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We are always looking for new types of therapy, new treatment ideas and modalities, and today we are talking with Carol, the co-founder of Brain Harmony. Brain Harmony is a private medical care company that uses the neuroplasticity of the brain to provide the most powerful and proven therapy to help children and adults with learning and performance difficulties.
Listen in as Carol explains the benefits and we chat about a different approach to standard therapy.
SHOW NOTES
For over two decades, Carol Garner-Houston, OTR/L, has been transforming lives through occupational therapy. As the co-founder of Brain Harmony, she brings deep clinical expertise, cutting-edge tools, and an unwavering passion for helping individuals thrive—regardless of diagnosis.
Together with her sister, who manages the administrative side of their business, Carol has built Brain Harmony into a global leader in home-based and virtual occupational therapy services. Her mission? To make powerful, science-backed tools accessible to families everywhere.
Carol’s OT career began in traditional clinical settings—spanning inpatient, outpatient, home health, psychiatric, and geriatric care. But everything shifted when she was introduced to her first neuroplasticity-based therapy tool.
Seeing its impact firsthand, Carol became committed to finding and integrating the most effective tools for brain and body healing. This journey led to the founding of Brain Harmony, a therapy model focused on outcomes over overhead, and on empowering families with the tools to succeed at home.
After investing in a brick-and-mortar clinic and facing the challenges of high overhead, Carol asked a critical question:What if we could deliver high-quality therapy in the home—without sacrificing results?
She shifted to a telehealth and in-home service model, which not only reduced costs but allowed for:
More personalized sessions.
Direct coaching for parents and caregivers.
Increased client comfort and accessibility.
Empowerment of the entire family system.
By offering education, training, and tools directly to families, Brain Harmony created an environment where transformation could happen in the heart of the home.
Carol’s approach is rooted in research and real-life results. Her favorite tools are evidence-based, non-invasive, and designed to support the nervous system’s ability to self-regulate and heal.
A multisensory tool combining auditory, movement, and balance to improve brain integration. It builds the foundation for:
Attention.
Learning.
Behavior.
Emotional regulation.
Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, SSP uses vagal nerve stimulation via filtered music to calm the autonomic nervous system. It’s especially effective for:
Trauma and anxiety.
Sensory processing challenges.
Emotional regulation.
A cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) device used to reduce:
Anxiety.
Depression.
Insomnia.
It promotes alpha brain waves to support calm, focus, and neuroregulation.
Delivers calming music through bone conduction, gently stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system to promote rest and sleep—ideal for children who struggle with transitions, sleep, or anxiety.
Brain Harmony’s virtual model isn’t just convenient—it’stransformational. Here’s what a typical session looks like:
A child appears on screen, ready to engage.
A parent or caregiver follows along, guided in real-time by the therapist.
Tools (like therapy balls or Dreampad pillows) are integrated seamlessly.
The therapistcoaches the caregiver, building their confidence and competence.
This parent-led, therapist-supported model empowers caregivers to:
Reinforce skills daily.
Continue progress between sessions.
Feel confident supporting their child’s development.
Why it works: Empowering parents creates consistency, which is key for neurodevelopmental success.
Many families come to Brain Harmony for the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and continue with Integrated Listening Systems (ILS) after experiencing its benefits.
Here’s a common timeline:
Days 1–10: SSP sessions, 30 minutes/day.
Day 11: Follow-up call to evaluate progress.
Weeks 2–8: Focus program begins, extending neurodevelopmental gains.
Fully customizable: Timelines and protocols are adjusted to the child's tolerance and progress.
This approach ensures that each child’s nervous system is supported, not overwhelmed, leading to greater long-term gains.
Carol’s clients span all ages and backgrounds—but the one thing they have in common? Remarkable progress.
A 7-year-old boy with sensory and behavioral challenges learned to follow directions, participate in group play, and stay regulated—all within two weeks.
One child dramatically improved in fluency and articulation through sound-based tools and personalized coaching.
Through a collaborative approach, this adult client:
Became calmer and more independent.
Began using a letter board to communicate.
Developed a love for skiing!
A young girl with separation anxiety found peace using the Dreampad. Within a week, she was calm, independent, and cooperative.
Carol’s greatest challenge isn’t finding the right tools—it’s translating neuroscience into everyday action for families. “I don’t want to overwhelm parents—I want to empower them,” she says.
Her goal is to help families realize that progress is possible, regardless of a diagnosis. By pairing advanced technologies with positive, practical coaching, Carol helps parents shift from fear to confidence.
Carol continues to innovate, integrating the latest evidence-based techniques into her sessions. One of the newest additions is: Quantum Reflex Integration (QRI).
A cold laser therapy that promotes neurological efficiency by repatterning retained reflexes. Used in conjunction with other therapies, QRI helps amplify the effects of interventions like SSP and ILS.
As Carol explains, many clients come to Brain Harmony already working hard to regulate their nervous systems—but still feeling stuck. These tools often unlock deeper layers of healing, helping families finally break through.
Carol Garner-Houston is a guiding light for families navigating sensory processing, emotional regulation, and developmental challenges. Her model is simple but revolutionary:
Equip families with cutting-edge tools.
Deliver personalized, virtual therapy.
Empower parents to become the experts in their own homes.
Through Brain Harmony, Carol is showing the world that therapy doesn’t have to happen in a clinic—it can happen anywhere, and it can change everything.
“With the right tools, every child can thrive. Our job is to help families unlock that potential.” – Carol Garner-Houston
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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