Sensory Modulation creating wellness through using your senses Julie O Sullivan Occupational Therapist
Presentation Outline: 1. What is sensory modulation? 2. How does it support wellness? 3. Why does sensory modulation work? 4. Who does sensory modulation work for? 5. Sensory modulation in action 6. How to access sensory modulation input: - Metro North MHS - Private sector, primary care, NDIS
What is Sensory Modulation? 1. The process 2. The intervention Fitzgibbon & O Sullivan, 2016
Sensory Modulation 1. The process (neurology). the capacity to regulate and organise the degree, intensity, and nature of responses to sensory input in a graded and adaptive manner. This allows the individual to achieve and maintain an optimal range of performance and to adapt to challenges in daily life. (Miller, Reisman, McIntosh & Simon, 2001) the ability to respond to sensory input in a way that helps us engage in day to day activities
Sensory Modulation 2. The intervention: Changing how you feel through using your senses (Julie O Sullivan and Carolyn Fitzgibbon, 2015)
Sensory Modulation can help us feel more: Grounded Calm Alert/focused Soothed Relaxed Safe & secure Sensory Modulation can help to: Reduce intense feelings Increase intense or pleasurable sensations Self manage symptoms Manage pain and itch Cope with grief and shock Cope with cravings for addictions
Sensory Modulation, Mental Health & Wellbeing People with a trauma history, mental illness and addictions are often unaware of their particular sensory needs or stress responses. (Champagne & Stromberg, 2004) Inability to notice and make changes to sensory input can lead to difficulties with managing emotions and reduced occupational performance. (Brown et al 2001).
Sensory Modulation is used in a range of mental health and general health settings to: Acquire & transfer self-management skills Enhance feelings of safety & control Provide opportunities to soothe through the senses Help create more positive associations Increase interpersonal connection - trust, improve relationships Improve quality of life (Te Pou, 2008) Support recovery oriented approaches to care (Fitzgibbon & O Sullivan, 2015) Reduce & where possible eliminate the use of seclusion & restraint practices.
The Senses External Sight Sound Taste Smell Touch Internal Vestibular Proprioception Interoception Most sensory experiences are multimodal
Why does sensory modulation work? 1. Directly targets the ANS 2. Bottom up mechanism 3. Dan Siegal s Hand Model 4. Soothing a crying baby 5. Trauma informed approach
1. Directly targets the ANS Sympathetic Nervous System: fight, flight, fright Parasympathetic Nervous System: 2 branches rest & digest (ventral vagal) freeze, fainting, imobilisation dissociation, shame (dorsal vagal) Sensory modulation directly targets these systems to alter stress and arousal levels
2. Bottom up mechanism Engages the body (sensorimotor) and emotions (limbic system). Top down processing engages the cognitive or higher levels of the brain (neocortex). Le Doux says that most emotion regulation occurs bottom up. Siegal & Van Der Kolk report that when distressed, it is harder for the brain to use top down mechanisms to regulate emotions. Bottom up mechanisms like sensory modulation are more effective at the times when you need them.
3. Dan Siegel s Hand Model of the Brain Flipping Your Lid Dan Siegel Hand Model of the Brain http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=ddlfp1fbfk
4. Soothing a baby Sensory techniques work! Other people who benefit from bottom up strategies: Anxious Grieving, trauma history Angry or agitated Disconnected Cognitive impairment (inc dementia, delirum) EVERYONE!
5. Trauma informed approach Trauma in up to 90% of public mental health clients Increases disconnection between upper & lower brain centres Trauma informed care: Views everyone as a trauma survivor Prioritises safety (foundation for healing) Trauma informed interventions include: Home like environments Safe clinicians & spaces Eliminate seclusion and restraint Sensory modulation actively supports trauma informed care practices
Sensory modulation choices Influenced by: Purpose Person likes & dislikes sensitivities background/ life experiences current health & wellbeing Environment
Sensory modulation for Grounding Go to POWER sensations touch movement proprioception & scent Why? Resistance & deep pressure awareness of our body in space. Movement - regulates the autonomic nervous system. Scents - direct pathway to the limbic system & strong association with memories.
Sensory Modulation for Alerting Alerting sensations help us feel more awake and able to focus our attention. Intense sensations (tastes, music, clapping, jumping, chewing, strong smell) Useful for: Feeling less drowsy, waking up increasing focus people who easily habituate - repetitive sound or visual image can increase drowsiness grounding, reducing cravings or urges to self harm.
Sensory modulation for Calming To lower neurological arousal & feel more at ease. Movement stretching, walking, rocking chair, chewing gum, sipping through a straw. Touch cold washer on eyes, warm shower, hug, hand massage, pet in lap, stress ball. Smell & taste lavender, baking bread, favourite food, fruit tea. Sight garden, ocean, preferred colour, photos, light levels. Sound music, ear plugs, white noise, ocean waves.
OT and Sensory Modulation Assessments Informal (checklists & observation) Formal Tools Clinical Formulation Interventions Personal Safety Plan Education & Exploration Sensory Kits & Sensory Diets Environment spaces Home & living space Therapy space Modifications Nature
Sensory Kit A selection of sensory items kept in one place, to manage stress and increase positive feelings. Items should be: inexpensive easy to access personalised A sensory kit could include: Chewing gum or mints Mini sketch or colouring book Picture of your favourite place (the beach) Phone app or phone photos Flavoured tea bags Stress ball or fidget item Reminder cards (stretching, deep breathing) Ear plugs
How do I learn more about Sensory Modulation? Find an Occupational Therapist!
Metro North Mental Health RBWH: Community Sensory Group Program Referral to community OT OT on H Floor & F Floor (sensory room) OT at Community Care Unit Sensory items available in PEC TPCH: My Sensational Life Course - Chermside Referral to Community OT OT at SMHRU & Community Care Unit Redcliffe/Caboolture: My Sensational Life Course Redcliffe Referral to Community OT OT at Community Care Unit METRO NORTH MHS PROSPECTUS
OTs are also found at: Headspace CYMHS Private mental health services Government and non government agencies OTs as registered providers through PHN Workcover Private health & employment insurance NDIA Rebates: Better Access (Medicare) Chronic Disease Management (Medicare) Helping Children with Autism (Medicare) Better Start (Commonwealth funding) Daly & Fitzgibbon, 2016
Better Access Mental Health Care Plan Medicare rebate for 10 sessions GP will need to review after 6 sessions Process Book long appointment with GP (explain why to reception) GP will develop a MH Care Plan Request a referral to see a mental health OT It helps to have an OT name at the ready Referral will be made to the OT for Focused Psychological Services Daly & Fitzgibbon, 2016
Finding a Private OT Look up the OT Australia website Find an OT https://www.otaus.com.au/find-an-occupational-therapist Contact a local private mental health OT & discuss needs Google (mental health area) + (OT) + (geographical location) Linked In private occupational therapist If using a private health fund, contact the fund directly to ask about rebates say you are seeing an OT for Focused Psychological Services. Daly & Fitzgibbon, 2016
NDIA & OT Mental Health OTs can be used for: Functional Ax (combined physical & MH) MH functional Ax Specialised +ve behaviour support Individual Ax, therapy &/or training Individual counselling Employment related Ax & counselling Intensive behavioural interventions Early intervention support for early childhood Support coordination Therapeutic supports https://ndis.gov.au/providers/provider-toolkit Daly & Fitzgibbon, 2016
Julie O Sullivan & Carolyn Fitzgibbon www. sensory-modulation-brisbane.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sensorymod/ https://www.pinterest.com.au/sensorymod/ Coming Soon: Sensory Modulation e-book
Any final questions? THANKYOU!