Request Your Free DVD Introducing REI
Receive a free DVD by mail describing Rhythmic Entrainment Intervention and the REI Custom Program. Learn More
Receive a free DVD by mail describing Rhythmic Entrainment Intervention and the REI Custom Program. Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions About the REI Program
Q: What is the purpose of each of the two CDs contained in the REI Program?
A: CD #1 is the introductory CD. It serves two purposes:
1. To introduce your nervous system to the REI process. Entrainment requires a period of adjustment for the listener's nervous system. CD #1 is designed to gently introduce you to the process to keep your nervous system from becoming overwhelmed by the stimulus.
2. As an episodal calming or focusing aid (depending on the criteria determined by your intake questionnaire and interview). To use the CD episodally, simply play it quietly during times of heightened anxiety (tantrums, difficult transitions, undesirable behaviors, etc.), or when the individual wants to focus on a specific task.
CD #2 is the heart of the REI Program. It's designed to facilitate long-term change by pushing your nervous system toward change. This CD uses rhythms that would be uncomfortable for the listener if not first introduced by CD #1.
Q: What if I miss a day or two during the Program period?
A: It’s okay to miss a day or two during the Program schedule. We suggest that if you do miss more than 3 or 4 days, you contact your authorized provider or the REI Institute customer support staff to find out how to proceed. Our research has shown that if the CDs are played less than 3 times per week the changes, if any, are often insignificant.
Q: Is it necessary for the listener to sit still and listen to the CD for twenty minutes?
A: The REI Program CDs don’t require active listening. Just play the appropriate CD for that day softly in the background while listener is within earshot. He can play, read, eat, sleep, or do just about anything while the CD is playing except watch TV or listen to any other type of music.
Q: Do I have to stop using other therapies while doing the REI Program?
A: No. We highly recommend using the REI Program CDs while doing other therapy programs, especially forms of occupational or speech therapy. Because the REI Program provides a stimulating effect on the nervous system, learning and focusing abilities are often increased during exposure to the CD.
Q: Can I use headphones?
A: We don’t recommend the use of headphones for the REI Program CDs. This is mainly because it’s very easy to turn the volume up too high with recorded percussion sounds. In fact we don’t recommend headphones for anyone–it’s just too easy to turn the volume up too loud and do damage to the ears. Percussion instruments record with a very sharp auditory signal and what may sound like a normal volume may actually be damaging to the ears.
We ask that if you must use headphones that you turn the volume off, put the headphone on your ears, and slowly turn the volume up until it's just loud enough to hear while still being able to hear someone talk over the rhythms. This will be loud enough to be effective. Also if you must use headphones for your child we recommend that you always monitor the volume while your child listens.
Q: When is the best time to play the REI CDs?
A: There is no set best or worst time to use the CDs. You'll need to experiment to see when the best time is for you. Most families use the CD before bedtime, during schoolwork or learning exercises, in the car (make sure the trip is at least 20 minutes so you can listen to the CD all the way through). Though there is no one time of day that is best for everyone, we do suggest that you find a routine and stick to it over the course of the Program.
Q: Once the Program is finished and we stop playing the CD, do the improvements we’ve seen disappear?
A: Very rarely. Occassionaly some sort of trauma - emotional or physical - will cause some behaviors to reappear. If this happens, simply start using CD #2 again for a few days until they disappear again.
Q: What if the intended listener doesn't want to listen to the CD or complains that they don't like it?
A: This is extremely rare, but in the instances that this has happened it's most often because the CD is played too loud. The REI Program is designed to be used a background stimulus and isn't intended to be the focal point of the listener's consciousness. We suggest turning the volume down on the CD until the rhythms are just above barely audible (if you're unsure of the correct volume level consult with your authorized provider or call the REI Institute's customer support staff).
If turning the volume down doesn't solve the problem and it persists beyond the first 5 listening sessions, call your authorized provider or the REI Institute customer support staff at 800-659-6644.
Q: Can we play the CDs more often than described in the program instructions?
A: We don't recommend it. Playing the CDs more often than described in the Program literature won't increase the onset or effectiveness of the CDs. Instead it will likely over-stimulate the listener's nervous system. This may result in undesirable behaviors.
If over-stimulation occurs (evidenced by the listener not wanting to hear it or getting "wound-up" while it's on), take a break from the REI Program for three days and contact your Authorized Provider or the REI Institute. After this three day break, you can usually start up again where you left off in the Program.
Q: What kind of improvements can I expect from the REI Program?
A: for CD #1 people generally see improved ability to focus or lowered anxiety within a couple minutes of putting the CD on. For CD #2 long term changes vary from person to person and are usually right in line with the areas that are most profoundly impacting the listener. For example, a young chld with autism who lacks language development often sees improvements in his motivation and ability to understand, formulate, and use language. As another example, an adult with ADHD who has difficulty remembering things (appointments, losing keys, etc.) often finds that he's better able to keep track of his thoughts (and things). These changes often begin happening within a few weeks of starting CD #2 and generally (not always) show up as progressive gains rather than sudden bursts of improvement.
Q: Is it okay for other people in the household to hear the CDs?
A: Absolutely. Although the CDs are custom-made for the person for which you had the Program developed, the rhythms on the CDs will not adversely affect anyone else who hears them. In fact, other people often find them to be calming and focusing as well.
Q: Can we continue using the CDs after the scheduled program period is over?
A: Absolutely! Many people continue using their REI Program CDs long after the entraining period is over. In fact, we have people who've been continuously using an REI CD for several years.
If you do continue on with the REI Program CDs:
1. Use CD #1 for episodal calming or focusing - in other words, use it when you need to calm down or focus on a task.
2. Use CD #2 as a daily (or almost daily) session to keep improving on the changes the Program facilitates.
Q: Is there ever a need to have a new REI Program made?
A: Sometimes. As people change, so do their needs. Oftentimes the improvements brought on over the course of the REI Program are significant enough that they warrant a new Program to address the new challenges that are uncovered as a result. This is especially true for young children whose nervous systems are constantly going through developmental changes.
Q: How would we know if a new REI Program is necessary?
A: If other challenges (symptoms) appear over the course of the Program or if developmental gains seem to halt, you may find that a new REI Program can be of benefit to you. To be sure - or to rule it out - check with your authorized REI Program provider or the REI Institute customer support staff at 800-659-6644.
