Welcome to my world: Incorporating Body Talk, Kinesiology, Brain Gym, Occupational Therapy and Creativity; all blended towards becoming a free-thinking, more healthy, balanced human being!
With the new year's preparations taking place as I type, I am being asked to be part of numerous teacher training days throughout the greater Sydney region. This is a fantastic opportunity for teachers to start the year with some great practical ideas to motivate their students and provide themselves and their students with fun and powerful ways to make their studying easier and less stressful. I am putting together some exciting programs, including techniques from my favourite therapies: Occupational Therapy, Brain Gym and BodyTalk to provide some punch, pizazz, yahoo and wow to teaching and learning! This is definitely one of my loves and passions: running trainings packed with fun and easy tools to make school a place where teachers and students want to be!
Contact me here if you would like my training to be part of your schools' 2009 program.
Please note: I have specialized workshops geared for Pre-primary, Primary and High Schools. Click here to see some of my international Brain Gym workshops, here for BodyTalk workshops and unfortunately I don't have any footage of my Occupational Therapy workshops which were so popular in Cape Town, South Africa. I am so thrilled to be bringing all my ideas to my new home, Sydney Australia.
This past Monday I had the great pleasure to work with a wonderfully dynamic non governmental organisation, Together for Humanity. This organisation works on inter-faith issues with in the Australian school system. When ever I have the chance, I act as a presenter together with members of other faith groups to challenge our Aussie students on issues of race, stereotypes, tolerance, judgement and cultural acceptance. We play games and tell stories which make them reflect on their belief systems and embark on a journey of being part of a million good deeds happening throughout the country. We run 'Australians Together in Values' and 'Goodness and Kindness' workshops to inspire students to work Together for Humanity. It is wonderfully fun and fulfilling work and I have met some fantastically inspirational colleagues. Donna Jacobs Sife, my dear friend and story teller is one of the wonderful presenters with whom I work. Please go onto the home page of The Together for Humanity's website to see some footage of the kind of work that this great organisation is involved in. Unfortunately due to privacy reasons, I am unable to show you footage or photos from the workshops that I am personally involved in.
This weekend I conducted a BodyTalk Access Workshop in a little town, Orange, about four-hours drive west of Sydney in country New South Wales. This is the first time that the Access Workshop has been offered west of Sydney and was met with a great positive reaction by the participants. My thanks go to Carolyn Foxall who organised the workshop and hosted us in her home. Welcome to Anne Mitchell, a BodyTalk therapist who has recently moved from New Zealand, who joined in the activities. Above is a short film of the fun workshop. Enjoy! We also have a brand new You Tube Channel dedicated to BodyTalk Access Workshops here!
While in Orange, I was invited to work with one of the largest pre-schools in the district combining a workshop teaching parents and teachers a combination of techniques including BodyTalk, Brain Gym and Occupational Therapy. This is something I hope to expand on next year.
My next BodyTalk Access Workshop will take place on Sunday 23 November in Crows Nest, Sydney. There are still a few places open to those interested in participating. If you are interested, then contact me here!
This past weekend, Sydney BodyTalk had a stand at the Mind Body Spirit Festival 2008 in Darling Harbour. The public were exposed to our state of the art healing modality and had the chance to experience first-hand the calming and balancing effects of these techniques. Following the success of this weekend, two new Australian workshops have been organised, the first being this Saturday 15 November in Orange, NSW and another on Sunday 23 November in Crows Nest (Sydney). On 4 December at 7.30pm I will also be holding a public Body Talk introductory lecture at The Southern Cross Academy of Light, Centre for Spiritual Growth, at Camperdown Branch, First floor, 176 Parramatta Road, Camperdown.
For further information on any of the workshops or my lecture, you can contact me here!
As you may have noticed, my clinic address has changed. When I am not working at Learning Links Preschool, I have the pleasure and honour of joining a passionate and fabulous team of Physio Therapists in Randwick, under one of Sydney's most prominent and well established Physio Therapists: Francine St George. Together with state of the art Physio techniques, they offer a holistic approach to health, healing and fitness. Check out their website here! I will be working at the practice on Monday and Fridays.
As well as seeing children for Occupational Therapy, I am offering my 'BodyTalk' and Kinesiology services for their Physio clients... Read all about it below...
Stress: As you well know, a lot of our physical symptoms, pain and injuries have an emotional/mental/ psychological component. This is where my skills really complement the Physios. If you have a sense that you are under stress (work, sport, relationship), or have emotional issues (eg: fear, worry, anxiety) or belief systems ("I cant break through my.... limitation"; "there's no way i can...") that are hampering your improvement; my work really assists in reducing stress and dealing with general or specific issues that are preventing optimal performance, functioning and/or healing.
In sports injury: My work facilitates healing, increased blood flow, lymphatic drainage, re-establishing musculo-skeletal balance, reduction in swelling etc...
Before sports events: I often work with assisting clients achieve their peak mental and physical alertness, focus, balance and coordination. If each of the body's systems is activated and balanced optimally, performance is enhanced exponentially.
During sports events: I also have a technique where we can do time-release sessions: For instance, we can set up your system that at a certain time during a sports event, a set of techniques can kick into effect, re-boosting energy, relieving muscle fatigue, re-balancing the brain, re-balancing hormonal system etc.. what ever is needed for your specific body.
Pre & post operative: I have done quite a lot of work with clients pre & post operatively. Surgeons and doctors are amazed at the speed of recovery, healing and rehabilitation when we have worked before and after the operation to prepare the body for surgery.
Daily techniques:I also have some fantastic self help tricks to teach you to do on a daily basis for maintaining your peak performance and health.
Address: Physiotherapy, Posture & fitness Clinic Wales Medical Centre Level 4 66 High Street Randwick NSW 2031
There are only a few places left for our exciting one-day BodyTalk Access Workshop in Sydney on 18 May 2008! Five simple energy-based techniques to stimulate the body’s own ability to regain and maintain a healthy body/mind balance, given by Sharon Gelber, OT, BodyTalk Access Trainer and practitioner, Brain Gym Instructor and Kinesiologist.
On completion of the course you will have: * A thorough understanding of 5 energy based techniques. * Knowledge of how to use these techniques for Fast Aid, restore mental focus, boost the immune system, reduce stress & balance the body. * A comprehensive manual of these techniques * A simple & natural method of augmenting the body’s own ability to heal itself - addressing many common ailments.
To see a sample video clip of this exciting workshop, check it out here! For more information and bookings, contact me here!
I have the wonderful good fortune to be working three days a week at Learning Links Pre-School. My private therapy sessions will continue on Monday and Fridays (and possibly some Saturdays if I still have the energy) in the Eastern suburbs.
Learning Links is an Australian charity and non-profit organisation formed to help children who have learning disabilities, difficulties and developmental delays. Family support has a huge role to play as well.
They have numerous therapy projects with in the Sydney community. I will be working as part of the Early Childhood Services, which helps children from birth to six years, including children who have a disability or are at risk of a developmental delay. This includes children who have difficulty learning because of a diagnosed disability such as Down Syndrome, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ADD or Dyspraxia. Children whose development is delayed due to prematurity, birth trauma, hearing loss or other risk factors are also included. I will be working at their preschool facility which has at least 30% special needs kids. I will be working in the classrooms alongside the teachers to ensure the children consistently learn in their play environment. In this way, I am able to make adjustments to the structure of the class or the activity or game to allow for optimal learning and socialising. A large part of my job will also involve teacher, parent and community training. I hope to bring all my knowledge and techniques from my various therapy disciplines into the work. The school is a model for inclusive education, so there are continuously volunteers and students spending time there, providing a great forum for me to share my knowledge. What a blessing to be part of this team!... This organisation is well known for its high quality of work and community enrichment.. It will be a privilege to work with them!
To all those who are interested in the Access Workshop, Please note that I have changed the date to SUNDAY 18 May. This will allow all those working on Saturday or involved in their childrens' sports to attend. Looking forward to another fabulous workshop!! Please contact me for registration and for more info: 0405 026 183. info@sharongelber.com.For a taste of the workshop, click here. Registering on line can be done here! Venue: Montessori Works Pre-School, 469 Malabar Rd, Maroubra Time: 9:30-5 pm Cost: Aus $ 150 (incl manual and certificate)
Bruce Lipton is coming to Sydney on 03 Apr 08. I have been trying to get to see him for years now, and just when I am living in a city that he is visiting, I am going to be in Perth! (and missing his Perth lecture by a day too!!).. Aghh... Please go to this lecture.. I would be there if I could!!! The Biology of Belief: The Science of How We Create Our Lives Sydney, Australia, Crowne Plaza Parramatta, 30 Phillip St., Parramatta. 8-9:30 pm join Dr. Bruce Lipton as he guides us on an entertaining and insightful romp through the quantum field where mind and matter meet, revealing a kaleidoscope of insights and answers into life and health. Discover what science is revealing about the connection between mind and body and it's relationship and influence on our health, vitality and success. $15. For enquiries call 045.229.588, or visit www.nzchiro.co.nz. For more info, visit This Link
Achieve optimal health in a 10 minute daily regime!!! I am running my next Access workshop on the 18th May. It will be held in Sydney' s Eastern Suburbs. The last workshop was a huge success. You can view a snippet of the fun, here. For registration details, please click here. For more info about the workshop, click here. Cost: $150 (including manual and certificate). Bring friends and family for discounts!
There is no need to live with pain and distress! Are you feeling Scattered? Overwhelmed? Disorganised? Is it tough to keep up with the hectic pace of life? Do you feel like you are not reaching your potential? Are you anxious, unproductive or procrastinating? Does your brain feel fogged up and congested?
Do you have headaches, back and neck pain? Do you have allergies? Do you have digestive complaints? (IBS, constipation, bloating, heart burn...) Are you recoveringfrom illness, injury or trauma?
Are you struggling with your colleagues or personal relationships? Are there old traumatic events and emotional issues that are still blocking your way forward?
I have had 13 years of working with clients of all ages, assisting themactivate their health and bring balance to their system: on a mental, physical and emotional basis. Utilizing techniques from Kinesiology, BodyTalk Therapy, Brain Gymand Energy healingas well as having a background in Occupational Therapy, we work towards optimal health and wellbeing on every level.
Are your children struggling at school? Are they having a tough time concen- trating? Is homework time a struggle? Do they seem to be listeningat all? Are they finding reading stressful? Are they anxious or unhappy? Are they having difficulty in socialising? Is exam stress debilitating? Are they un-coordinated in their sports?
I have been in private practice for the past 13 years working with parents, teachers and children. With a background in Occupational Therapyas well as numerous natural healing therapies, I provide my clients with the skills to assist with learning and de-stressing. We work together to activate the eyes, ears, brain and body for optimal learning and school/sport/home functioning.
I run teachers and parents workshops to use these tools on a daily basis to assist their children in being productive, successful and happy!
Are you having difficulty falling pregnant? Are you overwhelmed with your hormonal/ physical and emotional changes during pregnancy? Do you haveback and body pain? Are you confused, anxious or depressed? Is your baby distressed? Are you exhausted and lacking energy? Is your immune system taking strain? Do you need assistance in preparing for childbirth? Do you need assistance during childbirth? Is 'dad to be' needing some support?
If the birth was traumatic.... Do you need assistance in de-stressing you and your baby?
Once your baby is born.... Is your baby collicy? Irritable? Unsettled? Sickly? Are you in pain? Are your other kids finding the transition with the new baby challenging?
Welcome to 2008! Hope that you have all had a fabulous break and good rest. My trip back to South Africa was amazingly productive: Sorting out my life and possessions in that far off land, as well as spending beautiful time with my family and friends... it all seems so distant already. 2008 promises to hold fabulous jewels of opportunity. I have been visiting some local schools in Sydney, promoting both Access, Brain Gym as well as our creativity work. At present I am seeing clients at home in Maroubra. I am looking for therapy premises in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs and meeting up with supportive colleagues and creative people at large. At the same time, we are investing a lot of time into a new corporate venture... bringing puppetry and creativity into the workplace. Also on the cards is re-shooting the puppetry part of the "Looking for a Monster" documentary. With all this, as well as coming to grips with Auzy legislature, taxes, insurance etcc.... it is quite a mouth and handful. VIVA 2008.... VIVA.. Let it bring us all the success and joy that we wish for ourselves and those we love.
Sharon Gelber is a qualified Occupational Therapist, Kinesiologist, Body Talk Practitioner, Brain Gym Instructor and Reiki/Seichem Practitioner.
What is Occupational Therapy?
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY is the most holistic of the Allied Medical Therapies (amongst Physio and Speech Therapy). It takes into account the cognitive, perceptual, physical and emotional aspects of the person in order to gain/regain optimal functioning in every day life.
For the past 12 years I have been specialising in working with clients from 4-18 years old.
With the younger children, we lay down the foundation for optimal co-ordination and learning. This involves: #Activating and integrating the senses and the brain. #Developing effective mental processing (concentration, memory, organization and visual perception skills). These are the precursors for all school-related tasks: reading, spelling, maths etc. #Physical skills training which improves gross and fine motor co-ordination. The majority of young clients would include children who are finding learning challenging, have difficulty concentrating, are sensitive to their sensory world (touch, movement, sound) and whose coordination needs improvement (from writing and cutting, to ball skills).
With older students, therapy includes study skills, de-stressing techniques and tools to remain focussed and alert for optimal learning and functioning.
Moving one step further than OT…. After spending a number of years working with in the medical world, I have come to realise that we have to target the body’s healing mechanism at a much deeper level. Learning difficulties, developmental delay, physical illness, allergies and inefficient mental processing (poor concentration, memory, organisation…) as well as relationship/school related ‘problems’ are often simply SYMPTOMS. These manifest due to underlying imbalances within the body/mind system and belief systems that may have been laid down genetically or through life experiences.
Using my therapeutic background based in the Western understanding of brain and body dynamics; I have amalgamated different therapies that assist in focussing on CORE ISSUES behind the presented symptoms. Once the causes are addressed, long term healing can effectively take place.
What is The BodyTalk System?
THE BODYTALK SYSTEM is one of the most exciting therapy modalities of the late 20th century. Dr John Veltheim has combined advanced yoga; advaitic philosophy; modern physics; the energy dynamics of acupuncture; the clinical findings of applied kinesiology and chiropractics as well as western medical expertise into a simple, non-invasive and fast treatment system and medical paradigm. The process identifies communication blocks and synchronises the body’s systems in order for natural healing to be re-established. This occurs on emotional, mental, energetic and physical levels.
# The system can be used to clear viruses, parasites, allergies and toxins; improve digestion, breathing, circulation (lymph and blood), hydration, brain functioning, learning abilities, general health issues; balance chakras and meridians; relieve chronic fatigue, arthritis, headaches, back/other musculo-skeletal problems; disassociate negative beliefs and stored emotional trauma.
BRAIN GYM and EDUCATIONAL KINESIOLOGY was developed in the late 1970’s by Dr Paul Dennison. He devised a number of simple yet highly effective exercises to enhance brain functioning and communication between the brain, body and sense organs (in particular the eyes and ears). The movements are designed to release stress in the lower levels of the brain, so that higher level reasoning, thinking and performing can be attained. These techniques are based on brain and learning research; the study of language and motor development; experimental psychology; yoga; bio-energy; and developmental optometry.
#Improvements can be noted in concentration, memory, quality and speed of learning new skills, reading, time management, organisation, productivity, creativity, physical/motor performance, mood and self-esteem. More complex techniques have subsequently been developed in-order to deal with more in-depth emotional, medical-health and physical challenges.
Since 1992, BRAIN GYM has annually been nominated as one of the top 10 learning techniques in the USA.
Comments from my previous Brain Gym participants: (High School students)
# I did the movements every morning and they changed my whole day # The eye exercises woke up my eyes and warmed them up to read and work- I now don’t copy the notes off the board incorrectly # I understood what I was reading more, and took every thing in # When I did the ear exercises I could concentrate better when I had to listen # I did the movements especially before a class where the teacher speaks a lot and when I have to copy a lot off the board # I’ve notched up my swimming # I do the exercises before cricket and they relax and focus me before going to bat. My aim is also better # My speed has improved when running # I am sure I will do better these exams then last term # My teacher couldn’t believe how quickly I finished the test and I felt so good # I feel much better about myself. I am proud of myself # The ‘alphabet 8’s’ improved my writing-I was neater and quicker # Brain Gym is easy to do, it doesn’t take long and it can be done anywhere # When I felt stressed in the exam or when I lost my concentration, I did the ‘lazy 8’s’ and I got back on track # I did the ‘cross crawls’ and ‘hook ups’ and felt more centred, clear and I could think of one thing at a time with out feeling swamped # I found the eye exercises help wake up my eyes and help me read the questions correctly during the exams # When I did the ear exercises I felt more revitalised. The stress/fear vibe relaxed a bit # Before I learned Brain Gym I couldn’t sit down and focus on studying for more than 5 minutes. I was getting impatient and agitated. I couldn’t and didn’t want to study-after doing the exercises every thing changed and I could sit and study for large chunks of time # Even when I felt stressed about friends and stuff- I took a breather, did some exercises and felt a lot calmer to deal with the problems. I could then take one thing at a time and sort it out # Brain Gym came at the perfect time to help get me through the exams- from having trouble learning my whole life, I got a B for matric!!! I would have got even better marks, but I developed a viral infection a few days before the end of exams. Brain Gym even helped me focus when I was feeling sick and nauseous during this hectic time!
