Davis® Mastery for Attention
age range: 8 years old to the upper limits (no one is too old!)
Structure of the Program:
Perceptual Distortions:
Perceiving information accurately is the essential first step for reading, listening, or learning any new concept. When text or speech is not perceived accurately, confusion sets in and mistakes begin. Orientation Counseling® teaches focusing tools that allow individuals to control the accuracy of their perceptions. In an oriented state your brain accurately perceives what your senses take in. In a disoriented state distortions are perceived as reality.
No Understanding of Cause and Effect:
Some individuals who struggle with attention issues repeat the same behaviors that lead to negative reactions from others. They fail to connect the dots between their behavior and others' reactions. Their concept of cause and effect is missing. The facilitator guides the client to recognize real life examples of cause and effect.
How is this addressed?
The client creates a 3D clay model of the concept at hand. The client also finds examples from her own life and in the real world. Through a series of prescribed exercises, the client masters her understanding of the concept. This is called concept mastery.
Has difficulty tracking personal items; frequently loses things:
Order vs. Disorder: During this section of the program clients do several exercises exploring the components of order and disorder. The culminating exercise involves a 9 step process to create order. Clients work step-by-step, developing a concrete understanding of order through this process. This could be done in the client's room, work area, desk area, or backpack.
Other Concepts Explored:
Change, Time, Sequence, Consequence, Before and After
Additional underlying issues addressed:
One Davis® focusing tool involves an energy dial. Communication is optimal when energy dials match. The client creates an imagined dial that controls his energy. We discuss appropriate energy levels for various activities. We observe others in various settings. We determine fitness of energy levels observed.
Frustrated by reoccurring outcomes; lacks recognition of personal responsibility:
The final session of the week involves an exercise entitled: New Order of Behavior. The client selects an outcome she is not pleased with (e.g. forgets to do homework). Using clay models, the client recreates the sequence of events, looking for a point where a different action or behavior could have changed the outcome. Dawning recognition that actions lead to consequences helps the client move forward making conscious choices. This is an "Aha" moment for the client, allowing for a new order of behavior.
Structure of the Program:
- 5 day intensive; each day consisting of 6 hours of 1-on-1 guided learning
- instruction for support person for post-program work
- 3 post-program review sessions (some flexibility)
- ongoing phone contact and email communication
Perceptual Distortions:
Perceiving information accurately is the essential first step for reading, listening, or learning any new concept. When text or speech is not perceived accurately, confusion sets in and mistakes begin. Orientation Counseling® teaches focusing tools that allow individuals to control the accuracy of their perceptions. In an oriented state your brain accurately perceives what your senses take in. In a disoriented state distortions are perceived as reality.
No Understanding of Cause and Effect:
Some individuals who struggle with attention issues repeat the same behaviors that lead to negative reactions from others. They fail to connect the dots between their behavior and others' reactions. Their concept of cause and effect is missing. The facilitator guides the client to recognize real life examples of cause and effect.
How is this addressed?
The client creates a 3D clay model of the concept at hand. The client also finds examples from her own life and in the real world. Through a series of prescribed exercises, the client masters her understanding of the concept. This is called concept mastery.
Has difficulty tracking personal items; frequently loses things:
Order vs. Disorder: During this section of the program clients do several exercises exploring the components of order and disorder. The culminating exercise involves a 9 step process to create order. Clients work step-by-step, developing a concrete understanding of order through this process. This could be done in the client's room, work area, desk area, or backpack.
Other Concepts Explored:
Change, Time, Sequence, Consequence, Before and After
Additional underlying issues addressed:
- lives in the now; has an underdeveloped sense of time
- has difficulty breaking down big tasks into component parts
- procrastinates; has trouble tracking due dates
One Davis® focusing tool involves an energy dial. Communication is optimal when energy dials match. The client creates an imagined dial that controls his energy. We discuss appropriate energy levels for various activities. We observe others in various settings. We determine fitness of energy levels observed.
Frustrated by reoccurring outcomes; lacks recognition of personal responsibility:
The final session of the week involves an exercise entitled: New Order of Behavior. The client selects an outcome she is not pleased with (e.g. forgets to do homework). Using clay models, the client recreates the sequence of events, looking for a point where a different action or behavior could have changed the outcome. Dawning recognition that actions lead to consequences helps the client move forward making conscious choices. This is an "Aha" moment for the client, allowing for a new order of behavior.