of:
Autism, Dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, Dyspraxia, and Sensory Processing Disorder.
This is not an exhaustive list; please contact me if you would like to discuss whether reflex integration would benefit you.
What is the process?
Jon uses Reflex Movement Therapy, while drawing upon yoga and mindfulness practices to enhance the benefits. After completing an initial questionnaire, you will attend a first appointment to assess your reflexes and be assigned daily practice to continue at home. Follow up appointments will check your progress and amend your daily practice accordingly.
Initial questionnaire
Prior to your first appointment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and be sent a copy of terms and conditions so that Jon can prepare for your first appointment. This can be returned via email, or a physical copy can be posted. Please return the questionnaire at least twenty-four hours prior to your first appointment.
First appointment
A lot of the first appointment will be getting to know each other, and in the case of many, getting used to the room. During this session, Jon will assess and discuss the individual’s retained reflexes through a combination of movement exercises and observations. Jon will then recommend a programme of daily practice to be carried out at home between appointments.
Daily practice
A programme of daily practice can then be offered tailored to your specific needs. If you are a parent or guardian of someone who may struggle with discussions taking place with them in the room, Jon can arrange a follow up Zoom call to discuss the reflexes which may need attention, and the daily practice. Typically daily practice involves one or more gentle movements for up to 10 minutes total.
Follow up appointments
Jon would typically recommend six sessions with a four-week gap between each session to allow time for the daily practices to be effective. Follow up sessions will assess the progress made since the previous appointment, and either modify the existing daily practice, or suggest new movements depending on the individual.
Pricing
Jon charges a flat rate of £50.00 per session for reflex integration sessions which includes the preparation time for your session. This is an introductory rate for 2024 – the price will increase to £65 per session in 2025.
A typical session will last between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on the attention span of the individual. Payment can be made during your session via cash, card, or bank transfer.
Please note: cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to an appointment or you will be charged the full rate of the session.
For a social story about what to expect during your appointment, please get in touch.
Jon runs sessions from his home studio in Lydney, in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Because of the nature of reflex integration work, he only offers in-person sessions.
Please wear comfortable clothes which are easy to move around in
– a T-shirt and jogging bottoms is ideal.
You can wear trainers, socks, or go barefoot
– as long as you are comfortable.
For children under the age of 18, it is essential a parent or guardian remains with the child for the duration of the appointment.
Yoga and Mindfulness with Jon 