Sensory Processing in Adult Mental Health

AOTI are pleased to announce a two day course in Sensory Processing in Mental Health. This workshop is HSE funded.

Occupational Therapists working in Adult Mental Health, Psychiatry of Later life and Adolescent Mental Health are welcome

The course will be offered in two locations – Cork and Dublin

Course Facilitated by Tina Champagne OTD, OTR/L, CCAP.

Who can apply?

This course is geared specifically towards Occupational Therapists working with clients who experience Psychosis, Anxiety disorders, Depression, PTSD, Bipolar affective disorder and Axis II disorders such as Borderline Personality disorder.

Course Instructor:

Tina Champagne, OTD, OTR/L, CCAP

Bio of Tina Champagne:

Dr. Tina Champagne is an international consultant, the owner of Champagne Conferences & Consultation, and the director of occupational therapy for Cutchins Programs for Children and Families in NorthamptonMA, USA. She is an expert in sensory processing, trauma and attachment informed care, and works with a variety of mental health, professional, and educational organizations on state, national and international scales. Dr. Champagne has numerous publications, has participated in published research related to the topics covered in this course, and has received a variety of awards for her work. She is certified in sensory processing and a variety of therapeutic modalities.

(For more please link to

Course Introduction:

Sensory processing disorders in adults can result from difficulties in how the nervous system receives, organizes and uses sensory information. This sensory information may be experienced from within the body itself, from the person’s physical environment, or the combination. These difficulties can impact on emotional regulation, attention, problem solving, behaviour control, skill performance, the capacity to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships and occupational participation. In adults, sensory processing difficulties can impact on the capacity to parent, work, take care of the home and engage in social and leisure activities (AOTA, 2012).

Sensory processing problems may occur in isolation or contribute to or be co-morbid with conditions such as schizophrenia, anxiety and panic disorders (Pfeiffer & Kennedy 2003), depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar affective disorder or borderline personality disorder (Champagne, 2011) (Moro, 2007) (Moore, 2002, 2005, 2008).

In the area of Sensory Processing, the training to date has been primarily related to children with sensory processing disorders. There is a need for sensory processing training for therapists working with an adult population particularly those working with adolescents or adults with mental health issues (AOTA, 2012).

Attendance at this course aims to provide Occupational Therapists with:

  • Introduction to Sensory Modulation Theory and Practice.
  • Understanding the role of sensory processing in enhancing wellbeing and participation – making links to existing models or approaches being used locally.
  • Identifying Sensory Preferences to understand sensory patterns/styles and impact on emotions, relationships, performance and participation of clients.
  • Explore tools used to evaluate the care environment, for example; inpatient, the home and work/study environment and the community environment.
  • Explore tools used to support the client inbecomingmore self-aware and to set goals and implement personalized self-regulation strategies. Examples of these skills or strategies include - Skills to help clients manage anxiety (sensory defensiveness and avoidance), reduce self harm, skills to help clients who dissociate with reality to become more grounded, skills to help clients with schizophrenia manage sensory and motor difficulties, skills to help manage the symptoms of PTSD, such as, sensory diets and sensory supportive physical environments.
  • Participants will consider their practice and develop a plan of action for introducing sensory approaches into their setting.

Course Requirements:

Course participants will be required to complete an application form and the recommended preparatory reading. Details of pre-reading will be provided if you are allocated a place in the workshop

Closing date for applications:

The closing date for completed applications – 11th of NOVEMBER 2014 by 5pm

Course Dates and Locations:

Dates / Location / Venue
Thu 4th and Fri 5Th December 2014 (2 days) / Cork / Brookfield 102, Brookfield Health complex, UCC, Cork.
Mon 8th and Tues 9th December 2014 (2 days) / Dublin / Medical teaching Centre, St Patricks Hospital, Dublin 8

Please note that parking is very limited and paid at both venues. Use of public transport is encouraged.

How to Apply

Procedure for application / If you have any queries contact
In order to apply for the Sensory Processing course –
1.Please complete and e-mail the application form
below to mark subject ‘Sensory’ and location
AND
2.Send your booking fee of €20 to the AOTI office. Payment must be received before 11th November, 2014 by 5pm.Make this payment out to AOTI and attach a note with your name and course name. If the course does not go ahead or if you do not secure a place at the workshop, you will be provided with a full refund. Please send cheque or money order.
AOTI
Suite 2.20
Smithfield Business Centre,
Distiller’s Building,
Smithfield,
Dublin 7. / Sarah Lee
Phone: 085-7133333
Or

Please note;

*Priority will be given to Occupational Therapists working in Adult Mental health, Psychiatry of Later life and Adolescent care.

Applications are open to AOTI members and non members

**Please also note that the focus of this particular course will not be on conditions such as Autistic Spectrum, Dyspraxia or ADHD which is more commonly seen in CAMHs, however Occupational Therapists working with adolescents who experience early psychosis, anxiety disorders and who self harm are welcome.

***Tea and coffee will be provided on the day, however lunch is not included.

Restaurant and Coffee shop facilities will be at both venues.

Sensory Processing in Adult Mental Health

Name
Grade
Area of Practice / Community Mental Health Team (Adult)______
Adult Inpatient Unit______
Psychiatry of Later life ______
DayHospital ______
Day Centre ______
Child and Adolescent ______
Other______
Do you work in a HSE funded work setting? / Yes/No
Phone Number
*Email
Please provide work and private email address so you can be sent pre reading. / Work Email –
Private Email -
Preferred Course Location / Dublin ______
Cork______
If you are waitlisted and a place arises, would you be interested to attend in either location? / Yes/No

1)Have you previously completed training in this area? If yes please provide details and year completed ______

2)Why would you like to attend this workshop? ______