Making listening programmes accessible wherever you are
Accessing a Tomatis® listening programme should not be limited by where you live, how far you are able to travel, or the time zone you are in.
For some people, attending appointments in person is straightforward and preferred. For others, distance, travel time, family commitments, work or geographical location can make regular clinic visits difficult. We recognise that these barriers can prevent people from accessing support that they would otherwise benefit from.
At Helping Hand, we offer different ways to access Tomatis® listening programmes, including in-person, mixed and fully home-based options. This flexibility allows us to work with individuals and families to find an approach that is practical, appropriate and manageable.
Three ways to access Tomatis®
1. In-person programmes
In-person appointments remain available for those who prefer to attend in person.
There can be advantages to working face-to-face, particularly when someone values direct contact, prefers to complete their listening tests in person, or would benefit from face-to-face support during the assessment and review process.
We continue to offer this option and recognise that, for some individuals, it may be the preferred or most suitable way to access the programme.
2. A mixed approach: clinic and home
A mixed programme combines the benefits of clinic-based support with the convenience of listening at home.
Assessments and listening tests can be completed in person, with the personalised listening programme then designed and downloaded for use at home.
Listening takes place at home, with reviews and follow-up appointments available either online or in person.
This approach can reduce the need for repeated journeys while retaining the opportunity for face-to-face contact when it is helpful.
3. Fully home-based programmes with online support
For individuals who live a considerable distance away, have difficulty travelling, or are based in another country, a home-based programme with online appointments can be an excellent option.
The process is structured and personalised. It is not simply a case of downloading an app and listening independently.
The programme includes an initial consultation, assessment questionnaires, listening tests, individual programme design and ongoing review.
All listening is completed at home, while appointments and support can be provided online. Listening tests, which have traditionally been offered in person, are now also available at home.
This makes it possible to access Tomatis® support from a much wider range of locations, including areas where travelling to a practitioner would be impractical.
What does the process involve?
Regardless of whether the programme is accessed in person, through a mixed approach or entirely at home, the essential stages remain the same.
1. Initial consultation
Your journey begins with an initial consultation with Pauline at Helping Hand. This is a chance to talk about you or your child, what you are hoping to achieve, and any concerns or challenges you may be experiencing.
We will take time to learn a little about your background, experiences and individual needs. We will also go through some questionnaires to help us build a better understanding of your situation.
Pauline will explain how the Tomatis® listening programme works, the different ways you can access it, and what you can expect along the way.
You will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and discuss any practical considerations, including whether an in-person, mixed or home-based programme would work best for you.
The aim is to help you feel informed, comfortable and confident about the next steps, before moving on to the listening test and the design of your personalised programme.
2. Purchasing the headphones (home-based option)
If you choose a home-based listening programme, the required Tomatis® headphones will need to be purchased before the home listening test.
This ensures that you have the necessary equipment ready for your assessment and subsequent listening programme.
3. Listening test
A listening test is undertaken, either in the clinic or at home. This helps inform the design of your individualised programme.
4. Personalised programme design
The information gathered through the consultation, questionnaires and listening test is used to design your personalised listening programme.
5. Programme download
Your personalised programme is downloaded for use at home. This can be arranged following an in-person appointment or through an online consultation.
6. Listening at home
You complete your listening programme at home, following the agreed guidance.
7. Review and follow-up
Progress is reviewed through appointments, which can take place online or in person. Further listening tests or adjustments may be considered as appropriate.
The programme remains individualised, with assessment and review forming an important part of the process.
Removing barriers to access
We know that access is not always simply a matter of choice.
Some families live in rural areas or are many hours away from their nearest Tomatis® practitioner. Others may be based overseas, where time differences make conventional clinic appointments difficult. Travel can also be challenging for individuals with additional needs, or for families managing busy schedules.
Online access can help remove some of these barriers.
It means that geographical distance does not necessarily have to prevent someone from exploring a Tomatis® listening programme. It also offers greater flexibility in arranging appointments and completing listening sessions within the home environment.
For some, this flexibility makes the programme possible in the first place.
Which approach is best?
There is no single approach that suits everyone.
Some individuals will benefit from attending in person. Others may find a combination of clinic appointments and home listening works best. For those living further away, an online and home-based programme may be the most practical option.
The important consideration is that the programme is appropriately assessed, personalised and supported.
In-person provision remains available for those who want it. Online provision offers a valuable alternative for those who cannot easily access a clinic.
Listening wherever you are
Tomatis® listening programmes have traditionally been associated with attending a specialist centre. While in-person support continues to have an important place, developments in how programmes are delivered mean that access can now be much more flexible.
At Helping Hand, we aim to make Tomatis® accessible to individuals and families wherever they are, while retaining the assessment, personalisation and professional support that are central to the programme.
Whether you attend in person, combine clinic appointments with home listening, or access your programme entirely online, we can work together to find an approach that fits your circumstances.
Ready to explore Tomatis®?
If you are wondering whether a Tomatis® listening programme might be right for you or your child, we would love to hear from you.
Whether you are local to Helping Hand, live further afield, or are considering accessing the programme from overseas, Pauline can help you understand the options available.
Book a free discovery call with Pauline
This is an opportunity to discuss your needs, ask questions and explore which approach may be most suitable. There is no obligation to proceed.
You do not need to know which programme option is right for you before making an enquiry. We can talk through the possibilities together and help you take the first step.
Distance need not be a barrier to accessing support.