2022 LiveTalk Series: Sensory Integration and Mental Health

Sensory Integration and Mental Health: Exploring and Expanding Our Role

A Series of 8 Conversations with leading experts

moderated by Erin Flynn, MS, OTR/L 

LiveTalks are hour long audio-only discussions.

Included in SPIRAL memberships. individual LiveTalks may be purchased for $25 each.

Description:In this series, we will explore the role of occupational therapy professional in addressing mental health issues within their clinical practice and their community, with an emphasis on programs, models and modalities that incorporate Sensory Integration techniques and principles. According to AOTA’s Booklet on Occupational Therapy’s Distinct Value in Mental Health (2016) – “Occupational therapy practitioners, with an in-depth knowledge of both physical and mental health, are distinctly qualified to provide integrated care to address a person’s functioning in a variety of occupations (e.g. education, work, leisure, ADL’s, social and community participation) using occupation -based psychosocial, self-management, and environmental interventions” Keeping this statement in mind, the series will cover implementing models in clinics as well as whole communities. The initial section of the series will focus on developing a trauma informed practice and the importance of therapeutic use of self. We will then transition to exploring relationship and developmental based mental health models, including Dan Hughes’ PACE model and Theraplay. The series will wrap up with several talks on implementing evidenced-based sensory modalities, within your treatment sessions.

Conversations:

• How to develop a trauma informed practice with Rachel Ashcroft MS, OTR/L
• An introduction to every moment counts: Promoting positive mental health throughout the day with Susan Bazyk, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
• Self-care: Balancing our emotional and professional selves with Erika Lally, LMHC
• Learn the signs, act early: What do you need to know with Kate Barlow, OTD, OTR/L
• Addressing Challenging Times with Children through Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy (PACE) with Dan Hughes, Ph.D & Sarah Sawyer, MA, OTR/L
• Building a Therapeutic Relationship using Theraplay with Andrea Bushala, MSW, LCSW, RPT
• Creating Moving Connections: Building Relationships through Dance, Movement and Play with Yael Beth-Halachmi, M.A.
• Interoception and Trauma with Kelly Mahler, OTD, OTR/L

Learning objectives:  Participants will be able to:

1. Identify how to increase mental health knowledge for occupational therapy professionals across settings
2. Recognize relationship and developmental based mental health models that compliment Sensory Integration intervention
3. Select intervention modalities and models that support mental health while utilizing Sensory Integration principles

Course Level: Introductory. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Suitable For: Occupational Therapists, OT Assistants, Physical Therapists, PT Assistants, Psychologists, Educators, Parents

AOTA Areas: Occupational Therapy Service Delivery: Evaluation, Intervention and Outcomes

Contact Hours: The entire 2022 series has been approved for 10 contact hours or 1.0 AOTA CEUs. Individual conversations are each worth 1 contact hour or 0.1 AOTA CEUs.

Completion Requirements: To receive contact hours for this course you must listen to each of the individual LiveTalks in their entirety, and complete each accompanying quiz.

ADA/Section 504: If you require special accommodations, please contact the Spiral Foundation at admin@thespiralfoundation.org or (617) 969-4410 ext. 231.

Continuing Education: Occupational Therapy Practitioners/ Occupational Therapy Assistants: The Spiral Foundation is an Approved Provider of Continuing Education for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants by the American Occupational Therapy Association. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.