This programme is an example of a 3 day workshop for NHS team might include:

Exploring how to use the theory of Sensory Integration to understand and analyse unmet needs; often recognised by ways of doing things that can be challenging to health and social care professionals and care teams.

Across 3 days you will explore and consider:

  • How trauma impacts on development across the lifespan
  • How it changes the brain
  • How the sensory systems are wired
  • About patterns emerging in the research about trauma
  • How sensory integration difficulties impact on participation in daily life

  • You will consider how this impacts on difficulties participating in everyday life;
  • Consider how to influence clinical commissioning to create service pathways, influencing service delivery
  • The neuroscience of trauma, the senses including polyvagal theory and
  • The links between this and sensory integration, development and wellbeing
  • How sensory integration underpins and is essential to occupation, function and participation in daily life
  • How trauma impacts on development and wiring of the mind, body and brain with changes to sensory processing
  • We will use case study from different clinical contexts and across different diagnoses

By the end of the workshop you will be able to:

  • Describe and understand the theory of Ayres’ Sensory Integration and its application for managing behaviours that challenge care teams
  • Consider these behaviours using a range of tools including chain analysis, with links to the theory of DBT
  • Incorporate cognitive and behavioural strategies alongside sensory integration theory to develop personalised Sensory Ladders for self regulation.
  • Develop individualised sensory strategies informed by chain analysis and other tools
  • Implement sensory-integration informed strategies and sensory approaches to enhance communication, support self-regulation; facilitating participation in everyday life.

“You taught me about the links between sensory integration and trauma 15 years ago, it was great to come back and have a refresher. Hearing how recent research and evidence now supports this work has been amazing. Thank you. Then it really helped me think about how to influence and change care in our hospital, now it is inspiring me to want to know even more. I have signed up to do the modules.”

“You learn how trauma impacts on development and how it changes the brain and body – I’d never thought about how important the senses are to everything we do.”

“I loved hearing about the links between trauma, sensory integration difficulties and the massive impact this has on participation in daily life.”

Amazing workshop”

“Kath is a very effective trainer. She is able to explain complex concepts is a clear understandable way and relate this to occupation and current research. Her courses are well presented and very enjoyable. She uses case studies to help understanding very well.”

“The  lecturer’s experience makes the course suitable for teams from schools, hospitals and therapy teams.”

“The case studies are fantastic and illustrate so clearly how to do this in practice.”

“What did I like most about Kath’s training? Everything! It was all relevant to my work. I am so excited about returning to work with a bucket full of new strategies and a different perspective on people’s behaviours and communications. Thank you, Jennifer OT”

“It was wonderful, I would travel down anytime to do it again!”

“The experience of learning with others from different professions and stages of learning made it an incredible two days – the lecturers were passionate and ensured there was learning for everyone!”

“Loved the group work and practical hands-on sessions, can’t wait for the next course from the team at ASI-WISE”

“The workshop was taught by expert lecturers and experienced clinicians and included lots of practical activities to introduce the theory and neuroscience of Ayres’ Sensory Integration.”

We explored trauma and its impact on development and learning of skills needed for daily life – body awareness and movement, emotions and self-regulation, cognitive skills and communication. It was good to hear about the evidence from emerging research. This will inform our plans to support those with trauma better, developing and providing trauma-informed care across the lifespan in mental health services in our area.”