The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) is a developmentally sensitive, neurobiology-informed approach to clinical problem solving. Developed by Dr. Bruce Perry, the NMT is not a specific therapeutic technique or intervention. Instead, it is a way of organizing a child's history and current functioning in order to provide the most effective care.
The NMT is based on the understanding that the brain develops in a hierarchical sequence, with the lower brain regions developing first and the higher brain regions developing later. This means that the lower brain regions are essential for basic survival functions, such as regulating emotions and bodily functions. The higher brain regions, on the other hand, are responsible for more complex functions, such as thinking, planning, and decision-making.
The NMT suggests that when a child experiences trauma or neglect, the lower brain regions may be more significantly affected than the higher brain regions. This can lead to problems with self-regulation, emotional control, and learning.
The NMT framework provides a way to assess a child's developmental needs and to target interventions to the specific areas of the brain that have been affected. This approach can help children to heal from trauma and to reach their full potential.
The 6 Rs of the NMT
The NMT framework is based on the following 6 Rs:
Relevant: Interventions should be relevant to the child's individual needs and experiences.
Rhythmic: Interventions should be delivered in a rhythmic and predictable way.
Repetitive: Interventions should be repetitive in order to help the child learn and integrate new information.
Relational: Interventions should be delivered in a warm, supportive, and relational context.
Rewarding: Interventions should be rewarding for the child in order to motivate them to participate.
Respectful: Interventions should be respectful of the child's individual needs and preferences.
The 6 Rs provide a framework for creating interventions that are tailored to the individual needs of each child. This approach can help children to heal from trauma and to reach their full potential.
The NMT in Practice
The NMT is used by a wide range of professionals, including psychologists, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, and educators. The model can be used to assess children's developmental needs, to develop treatment plans, and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
The NMT has been used successfully with children who have experienced a wide range of trauma and neglect, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. The model has also been used with children who have developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder.
Conclusion
The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics is a promising approach to helping children who have experienced trauma and neglect. The model is based on a sound understanding of brain development and traumatology, and it has been used successfully with a wide range of children. The NMT provides a framework for creating interventions that are tailored to the individual needs of each child, and it can help children to heal from trauma and to reach their full potential.
References
Perry, B. D. (2006). The neurosequential model of therapeutics: Applying principles of neurodevelopment to clinical work. In N. B. Webb (Ed.), Working with traumatized youth: A strengths-based approach (pp. 27-52). Guilford Press.
Perry, B. D. (2015). The 6 Rs of recovery: Building resilience and healing from trauma. Neurosequential Network.
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