Dolphin therapy Broshure

DOLPHINSWIM
ALPHA-THERAPY
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IN KEY
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Mag. Norbert Trompisch,
Alpha-Therapy founder
WELCOME!
This brochure will provide answers to many of your questions about
the Alpha-Therapy course in Antalya, Turkey. It includes information
about the underlying principles of Alpha-Therapy, location, schedule,
participation requirements, and various services offered. You will learn
a few scientific facts about dolphin therapy, especially about the results
of Norbert Trompisch’s research on Alpha-Therapy.
We thank you for your interest and your confidence in us and hope to
see you and your child together with our dolphins in Antalya soon!
WHAT IS ALPHA-THERAPY?
Alpha-Therapy is a holistic form of dolphin therapy in which dolphin interaction and individual therapy
forms are reflectively coordinated within a cooperative therapy setting. The stimulation arising from
the interaction with dolphins is thus used to support the personal development process. Amplified by
the multisensory stimulus of the AlphaSphere combined with specifically tailored therapy, experience,
and coaching courses, the whole family is involved in the Alpha-Therapy process. All members are
supported in lasting processes of learning, change, and development.
DOLPHINS – THE PERFECT THERAPISTS
Dolphins fascinate us humans. Every meeting, every touch. More than any other animal, they are
capable of coordinated and goal-oriented behavior. With humor and charm, these intelligent and
sociable mammals are able to hold up a mirror to our selfimage, accompanying us step by step in our personal development. Over millions of years of maritime adaptation, they
have developed special communicative abilities and a keen
sense of togetherness as their central survival strategy.
Dolphins also have a unique sense organ: SONAR.
According to neurological research, these high-frequency
sonic waves have a directly stimulating effect upon the
human organism. Both the parasympathetic nerve system
and the immune system are stimulated, causing heightened
information processes in the brain. The production of the
neurotransmitters serotonin and endorphin is increased, leading to feelings of happiness and higher energy levels.
Therapy with specially
trained dolphins.
ALPHA-THERAPY AT A GLANCE
25 minutes per day of dolphin therapy with trained dolphins (guaranteed dolphin contact)
Individual and group therapies and hands-on learning activities
Holistic, family-oriented therapy approach
Scientifically proven therapeutic basis
Medical care under psychological supervision. Care services in German and English.
Short travel time: Antalya › only 3 flight hours
TH
E
AL
PH
AS
PH
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RE
AC
UNITES THE SENSES.
TIVA
D
TES AN
The AlphaSphere is a unique sensory space. The central element,
the Alpha-Lounger, creates a special therapeutic sensory experience. Hearing,
seeing, and feeling melt into multivisionary oneness in the AlphaSphere. This
exceptional interaction of color, shape, light, sound, vibration, and warmth creates a state
of deepest relaxation. The patient feels physically and mentally light and free; the senses
are focused inward. AlphaSphere sessions are accompanied with therapy and affect the
vegetative nervous system, increase perception, and harmonize the human organism.
THE LANGUAGE OF DOLPHINS
THE EFFECTS OF ALPHA-THERAPY
Dolphins and whales communicate via ultrasonic waves, for the most part inaudible to the human ear.
We hear only the lowest frequencies as trilling and chirping sounds. These ultrasonic sounds, also
called sonar, are made in the dolphin’s “melon”, an oil-filled skull cavity. The dolphins “see” with
the ultrasound, much like an x-ray image. This means that they are capable of recognizing dislocations, tumors, infections, and other anomalies; and of reacting to them and affecting an
improvement. Ultrasound plays an important therapeutic role by directly stimulating the
cells of the human brain, thereby accelerating the processing of information.
Dolphins like humans communicate to a great extend by body language and maintain the social bond by playful body contact.
Scientific research on Alpha-Therapy has shown that, depending on the case, positive effects on
phy-sical and emotional relaxation, motor skills, attention span, expressiveness, and independence
can be reached. Alpha-Therapy heightens receptivity, triggers positive emotions, and reduces anxiety.
The entire human system is harmonized. In addition to a wide range of other illnesses and impairments, Alpha-Therapy is especially successful with autism, downs syndrome, cerebral palsy, developmental disorders, and severe, multiple physical and mental limitations. Attention deficit and
hyperactivity disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders can also be successfully
treated through this therapy. As a family therapy, Alpha-Therapy can strengthen resources and lead
to new directions of constructive togetherness. It can contribute positively to every family, not just
those with an existing disability or illness.
DOLPHIN THERAPY
promotes individual growth
potentials for everyone.
ALPHA-THERAPY
Alpha-Therapy program in Antalya.
NORBERT TROMPISCH
PIONEER OF DOLPHIN THERAPY
After an intensive personal encounter with dolphins, in 1993 in the u.s.a., Norbert Trompisch
began to study sea mammals scientifically.
Three years later, he started working therapeutically with a wild dolphin female, olin. Based upon his observations and experiences during this
time, he formed the basis for alpha-therapyas an independent, holistic form of therapy in the
year 2000. In 2003, alpha-therapy studieswere moved to the dolphin reef in eilat, israel.
In 2004, trompisch accepted an invitation by renowned russian scientist Dr. Ludmilla Lukina to
relocate his program to the crimean peninsula, where he founded an independent institute for
dolphin therapy and dolphin therapy research, and developed the world’s first dolphin therapy
training course. Within these years cooperations with several universities have been established.
In 2010, the institute moved to antalya, Turkey to enable year-round operations within an excellent infrastructure with superb accessibility.
10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Therapy for children and adults.
THE SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATION
The Alpha-Therapy concept was developed in an
intensive exchange with researchers n Dr. Christel
Manske (Institute for the Development of
Functional Brain systems in Hamburg),
n Dr. Ludmilla Lukina (Dolphin therapy research,
Ukraine), n Dr. Horace Dobbs (Dolphin therapy pioneer from England), and n Prof. Thomas Slunecko.
The concept was then evaluated in detail in 2005 at the University of Vienna through a scientific
study entitled “Alpha-Therapy, evaluation of a holistic dolphin therapy concept”.
Additional studies have since been completed in collaboration with international researchers and the
Alpha-Therapy concept continues to develop. Alpha-Therapy scientific supervisor Prof. Thomas
Slunecko, who is integrated into the institute’s training course as a supervisor, is in continuous contact with numerous international research networks. We also have a close partnership with the
Sigmund Freud University Vienna-Paris, which offers our dolphin therapy training program as a specialization of its psychology major.
RESEARCH
PARENT FEEDBACK
UNIV.-PROF. DR. THOMAS SLUNECKO ON DOLPHINTHERAPY:
I became familiar with Alpha-Therapy from a scientific point of view through my
work together with Norbert Trompisch on the 2005 study “Alpha-Therapy: Evaluation
of a holistic dolphin therapy” and also from my personal experiences working in the
summer of 2006 in Yalta, when I was able to take over the psychotherapeutic coaching
of parents for two weeks. This gave me the opportunity to attain a direct and personal
impression of the project. I was positively impressed by the holistic approach of Alpha-Therapy, which allows positive impulses to extend into the entire family system. I saw the dolphins
as the unifying element between the various therapy
modules, different therapists, clients,
families, and family members.
Dolphins have the capacity to adjust themselves to the
unique situations and needs of the clients and, through
apparently intentional intervention, initiate a remarkable
developmental dynamic amongst the persons involved.
According to Wygotzki’s Theory, development is not
linear, but comes instead in spurts and jumps that
occur when a child comes in contact with a new mediThomas Slunecko, Professor for General
Psychology and Social um. In this case, the new medium is swimming with
Psychology,University of Vienna dolphins, which requires the entire psychomotor and
even the interfamily systems to reorient themselves.
Due to the altered gravitational situation, the child is not able to utilize his or her usual movement habits and must playfully and literally buoyantly reconfigure its patterns.
This is a fundamental difference to other, land-based types of animal therapy. Dolphin therapy
raises a whole series of interesting research questions, definitely worth following in the future.
Michaela Möller, Germany:
“Eileen (global mental retardation with motor impairment)
has found her inner peace. She makes new sounds, walks more
erectly, and enjoys her life even more.”
Gerlinde und Jürgen Herfurth, Germany:
“Right now, Patrick (cerebral palsy) is doing great, he can walk really
well and tries to do a lot of things by himself. He is more balanced and
calm. He talks more and puts effort into expressing himself better. We
also have the feeling that he thinks more profoundly and follows along
better than before. He is simply more present than he used to be.”
Ankica Bartel, Germany:
“Mareike (cerebral palsy) is more balanced and sweeter since the
rapy. She pays more attention and is more patient with her schoolwork. Her teachers say she can concentrate better and longer.”
Helena und Boštjan Kosi, Slovenia:
“Urska (Angelman syndrome) hasn’t had an epileptic seizure
since! Her balance has improved, she speaks better, pronounces
more syllables, and she can finally play in the sandbox without
putting sand and stones in her mouth.”
ANTALYA
Nowhere else in the eastern Mediterranean can so
many beach resorts, diverse vegetation, and
breathtaking coastal landscapes be found.
The city is uniquely beautiful, situated
on a high cliff over the sea. On clear
days the view reaches as far
as the high mountaintops
of the Taurus range
in the distance.
Traditional houses in the city of Antalya
ANTALYA’S OLD TOWN
AQUA-LAND
DOLPHIN-LAND
Dolphin-Land
A VACATION PARADISE FOR EVERY NEED
Atatürk (founder of modern Turkey) once called antalya Turkey’s most beautiful city. Many have said that
not making Antalya the nation’s capital was his greatest mistake. Summer, sun, and beaches come to
mind when thinking of Antalya. However, throughout all of Turkey and especially in the province of Antalya
there are a great number of ancient sites and places that are witness of a great history. In the Caves of
Karain, a small area north of Antalya’s outskirts, evidence of first human life can be found, from 50,000
Aqua-Land
years ago. In the Byzantine era, antalya was an important
hub of Christianity and once the home of St. Nicholas.
Today, Antalya is one of europe’s largest tourist centers and
blossoms with modern cosmopolitan lifestyles. Hospitality,
perfect beaches, a ton of sights to see, fine dining, and
shopping… Antalya fulfills your every wish!
Our institute is located in the Dolphin-land dolphinarium, near the center on the Konyaalti
Beach. Together with the Aqua-land, it is part of
an extensive recreation, adventure, and relaxation complex, which includes water slides, swimming pools with relaxation areas, a pretty park,
restaurants, and cafés in addition to dolphins.
The dolphinarium is equipped with a large pool
system (fulfilling all eu standards for dolphin
husbandry). “Its barrier-free architecture is exceptionally adapted to our purposes. A Beluga
whale and three dolphins are housed here, all
specially trained for shows and dolphin therapy.
The therapy rooms and the AlphaSphere is near
the dolphin pools, completing the therapy zone
and inviting relaxing and well-being.
EFFECTIVENESS OF ALPHA-THERAPY
54.2% of parents evaluated their child’s therapy success as
“exceptional” or “very successful”.
28.6% reported “moderate” overall success.
Only 11.4% spoke of “almost no improvement” and only 5.7% of “no success whatsoever”.
89.5% of parents are “exceptionally satisfied” or “very satisfied”
with the overall concept of Alpha-Therapy.
HISTORY
Dolphins are even portrayed in cave drawings in Africa and frescos in Egyptian and Grecian
temples. Since antiquity, dolphins have fascinated humans and have been revered as deities.
Written records like that of the roman plinius tell of dolphins as friends and saviors.
Dolphins awaken in us a feeling of connection, maybe because we recognize something in
them that we have lost: the unfettered joy of living, social belonging, and unconditional love.
Interacting with dolphins can help us return step-by-step to this state of being and rediscover
our own sources of life energy. Alpha-therapy provides a framework for this and a personal field
of experimentation in which to enter this sphere and become part of a rapid development process. People who have had the opportunity to swim
with dolphins report of an “opening”, of intensified
perception, a feeling of love and belonging, comforting trains of thought, inspiration, a heightened body
sense, and above all of a state of deep relaxation
(see Demares 200).
PARTICIPATION
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS:
Participants must be physically able to undertake the difficulties associated with traveling to
and from the course location.
A medical confirmation of the abilities to travel
by air, adapt to location and climate change,
spend time in water, and participate in therapy
sessions must be submitted. epilepsy is not
considered a reason for exclusion, however,
we must be notified and informed about intensity levels. Therapy participants do not need
to be able to swim, but should have prior
experience with water. Ideally, they should
attend one of our dolphin therapy preparation
classes prior to travel.
DOLPHINSWIM ALSO OFFERS:
Swim-with-a-dolphin program
Dolphinexperience-holiday
DolphinCoaching for managers
Dolphintherapists training center
Individual
therapy sessions
REGISTRATION
TO REGISTER:
Please contact us by phone for an initial discussion. During this conversation, we will discuss the medical indications and available
reservation dates. After filling out and sending
us the registration form (download from our
homepage or by mail) and payment of the
EUR 500,- registration fee, your place will be
reserved. Our partner travel agency offers special rates on travel arrangements connected
with the Alpha-therapy program.
SERVICES
ALPHA-THERAPY INCLUDES:
10 x dolphin therapy à 25 min.
(with parent and sibling participation)
10 x individual AlphaSphere sessions à 35 min.
Lying in the AlphaSphere
Parent counseling
Visit to the Dolphin-Land dolphin show for
the whole family
May-October: free entry to the Aqua-Land
aquapark for the whole family
Cost: EUR 3500.- off season
EUR 3900.- peak season
The center is open from April until December.
Dolphin portrayals through antiquity.
Therapy schedule can be obtained from
our homepage, or feel free to call us!
DOLPHINSWIM ALPHA-THERAPY
Mag. Norbert Trompisch • Unterhaus 38 • 9871 Seeboden • Austria
office@dolphinswim.net • www.dolphinswim.net
Turkey: +90 (0) 539 5851 799 • Austria: +43 (0) 676 306 3857
©grafik: christa voithofer - studio.cmv@gmail.com
DOLPHINSWIM
ALPHA-THERAPY
AY
L
NTA !
A
IN KEY
W
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N
TUR