Who is Anat Baniel?


Anat Baniel is a clinical psychologist, author, and founder of the Anat Baniel Method® (ABM) / NeuroMovement®, an innovative approach to enhancing brain function and facilitating physical and mental development. Her work is rooted in the principles of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout life.

Early Life and Education: Anat initially trained as a clinical psychologist and dancer. She developed an interest in the mind-body connection and the potential for movement to influence the brain.

Training with Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais: Anat studied extensively under Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, a pioneer in the field of movement education. Feldenkrais’s work on functional movement and awareness significantly influenced her approach.

Innovator in NeuroMovement: Building on Feldenkrais’s principles, Anat expanded the methodology to include her own discoveries about brain plasticity and human development.

Work and Contributions

Focus on Brain Plasticity: Anat Baniel’s work emphasizes using movement and awareness to tap into the brain’s natural ability to form new neural connections, promoting healing and development.

 

Application to Special Needs: She has worked with thousands of children with special needs, helping them overcome challenges related to conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, and developmental delays.

Pain and Rehabilitation: Her method has also been applied successfully to adults dealing with chronic pain, injuries, and age-related physical decline.

Performance Enhancement: Anat’s techniques have been used by athletes, musicians, and other professionals seeking to improve their performance and prevent injury.

Books by Anat Baniel

Move Into Life : The Nine Essentials for Lifelong Vitality” (2009): This book introduces readers to the core principles of NeuroMovement and how to use them to enhance vitality and brain health.

 

Kids Beyond Limits (2012) : A guide for parents and caregivers, this book explains how to apply the Anat Baniel Method to help children with special needs achieve breakthroughs in learning and development. “Kids Beyond Limits” by Anat Baniel has been translated into several languages to reach a broader audience. Notably, it is available in Turkish under the title “Sınırını Aşan Çocuklar” and in German as “Ungehindert” in French as “La Méthode Anat Baniel.” Additionally, a Russian translation exists.

The 9 Essentials of Positive Brain Change

The Nine Essentials are the brain’s requirements for waking up the brain to do its job well. Each Essential helps the brain create new connections and avoid the rigidity of limiting patterns and habits. The 9 Essentials open up delightful, and often surprising, new possibilities.

Nine Essentials:

Principle: When you pay attention to your movements, the brain becomes more engaged and effective at creating new connections.

Why It Works: Focusing on how you move helps the brain better map your body, improving coordination, balance, and ease of movement.

Example: As you walk, notice the sensation of your foot touching the ground, the roll of your heel, and the shift of your weight.

Principle: Slowing down movement allows the brain to notice details, detect errors, and create lasting changes.

Why It Works: Fast actions bypass the brain’s ability to fully process and learn from experiences, whereas slow movements enable deeper learning.

Example: Perform a simple movement, like reaching for an object, as slowly as possible, observing each small adjustment in your muscles.

Principle: Introducing small variations in movement or activity stimulates the brain to explore new possibilities and adapt.

Why It Works: Repetition alone can lead to stagnation, but variation keeps the brain alert and encourages flexibility.

Example: Try different ways of sitting, shifting your weight from one side to the other, or tilting your pelvis slightly forward or back.

Principle: Gentle, precise movements are more effective at engaging the brain than large, forceful actions.

Why It Works: The brain is more sensitive to small changes, which can lead to significant improvements over time.

Example: Instead of stretching a stiff muscle forcefully, explore very small, subtle movements within a pain-free range.

Principle: Cultivating positive emotions energizes the brain, making learning more effective and enjoyable.

How It Works: Enthusiasm amplifies engagement and motivates the brain to embrace change and growth.

Example: Celebrate small successes, like mastering a movement or achieving a new sensation, with genuine excitement.

Principle: Setting flexible goals and focusing on the process rather than rigid outcomes allows room for creative problem-solving and unexpected progress.

Why It Works: This approach reduces frustration and opens the door to discovering new pathways to success.

Example: Instead of aiming to stand perfectly straight after an injury, explore how you can move closer to standing comfortably in different ways.

Principle: The brain learns best when it is curious, engaged, and interested.

Why It Works: A playful, curious mindset “turns on” the brain’s capacity for growth and change, making learning more effective.

Example: Approach a challenging task, like balancing on one leg, as an experiment, trying different positions without fear of failure.

Principle: Visualization and imagination stimulate the brain to explore new possibilities and prepare for action.

How It Works: The brain doesn’t distinguish much between real and imagined actions, so imagining movements can prepare the brain for actual improvement.

Example: Visualize yourself moving effortlessly through a difficult task before attempting it.

Principle: Becoming aware of your movements, feelings, and sensations strengthens the brain-body connection and enhances learning.

Why It Works: Awareness helps the brain identify inefficient patterns and create better ones.

Example: While brushing your teeth, notice the movement of your hand, the pressure of the brush on your gums, and the angle of your wrist.

Scientific Foundations

Neuroplasticity Research: Extensive studies have demonstrated the brain’s capacity to change and adapt in response to new experiences and learning. This foundational concept underpins the techniques employed in Anat Baniel Method® (ABM) / NeuroMovement®.
Why Do Leading Experts Like Dr. Michael Merzenich, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, Dr. Martha Herbert, Dr. Norman Doidge, and Others Advocate for Anat Baniel, Her Work, and Her Method? Please click the link to learn more.

How It Works ?

ABM uses movement and awareness techniques to stimulate the brain’s learning capacity. Sessions can beconducted one-on-one or in group settings, tailored to individual needs.

Movement is the key to unlocking your brain’s potential for positive transformation. No matter your age or ability, you can benefit from this approach. Explore the topics below to discover more:

Children with Special Needs

Empower your child to reach their full learning potential. Turn challenges into possibilities and help them experience joy, hope, and a fulfilling life.

Anti-Aging and Wellness

Restore your mental and physical vitality. Regain flexibility, strength, and energy to live a vibrant and fulfilling life at any age.

Natural Pain Relief

Break free from pain and limitations using the power of your brain. Our safe, natural programs will help you embrace a life of freedom and comfort.

Rehabilitation & Recovery of Function

Surpass the limits of recovery and reclaim your mobility. Experience transformation in conditions such as strokes, brain injuries, PTSD, and more.

Whole Brain & Body Fitness

Achieve harmony between your mind and body, improving strength, coordination, and self-awareness for a healthier, balanced life.

High Performance

Unleash the full potential of your brain. Whether you’re an athlete, artist, or leader, elevate your performance to the highest level.

A chronic pain sufferer who returned to windsurfing.

Donna

A 71-year-old who regained fluidity and eliminated walking issues.

Joel

A child with cerebral palsy who improved his speech, reading, and movement skills.

Laird