What can the Tomatis Method help with?
Developed by Dr Alfred Tomatis, a French ENT specialist, the Tomatis Method uses specially processed music and sound to retrain the ear–brain pathway. Because the ear governs not just hearing but also balance, posture and nervous system regulation, the results reach far beyond listening alone.
Attention & Focus
Supports children and adults struggling with concentration, distractibility and ADHD-related traits.
Auditory Processing
Helps the brain better distinguish and interpret sound — foundational for reading, spelling and language.
Emotional Regulation
Soothes a dysregulated nervous system, reducing anxiety, sensory overload and emotional outbursts.
Speech & Language
Supports articulation, comprehension, vocabulary and the building blocks of communication.
Motor Skills & Balance
Stimulates the vestibular system in the inner ear, improving coordination, posture and body awareness.
Autism & Sensory Needs
Non-invasive and gentle — widely used to support sensory integration and social communication.
How a Tomatis programme works
Each programme is completely personalised. Most clients complete three loops over approximately eight months, though the timeline varies depending on individual needs and response.
Free Discovery Call
We start with a relaxed, no-obligation conversation to understand your child's (or your own) challenges and goals, and to check whether Tomatis is the right fit. No commitment required.
30 minutes · online No costAssessment & Listening Check
You'll complete an online questionnaire and attend an in-person listening assessment (approximately one hour). The listening test is carried out at the assessment appointment — before starting your first loop. The results are then used to build your fully individualised Programme 1.
In person · Holmfirth ~1 hourLoop 1 — Intensive & Consolidation
You take your personalised programme home on your Maestro headphones and listen for 80 minutes per day. Each loop contains an intensive phase followed by a consolidation phase, allowing the brain time to embed the changes. We meet regularly online to review progress.
Home-based ~80 min/day Weekly check-insMid-Programme Review
After Loop 1, the listening check and questionnaire are repeated in person so we can measure progress and generate your individualised Programme 2. Adjustments are made based on how you've responded.
In person · HolmfirthLoops 2 & 3 — Building & Consolidating
The same cycle continues for Loops 2 and 3, with in-person checks between each. Three loops is the typical full programme. Most families complete this in around eight months, though some need a little more or less time — everyone's journey is different.
~8 months total 3 loops guidelinelistening loops
the full programme
per day at home
Clear costs, no surprises
Choose the option that works best for your family's budget. Both options include the same personalised programmes, in-person listening checks and regular check-ins.
Step 1 — Assessment
one-off payment
This is your starting point. Book once you've had your free discovery call.
Monthly subscription
per month · approx. 8 months
Cancel or pause if your family needs a break. Restart whenever you're ready.
Per loop (pay as you go)
per loop · 3 loops recommended
Pay for each loop separately. A good option if you prefer not to commit to a monthly plan.
About the Maestro Headphones
The Tomatis Maestro headphones are purchased directly from Tomatis — they belong to you and your family throughout the programme and beyond. They use both bone and air conduction, which is what makes the Tomatis Method work. Because you own them, there are no ongoing rental fees and you can use them for future programmes if needed.
Price is approximately 550 euros — the exact GBP cost varies with the exchange rate at time of purchase. Think Thrive does not handle or profit from headphone sales.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the programme take?
Most clients complete three loops in approximately eight months, but this is a guideline rather than a fixed rule. Some families move faster, others need a little longer — progress is reviewed regularly and the pace is adjusted to suit you.
Who is the Tomatis Method suitable for?
Tomatis is suitable for children, teenagers and adults. It is particularly beneficial for those with auditory processing difficulties, ADHD, autism spectrum traits, speech and language delays, sensory processing challenges, anxiety, and difficulties with reading, writing or coordination.
Do we have to travel to sessions every week?
No — the listening itself is done at home, for around 80 minutes per day. You come to Holmfirth in person for the listening assessments (at the start and between each loop), but weekly check-ins are held online.
What can my child do while listening?
They can move around, play, draw, do crafts or rest. The programme works whether they are active or relaxed. We ask that they avoid screens, reading and eating during the listening sessions as these can interfere with the brain's response to the sound.
Are there any side effects?
Tomatis is non-invasive and well-tolerated. Some children and adults feel a little tired or emotional as the brain adapts to new stimulation — this is normal and usually temporary. We monitor progress closely and can adjust the programme if needed.
Can Tomatis be done alongside other therapies?
Yes. Tomatis works well alongside speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and learning interventions. Because it addresses foundational ear–brain communication, it can actually enhance the effectiveness of other approaches.
What if my child can't do the listening check?
If a child is unable to cooperate with the listening check — for example because they don't tolerate headphones or cannot respond to the sounds — the detailed intake questionnaire provides enough information to generate a personalised programme.
What does the monthly subscription include?
Your monthly fee covers your personalised programme for that phase, in-person listening checks between loops, weekly online check-ins with Rebecca, and access to message between sessions with any questions. Everything is included — there are no hidden extras.
What does the Tomatis music sound like?
The programme uses mostly classical music processed through the Tomatis Electronic Gating system. This creates real-time, unpredictable shifts in tone and intensity that gently "surprise" the brain, prompting it to listen more actively. Many children find it pleasant to have in the background.
Ready to find out if Tomatis is right for you?
Book a free, no-obligation 30-minute call with Rebecca. We'll talk through your child's needs and answer any questions — with no pressure to proceed.
Book your free call