top of page
Anna Venables, Microsystems Therapies and Training

Auricular Therapy Consultancy and Training

Supporting nervous system regulation across ADHD, trauma, mental health and women’s health

From Overwhelm to Calm Naturally with Auricular Therapy 

MTAT Connecting Protocol online programme introduces a structured, nervous system first ear seeding approach for families, practitioners and those with lived experience navigating ADHD and executive function challenges. 

Available online using live recorded video demonstrations and workbook so you can  access my programme at your own pace, at a time to suit you. 

 

Lucy and Gabby MTAT Connecting Protocol Ear Seeding
MTAT Connecting Protocol

Lucy's Voice 
'I felt calm. There was a release of pressure which had been building for a very long time.'
*****
Google Review 

         Calmer Nervous Systems                Improved Sleep and Settling                 Stronger Family Connection

Calmer nervous system  wavy lines.png
Family with heart.png
Cresecent moon with star.png

ADHD and executive function challenges don’t look the same for everyone. The idea of an 'ADHD signature' (Dr James Kustow) recognises that attention, regulation, adaptive strategies and strengths are individual to each child and family.

Yet when nervous systems are frequently stretched beyond their capacity, the impact can make everyday life demands harder. Focus becomes difficult to sustain, sleep more unsettled and relationships more easily strained.

Caregivers and children can find themselves caught in repeating cycles of reactivity and exhaustion, despite their best intentions.

            Nervous Systems tip into fight, flight or shutdown. 

            Focus and impulse control are reduced under stress.

            Connection and co-regulation give way to correction                and conflict. ​                   

Calmer nervous system  wavy lines.png
Family with heart.png
Focus disruption under stress icon.png

You don't have to navigate this alone.

MTAT Connecting Protocol begins with a nervous system first approach. 

Through a simple structured ear-seeding partnership, caregiver and child turn take to support each other’s regulation. As nervous systems settle, brain networks for attention, emotional balance and sleep stabilise, and co-regulation and relational connections strengthen. 

I have lived experience of ADHD and parent a child with ADHD. 

I am a Specialist Social, Emotional and Mental Health Teacher and an Auricular (ear) Acupuncturist of over 25 years, 

I guide families and practitioners to learn and experience MTAT Connecting Protocol as a gentle, practical partnership intervention supporting both caregiver and child, practitioner and patient. Nervous system regulation provides a safe relational space to build trust, feel calmer and more connected in relationships together, naturally. 

Anna Venables MTAT Microsystems Therapies and Training Auricular Therapy

Benefit from four simple shifts that support family wellbeing naturally, regardless of diagnosis, age or medication pathway.
MTAT Connecting Protocol

Regulate
Calms the
nervous system. Self regulation

    Relate
Strengthens 
co-regulation. Connects thinking and feeling brain.

Rewire
Improves focus and attention. Ignites the thinking brain. Calms impulsivity.

Restore
Supports settled sleep, transitions and closing the day 

Regulate Relate Rewire Restore MTAT Connecting Protocol

Gently reduces emotional arousal without sensory overwhelm.

A partnership and  shared experience between caregiver and child who turn take and regulate together.

When regulation stabilises, the brain networks behind focus and impulse control can function more effectively.

Supporting rest and recovery. Preparing to begin and end the day calmly

Hear our Families Speak: Claire and Hayden following in person ear seeding workshop

Hear our practitioners voices: Sariah, Nick and Lisa following in person workshop

'Fascinating innovative training. Great teaching. Person Centered. Simple treatments for a complex disorder. Let’s get this out there and help families.'
Sariah Southgate,
Mental Health Nurse.

  ***** Google Review

'Anna has developed a holistic system of simple protocols to follow for four different aspects of ADHD, It is brilliant. Taught with passion and expert knowledge, this course is useful for parents, carers, teachers, and therapists.'
Nick Shough, Social Worker

  ***** Google Review

'I recommend this course for families and for professionals. The material is well laid out and accessible in print or on line.'
Lisa Phillips
Substance Misuse Worker

 ***** Google Review

3 Simple Steps to start MTAT Connecting Protocol

Step One

Step Two

You will have immediate access to MTAT Connecting Protocol via MTAT Online Learning Hub. 

Step Three

Enjoy learning your new emotional regulation and ear seed partnership techniques to use any time, any setting.    

Checkmark in sage green circle transparent.png
Checkmark in sage green circle transparent.png

5 Reasons Why Families and Practitioners Choose MTAT Connecting Protocol.

 

             Ear seeding for nervous system regulation.

Rather than focusing on behaviour alone, MTAT Connecting Protocol begins with calming the nervous system as a nervous system first response to ADHD. 

      A partnership approach.

Caregiver and child take turns supporting each other, reducing stress and burnout, building co-regulation and connection rather than creating another treatment hierarchy. This applies to different settings and other relationship dynamics.

      Developed by an auricular therapy expert with 25 years’ experience as an auricular acupuncturist. Designed for real families, I have an understanding of ADHD as a parent of a child with ADHD , practitioner and Specialist SEMH Teacher supporting families with ADHD and Executive Function challenges. 

      Visual, video-based learning that makes protocols and brain science accessible.  Real ear demonstrations make the ear seeding of acupoints clear. The protocols translate the neuroanatomy of Barkley and German ear charts of Drs. Bahr and Strittmatter into simple visual frameworks that can understood and applied. 

      Adaptable individualised ear-seeding protocols. Flexible for real life. the right protocol is selected using What is Happening? Decision Sheet to target the most needed support at the time of intervention. Protocols work alongside diagnosis, medication and other support pathways and cut across age and comorbid differences. 

Checkmark in sage green circle transparent.png
Checkmark in sage green circle transparent.png
Checkmark in sage green circle transparent.png

Inside MTAT Connecting Protocol Approach

Features to support building your personalised ADHD ear-seeding toolkit.

 

 








Feature Grid MTAT Connecting Protocol
8 Frequently asked questions

Top 8 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Ear Seeds, Auricular Therapy and ADHD. 

 

1. Is there evidence that auricular acupressure helps ADHD?

The evidence base includes randomised controlled trials and controlled clinical studies investigating auricular acupressure for ADHD. Research by Terry Oleson (randomised trial), Mahdavi and Farokhzadi has reported improvements in attention, hyperactivity and behavioural regulation. Findings are encouraging and suggest a promising complementary approach, although larger-scale and consistently high-quality trials are still needed.

2. What are ear seeds and how do they work?

Ear seeds are tiny beads placed on specific auricular acupressure points on the outer ear. These points lie close to nerve pathways connected to the brain and nervous system, including branches of the vagus nerve and trigeminal nerve. Gentle stimulation may help support calm, focus and emotional regulation.​​

​​​​3. How long do ear seeds stay in?

Ear seeds are usually left in place for 3–5 days, providing gentle continuous stimulation. They are then removed so the skin can rest before new seeds are applied if needed.

 

4. Can ear seeding help ADHD symptoms?

Research studies report improvements in attention, hyperactivity, emotional regulation and behavioural or conduct difficulties in some children and adults with ADHD. Auricular acupressure is typically used as a complementary support alongside other approaches.

5. Can ear seeds or auricular acupressure be used alongside ADHD medication?

Yes. Auricular acupressure can be used alongside ADHD medication and other supports. It is intended to complement usual care rather than replace medical treatment.

6. Do you need an ADHD diagnosis to use the MTAT Connecting Protocol?

No. A formal diagnosis is not required. People experiencing challenges with focus, emotional regulation, stress or executive function may benefit from the MTAT Connecting Protocol.

7. Are ear seeds safe for adults and children?

Ear seeding is non-invasive and needle-free, with research reporting minimal side effects, most commonly mild ear sensitivity or temporary skin irritation. When used with children, seeds must be applied safely so they cannot be swallowed, and full health, safety and hygiene guidance is provided during training.

8. Is consent required before using ear seeds or auricular acupressure?

Yes. Informed consent is essential. Both the adult caregiver and the young person must provide signed consent before the intervention takes place. 

Get Updates

Join our mailing list

So that we can chat or wats app to see how I can best help you.

More Training

NADA GB

NADA GB 5-Point Ear Acupuncture Training

 

Train in the original NADA GB 5 point auricular acupuncture protocol as Dr Michael Smith intended it to be learnt and carried forward.

 

As an approved Midlands-based trainer for NADA GB, join me over 3-4 days of highly practical learning at my restful treatment space Woodbrooke, Gardenside Clinic, Bournville.

Well evidenced to support substance use, mental health, eating disorders, cancer supportive care, menopause, pain, anxiety and sleep across NHS, prison and many health and social care settings. Adjunctive alongside usual care. 

 

Professor Dr Kajsa Landgren
Author of NADA for Substance Misuse and Mental Health with Anna Venables, NADA GB Conference, 2024.

'This course has been the most professional and life changing experience. I have returned home a new man ready to help other humans Transform their lives. 
Nuno Gois, Reiki Master, Skin Specialist  
  ***** Google Review

''Anna at MTAT is passionate about her work. She has studied with many trainers and is generous with her knowledge. I felt supported and challenged in all the right ways.' 
Dr. Grace McGeoch,
GP, NHS

  ***** Google Review

'What an amazing experience and wonderful skill to learn, I feel like I've been given a gift of life sustaining magic, Anna is an excellent trainer and I will be back.
Darren McEvoy, CBT Therapist  
  ***** Google Review

Book NADA GB 5 Point Protocol

Training: 24th - 27th July 2026
Reassessment: 27th July 1pm


Training:
14/15 & 21/22nd November '26

NADA GB Annual Reassessment Training

Maintain confidence, accuracy, and professional standards with structured reassessment and refresher training for practitioners returning to practice or deepening clinical precision.

MTAT Ear Acupuncture for Stress & Anxiety Management Protocol (FHT Accredited)
 

FHT accredited since 2014, my MTAT Ear Acupuncture for Stress & Anxiety Management has helped thousands of practitioners expand their scope and stand out as industry leaders using a nervous system first response. Includes acupoints  evidence based to outperform diazepam at supporting insomnia (Chen, et al., 1999.)  

Learn Korean Flying Needle technique, how to access the sympathetic chain on the ear, balance the HPA axis, and activate the vagus nerve. 

 

Evidence based to support stress, anxiety, insomnia, emotional dysregulation and by mechanism vagus nerve stimulation, trauma. 

FHT Accredited Course Provider Anna Venables MTAT
Watch body acupuncturist Nari master flying needle technique on Jenna, holistic therapist.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attuning to Ear Talk (AoR & FHT Accredited)

Seven Skin Alterations of the Auricle to Indicate Health 

 

Dr Li Chun Huang says 'It is as if the ear can speak for and express itself.' Dr Muriel Agnes says the ear is a 'window to the brain', one that leaves us 'diagnostic signals.' (Dr Terry Oleson.) I say the ears don't lie. If we learn their language and decode their messages, then we can interpret their indicators for health.

 

Attuning to ear talk is my online two day self paced interactive workshop available via Google Classroom. It explores the teachings of Romoli, Huang and my own clinical practice It using my real ear colour photo gallery, curated across two decades. I teach you Seven Skin Alternations of the auricle and their meanings for health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ear Talk Anna Venables Ears are record keepers of oure medical file

'Mind-blowing, profound, affirming - thank you so much Anna for your skill and knowledge. I would highly recommend. 
Sue Whittaker,
5 Element Acupuncturist


  ***** Google Review

'A transformational experience. Excellent teaching, knowledge and kindness from Anna. Would recommend 100%. If I could award more stars I would.
Jo Ann Burton,
Probation Officer

  ***** Google Review

By the end of the weekend I felt totally confident to take what I'd learned into my Treatment Room so that I can support my clients on an even deeper level.
Vicky Rawcliffe,
Award Winning Holistic Therapist.
 
 *****  Google Review

Watch my live interactive webinar recording of Ear Talk. Using real ear images and case studies curated over 25 year.  
 
Webinar 60 mins + is available here 

 'I've spent a wonderful weekend on the EAR TALK course, learning that our ears hold our medical records and that the ears don't lie ! It's been absolutely fascinating, and so valuable. Lucy Shears, Body Acupuncturist  ***** Google Review

Bespoke Premium Service:

Live Online Ear Seeding Consultancy

An attentive one to one service that focuses on your individual treatment goals over a period of twelve weeks.  

Tailored auricular therapy protocols are designed specifically for you following consultation, You learn how to replicate the protocols at home, apply ear seeds accurately and together we review and refine your progress and results weekly.

Consultations are live via zoom and recorded so that you can play back the video demonstrations. 

Supporting

✔ Hormone balance & menopause
✔ Fertility & reproductive health
✔ Weight regulation & emotional eating
✔ Pain management
✔ Sleep & nervous system regulation
✔ Focus, ADHD & EF Challenges. 

What's Included:

✔ Comprehensive consultation and assessment
✔ Evidence-informed ear reading (Romoli)
✔ A fully personalised treatment plan
✔ 12 weekly live, real-time guided sessions
✔ Tailored protocol combinations refined week by week
✔ Ongoing review of your progress and outcomes
✔ MTAT Ear Seed treatment tracker
✔ CBT and motivational interviewing support
✔ 24k gold plated ear seeds
✔ Session recordings to support your practice
 

Online Ear Seeding Consultancy
as featured on Style Mogul Podcast with Maryam Sharif
Watch me apply Vaccaria ear seeds to Julie's appetite control point and stomach. Part of my Belly Full weight reducion protocol. 
Auricular Therapy for weight reduction Anna Venables MTAT
Julie Ear Seeding for weight reduction MTAT_edited.jpg
Free MTAT Daily Journal and Treatment Tracker Template
Julie Ear Seeding for Weight Reduction with Anna Venables MTAT
Stress and Anixety
Attuning to Ear Talk
Bespoke Premium

Meet Me 
I'm Anna. Auricular Therapy Consultant, Trainer and Practitioner

and The AcuXpert™ behind MTAT

Anna Venables MTAT Ear Acupuncture Auricular Acupuncture_edited.jpg


Accredited Auricular Therapy Trainer for NADA GB, AoR, FHT (MFHT, MAoR, CNHC)
Specialist Social, Emotional and Mental Health Teacher (PG Cert.)
Specialist Addiction Treatment Worker (PG Cert.)
Qualified Teacher (QTS)
Trauma Informed and Attachment Aware

Train as a Practitioner

Learn auricular therapy and integrate nervous-system-first tools into your existing modalities
Explore Training above

Learn as a Parent / Carer

Build your own ADHD emotional regulation toolkit with MTAT Connecting Protocol 

Join Online Workshop wait list

Work With Me 1:1 

Premium 12 Week Service

Bespoke personalised ear seeding protocols for targeted support (online)
Book one to one programme 

Woodbrooke Lakeside and Gardenside Training and Treatment Space  Anna Venables

Contact Me

As Featured In...
 

bottom of page