General Information
Dr. Alfred Tomatis has shown that, while in the womb, we incorporate and respond to the rhythm and melody of our mother’s voice in the true sense of the word. According to Carla Hannaford, PhD the fetus will move the same specific muscle in the body every time it hears a specific phoneme. This sensory-motor response to phonemes she considers the beginning of language learning in utero. While in the womb, around the 6th month of gestation the fetus begins to exhibit eye-blinks which move in tune with the rhythm of the music in mother’s surroundings. Tomatis demonstrated that these pre-natal sound interactions influence our attention, language skills, behavior, emotional regulation and movement development throughout our lives.
During infancy and early childhood intensive listening and movement learning processes occur. Often these developmental processes are disrupted by factors such as ear infections, emotional difficulties (adoption distress, etc.), sensory-motor deprivation or overload, pre-, peri- and postnatal factors, and so on. In these cases the ear and movement control cannot reach their full life-potential.
One of the leading causes of learning and developmental disorders (Dyslexia, ADD, PDD, Autism) is the reduced ability to neuro-cognitively process sound and listen well. Even during adolescence and adulthood, these fundamental capabilities can be enhanced and refined further. Our listening and movement skills profoundly influence the quality of our personal and professional lives.
Dr. Tomatis developed technology and a method to help retrain the listening function so it can either fully mature and integrate it further with the sensory-motor systems or attain peak-performance in various areas. His approach is rooted in the plasticity our brain exhibits throughout our lives.
Dr. Alfred A. Tomatis (1920 – 2001) laid the groundwork for a new multi-disciplinary science called Audio-Psycho-Phonology (APP). He discovered that “the way we listen” has a profound impact on almost all aspects of our being. Listening problems are at the origin of many problems and correcting “the way we listen” takes away the root cause of these problems.
The therapy he developed is claimed to have helped children and adults with auditory processing problems, dyslexia, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, autism, and those with sensory integration and motor-skill difficulties. It is also claimed to have helped adults learn foreign languages faster, develop better communication skills, and improve both creativity and on-the-job performance. Some musicians, singers and actors also claim to have found it helpful in fine-tuning their artistic skills.Notable clients include actor Gerard Depardieu, coloratur-soprano Maria Callas, violinist Zino Francescatti and many others.
Tomatis has written extensively. He has written 14 books, and numerous articles. Unfortunately, only a few of his books have been translated into English. The first in-depth book about the Tomatis Method is: When Listening Comes Alive, by Paul Madaule, published in 1994 and recently revised. Paul Madaule is the director of The Listening Centre in Toronto, a former disciple and close collaborator of Dr. Tomatis’. The most complete book on Tomatis’ discoveries has been written by one of his students, Pierre Sollier
( Listening for Wellness , 2005, The Mozart Center Press).
Our services include the following drug-free interventions:
- Tomatis-Effect Listening Intervention Programs as developed by Dr. Alfred Tomatis
- qEEG Recording & Report as well as Neurofeedback
- Sensory-Motor Education® – a Relational Development-based SI Approach which also includes Attachment-Theories Intervention
- Occupational Therapy by a certified Sensory Integration Specialist.
- Speech and Language Pathology Therapy by a trained Prompt Specialist.
- Psycho-Motor Integration® – a Relational Development Approach
- Interactive Metronome
- Neuro-Cognitive Development and Learning Strategies Consulting
- School and Parenting Consulting
- Workshops for Educators and Parents – with focus on cognitive, sensory-integration and social development
- Self-Care Class for Mothers
Listening and Movement therapy combines an embodied approach to child intervention and counseling.
Dr. Sacarin is one of fewer than 4 practitioners in the US trained in the Tomatis Method® by Dr Alfred Tomatis. For over two decades she has used her qualifications to enhance children’s and adults’ learning and social interaction skills. Her expertise is in effectively integrating Tomatis-Auditory Training, Psycho-Motor Integration®, neuro-cognitively founded consulting, with parent mentoring/coaching. While some of her students have been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, learning disabilities or SI disorders, others attend her Development training programs to attain peak performance including musicians and athletes.
While residing in Europe, Dr. Sacarin’s extensive training and certification in the Tomatis Method® was under the direction of and with Dr Alfred Tomatis himself. Her training in Sensory Integration was with Inge Flehmig, MD, PhD, a leading German child neurologist and author. Dr. Sacarin continued training with Dr Tomatis, earning her Audio-Vocal Training certificate, and engaging in case study sessions conducted by Dr Tomatis highlighting the multiple therpeutic applications of his technique.
If you would like more information please contact us with your address so that we can send you a packet of information about Dr. Sacarin Center and the Tomatis-Effect.
Dr. Liliana Sacarin also conducts monthly information meetings about the center and the work of Dr. Tomatis.
These free evening sessions take place at Dr. Sacarin Listening, Movement and Development Center ‘s Seattle office. Please contact our Seattle office (206-522-8873) to register and reserve your place.
Session Information
Children as young as 2 ½ years old have been successful with Tomatis-Listening program. In all cases, Dr. Sacarin will evaluate the potential impact of the Tomatis method during the in-depth Initial Assessment.
Please find and fill out our Initial Consultation Questionnaire and bring it to the initial consultation.
Generally, you will want to accustom yourself or your child to the listening environment at the center. For Tomatis-Effect clients you will wear headphones for two-hour sessions; you can familiarize your child with wearing over-the-ear headphones for longer periods of time for these sessions.
After the completion of the first phase of the program, a follow up re-assessment and consultation occurs with Dr. Liliana Sacarin. This 1-hour-long meeting usually occurs a few weeks after the end of the first listening phase of the program.
Home-based programs are available in certain instances. We offer the original and complete Tomatis method, as well as select Tomatis-based listening programs for children and adults.
Sometimes extenuating circumstances necessitate a home-based program approach. This option can be evaluated on a case by case basis during the Initial Evaluation appointment. To schedule a free 30-minute in person consultation with Dr. Liliana Sacarin and discuss options for the various home-based programs, please contact us at drlsacarin@sacarin.com or call us at (206) 522-8873.
Please refer to our list of reading materials and resources for other useful information.
Other Questions
The cost of the Tomatis-Effect Program varies, depending on individual needs. During the Initial Evaluation we discuss the options that best suits you or your child. For the cost of the initial Evaluation please contact us at 206 522-8873.
Some insurance companies may cover some of the services provided by Dr Sacarin. Insurance questions will be addressed during the initial consultation.
Please call our main office at (206) 522-8873 or e-mail us at drlsacarin@sacarin.com directly.
Dr. Sacarin Center operates in Seattle, Bellevue, and Bellingham Washington . A number of accommodations have been created for individuals coming from outside the Western Washington area. Please contact the center to talk further about these options.
Dr. Sacarin Center operates out of two offices in the Seattle area. The addresses are:
| Seattle
5901 Roosevelt Way NE Suite C 206-522-8873 |
Bellevue
1240 116th Ave NE, Suite 220 |
Directions to the Seattle Office: from Shoreline or Tacoma , or Bellevue.
From Shoreline:
Take I-5 S to Seattle 5.2 mi
Merge onto 6th Ave NE via exit 171 to NE 71st St / NE 65th St
Slight left at NE 70th St
Turn right at Roosevelt Way NE 0.5 mi
The Office is on the right at the corner of Roosevelt and Ravenna Dr .
From Tacoma:
Take I-5 N exit to Seattle
Take the Ravenna Blvd exit 170 to NE 65th St
Turn right at NE Ravenna Blvd
Turn right at Roosevelt Way NE
From Bellevue:
Take WA-520 W toward Seattle
Take the I-5 N exit to Vancouver BC
Take the Ravenna Blvd exit 170 to NE 65th St
Turn right at NE Ravenna Blvd
Turn right at Roosevelt Way NE
Directions to the Bellevue Office: from Shoreline or Tacoma
From Shoreline:
Take I-5 S toward Seattle
Merge onto WA-520 E via exit 168B to Bellevue/Kirkland
Take the 124th Ave NE exit
Turn right at Northup Way
Turn left at 116th Ave NE
From Tacoma:
Take I-5 N exit to Seattle
Take the I-405 N exit 154 to Renton
Merge onto I-405 N
Take the NE 4th St exit 13B
Take the right fork to NE 4th St
Turn left at 116th Ave NE