Therapy Practice

A primary focus of my therapy approach is Sensory Enrichment Therapy, an evidence-based approach that stimulates brain plasticity and enables the brain to form new connections. 

If you are considering Sensory Enrichment Therapy on behalf of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant, feel free to contact me for more information. NDIS includes environmental and sensory enrichment in their summary of the evidence for the effect of sensory-based interventions on child and family outcomes (taken from systematic reviews published since 2010).

The principles of sensory and environmental enrichment underpin all of my programs. I hold the Professional Mendability Sensory Enrichment Therapy Certification, and in 2018, I had the pleasure of working one-on-one with Claudie Pomares, the Chief Science Officer and founder of Mendability.

As a certified Mendability provider, I work one-on-one with clients. This work might comprise supervising parents or caregivers who deliver Sensory Enrichment Therapy. I can administer the therapy directly to clients within their home, in clinics or healthcare settings. I can be involved in supervision face-to-face or via telehealth methods such as phone or video calls.

I can support individuals with mild to moderate dementia through Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), an evidence-based therapy for people with dementia. I received facilitator training in this modality through the International Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Centre at University College London. 

Research has demonstrated that CST can lead to improvements in cognitive function and may alleviate depressive symptoms in individuals with dementia. A meta-analysis concluded that CST effectively enhances cognitive abilities and reduces depression levels among people with mild to moderate dementia. ​Additionally, CST has been associated with improvements in quality of life. Participants have reported enhanced well-being and daily functioning following CST sessions. ​

CST has been widely adopted and is currently utilized in over 25 countries. It involves engaging participants in enjoyable activities that stimulate thinking, concentration, and memory, typically conducted in a social group setting.  

Separate from the group model, Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (iCST) can also be delivered on a one-on-one basis. 

The Quantum Reflex Integration Protocol (QRI®) uses low level cold laser therapy to integrate primitive reflexes. Whilst this protocol is the foundational program which has benefitted my clients, other protocols such as Brain Balance, MOVE / Sensory Integration, Cranial Nerves, TALK and CALM can also be considered in addition to reflex integration work.

The QRI Reading and Language Program can assist in addressing challenges relating to literacy, reading skills, phonological & phonemic awareness, word decoding & phonics, vocabulary, fluency, spelling, handwriting, speech, comprehension, and auditory processing. 

As TalkTools® Level 3 OPT™ Specialist, I can suggest exercises for strengthening and coordination (to build the muscle strength of the lips, tongue, and jaw, and improve the precise movements required for speech sound production), sensory integration (increasing awareness and responsivity to sensory input in the mouth) and placement/articulation practice.

Oral placement therapy focuses on improving the coordination and control of the muscles involved in speech, eating, and swallowing. This therapy is particularly useful for individuals with speech sound disorders, feeding difficulties, or those recovering from neurological impairments.

Sensory modulation refers to the brain’s ability to control the extent of attention given to different sensory inputs at any given moment, helping individuals filter out irrelevant information and focus on pertinent stimuli. Sensory responsiveness could present as over or under-responsiveness, and sensory seeking / craving.

These distinct patterns of sensory processing in individuals can present as “fight, flight, or fright” responses to sensations (eg startling easily from unexpected touches or loud noises), excitability, heightened arousal, lack of focus, reduced body awareness, passivity, withdrawal, or the inability to perceive temperature extremes or pain from injuries.

Recent research indicates that sensory strategies may improve social participation skills (such as working with others, and managing frustration), organization, sequencing of tasks and problem solving. 

Whilst there are a number of approaches to address any challenges a child may have in this area, I use the sensory modulation curriculum ‘Just Right!’ as it is an effective tool when teaching self-modulation strategies. This is a great program that includes activities that children and their families enjoy too, and aids in the understanding of what a healthy sensory threshold entails.