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An Alternative Simplified Method for Cygnet ILF HD Client ORF Sites and Frequencies
A streamlined approach for establishing Optimal Reward Frequencies (ORF) in new clients and transitioning existing clients to lower frequency ranges, with a focus on the Quin range. This document outlines a simplified protocol that has been successfully implemented with over 60 established clients and over 200 new clients.
by Aaron Gardner, MA, LCMHC
Understanding the Current ORF Methods
Traditionally, finding a client's Optimal Reward Frequency (ORF) has been one of the most challenging aspects of the Othmer Method. Current prevalent methods advocate for starting clients at frequencies above the Quin range (0.000001 to 0.000009 mHz) and involve rather complex decision processes for determining starting sites.
T4-P4 for arousal deficits
Recommended for clients with attention and focus issues
T3-T4 for excitability deficits
Targeted for emotional regulation challenges
P3-P4 for calming and stabilizing
Used when general stabilization is needed
Starting frequencies typically begin at 0.0001 mHz for significant arousal regulation deficits or 0.001 mHz for instabilities without arousal deficits, with gradual adjustments based on client response.
Traditional Starting Site Recommendations
T4-P4 for arousal deficits
Recommended for clients with attention and focus issues
T3-T4 for excitability deficits
Targeted for emotional regulation challenges
P3-P4 for calming and stabilizing
Used when general stabilization is needed
Limitations of Traditional Methods

Key Challenge:
Multiple frequency changes during a single session can sometimes stress a client's nervous system, potentially evoking negative symptoms that may obscure the true response to a frequency setting.
Multiple frequency changes during a single session can sometimes stress a client's nervous system, potentially evoking negative symptoms that may obscure the true response to a frequency setting. This complicates the process of identifying an accurate ORF.
Additionally, the Quad range (0.00001 to 0.00009 mHz) has been observed to be troublesome for many clients, frequently causing discomfort or exacerbating symptoms. This can deter clinicians from exploring the potentially beneficial Quin range.
Despite these challenges, clinical observations across the Othmer community indicate that a majority of clients are now training at or near the bottom of the Quin range with excellent results, suggesting that a more direct approach to reaching these frequencies may be beneficial.
The Simplified Method Protocol
01
First Session
Train Pz-Fz at Quin 8 (0.000008 mHz) for approximately 1/3 of the session, then train P3-P4 at Quin 2 (0.000002 mHz) for the remainder of the session.
02
Second Session
Train Pz-Fz at Quin 4 (0.000004 mHz) for approximately 1/3 of the session, then train P3-P4 at Quin 1 (0.000001 mHz) for the remainder of the session.
03
Third Session
Train Pz-Fz at Quin 2 (0.000002 mHz) for approximately 1/3 of the session, then train P3-P4 at Quin 1 (0.000001 mHz) for the remainder of the session.
04
Fourth Session
Train Pz-Fz at Quin 1 (0.000001 mHz) for approximately 1/3 of the session, then train P3-P4 at Quin 1 (0.000001 mHz) for the remainder of the session.
During each session, carefully assess the client for "Low Arousal" indicators (uncomfortably slow physical or cognitive responses, sedation, slurring, stumbling). If these definitive indicators appear, you may need to increase the frequency one step higher in the Quin range.
Assessing Client Response
Throughout implementation of this protocol, it's crucial to continuously monitor for signs of "Low Arousal" indicators. However, in approximately 300 clinical cases using this method, definitive "Low Arousal" indicators were extremely rare to non-existent.
When mild "Low Arousal" symptoms do appear (such as slightly lower energy or mood), it's important to distinguish between temporary adjustment effects and genuine frequency incompatibility. In many cases, maintaining the same frequency for an additional session often eliminates the client's sense that the frequency is too low.
Temporary adjustment effects
Mild fatigue or mood changes that resolve with continued training
Genuine frequency incompatibility
Persistent uncomfortable sedation, cognitive slowness, or functional impairment
Fine-tuning response
For a small portion of clients, adjusting to between Quin 1.5 and Quin 2.0 for midline and frontal sites helps optimize response
Clinical Applications and Modifications
This simplified method has been successfully applied to clients ranging from 6 months to 72 years old with diverse conditions including:
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Seizure disorders/epilepsy (with protocol modifications)
  • ADHD and autism spectrum disorders
  • TBI and neurological conditions
  • PTSD and trauma-related conditions
  • Developmental disorders
  • Sleep disorders
Modified Protocol for Seizure Disorders
For clients with extreme instabilities such as epilepsy, consider using only P3-P4 until the ORF is established and general stability is demonstrated:
1
First session
P3-P4 at Quin 8
2
Second session
P3-P4 at Quin 4
3
Third session
P3-P4 at Quin 2
4
Fourth session
P3-P4 at Quin 1
Once an ORF in the Quin range is established with the "core" sites of Pz-Fz & P3-P4, clinicians can add sites, delete sites, and change protocols as indicated through ongoing client assessment.
Expanding Beyond Core Sites
After establishing clients at the "core" sites (Pz-Fz & P3-P4) with a stable ORF in the Quin range, additional sites can be introduced based on specific symptom presentations. Most clients respond well to a combination of inner-hemispherical and midline sites without much need for the traditional "basic" sites.
Additional Midline Sites
Pz-Fpz can be added for enhanced regulation of attention and emotional processing
Inner-Hemispheric Sites
C3-C4 or Fp1-Fp2 can address specific cognitive or emotional regulation needs
Prefrontal Focus
T4-Fp2 or T3-Fp1 can be added for stronger effect on prefrontal issues
"Basic" Sites When Needed
T4-P4 can be reintroduced when a stronger calming effect is needed
The majority of clients do very well with a broad range of symptoms and conditions by almost exclusively training just Pz-Fz & P3-P4 at or towards the very bottom of the Quin range.
Clinical Outcomes and Success Metrics
Using this simplified method, approximately 97% of both established and new clients successfully settled at Pz-Fz and P3-P4 at Quin 1 within just four sessions. The vast majority demonstrated improved clinical outcomes compared to their previous higher frequency training.
97%
Success Rate
Clients successfully optimized to Quin 1
4
Sessions
Average time to establish optimal Quin frequency
400+
Clients
Successfully optimized using this method
This method effectively bypasses the often-problematic Quad range, allowing clients to more quickly benefit from the Quin frequencies that have been observed to produce optimal results across the Othmer community of clinicians.
Conclusion
This simplified approach offers several advantages: it reduces the complexity of the decision-making process, minimizes potential stress from multiple frequency changes, bypasses the problematic Quad range, and efficiently establishes clients at frequencies that have been widely observed to produce optimal results. Clinicians are encouraged to try this method with their clients and share their findings with the worldwide professional community.
Reduced Complexity
Streamlined decision-making process for clinicians
Minimized Stress
Fewer frequency changes reduce nervous system stress
Bypasses Problems
Avoids the troublesome Quad range entirely
Optimal Results
Efficiently reaches proven beneficial frequencies