Multi-Sensory Therapy for Emotional Dysregulation

(HEAL-SLOJSC Trial)

The trial aims to determine if a new sensory therapy, SoundHeal Multi-Sensory Integrative Therapy, can help justice-involved youth manage their emotions more effectively. Participants will sit in a special booth, the Healpod, where they will experience sound, music, gentle vibrations, and ambient light, followed by journaling. This therapy could improve emotional control, mental health, and coping skills. The trial seeks youth aged 12-18 who are detained in SLO County Juvenile Hall for at least eight weeks and have a history of mental health issues or substance use. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for participants to explore innovative therapy that could enhance emotional well-being.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

Research has shown that SoundHeal Multi-Sensory Integrative Therapy is a gentle and non-invasive treatment. It combines sound, music, gentle vibrations, and soft lighting in a special booth called the Healpod. Without the use of drugs or surgery, this therapy is generally well-tolerated.

Researchers are excited about SoundHeal Multi-Sensory Integrative Therapy because it takes a novel approach to tackling emotional dysregulation. Unlike traditional therapies that rely heavily on verbal communication, this treatment combines sound, music, gentle vibration, and ambient light within a single-person booth known as the Healpod. This multi-sensory experience is designed to quickly engage participants' senses and emotions, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of standard counseling sessions. Additionally, the immediate expressive journaling or drawing component allows individuals to process their experiences creatively, which might lead to faster emotional regulation and improved outcomes.

Studies have shown that SoundHeal Multi-Sensory Integrative Therapy, which uses the Healpod, can help young people better manage their emotions. In a program at a California Juvenile Hall, over 96% of participants reported improved well-being, and more than 99% said it helped them develop coping skills. In this trial, participants in the Heal Intervention arm will receive this therapy, which uses sound, music, gentle vibrations, and soft lighting to create a calming environment. It focuses on sensory experiences to help manage emotions, rather than relying solely on talk therapy. The goal is to connect emotional challenges with readiness for treatment.¹²³⁶⁷