Welcome
KALMAR (pronounced “Calmer”) is a tool to help identify therapeutic activities and approaches that are most likely to have positive outcomes based on observations made by caregivers. The theory for the tool is based on work by Dr. Bruce Perry and his NMT model from ChildTrauma Academy as well as the TBRI method from The Karyn Purvis Institute for Child Development.
The 16 questions are modeled after the NeuroSequential Model of Therapeutics Metric developed by Dr. Perry and his colleagues. Each question has a suggested list of activities proposed to help therapists improve the child’s functioning in regards to the questions. Based upon the ratings (appropriate to concerning), those activities are cross-referenced and weighted in regards to the likelihood that it will be beneficial with regard to analysis of the child’s total sum ratings of the questions. If a child scores a “Big Concern” for one of the questions, a few selected activities within the suggestions are given priority and moved up within the report.
Each of the left side triangles can be clicked to give the observer additional information about how to score the questions or why the activities were included in the KALMAR tool. The questions, which correspond to the activities, are also listed in parenthesis in the activity list. The Score represents the weighting/analysis of the likelihood that activity will help the child. The activities listed at the top of the list (highest score) are given priority in treatment planning.
It is recommended that users begin with the long report as they become familiar with the tool and discover why the activities were recommended. To save paper and consolidate the responses for the more practiced user, the short report can be used as a reference.
Creative Therapies does not plan to store reports or any personal information. It is therefore recommended that users create a .pdf and save the reports if they would like to have a record.
This website is simply a tool. It is not designed to diagnose or treat an individual independently. It was designed to give hope and direction in regards to selecting trauma compassionate activities to help children. I sincerely hope it helps you help someone. Joyfully, Marti