Sensory intelligence and occupational therapy - A practical guide to co-create sensory self-regulation for mental health strategies with adolescents and adults (November 2024)

November 14 to 20, 2024 (on your own) 

Friday, November 22, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

What time is this for me?

Depression and anxiety disorders increased by 25% following the pandemic (World Health Organization, 2022). About 1 billion people suffer from a mental illness worldwide with an estimated cost of $2.5 trillion per year and estimated to rise to $6 trillion by 2030 (The Lancet Global Health, 2020). One in five Canadians experience mental illness, with mood and anxiety disorders the most common (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 2021) and 33% of employees are burned out (Mental Health Research Canada, 2022). Occupational therapy professionals offer best-fit, solution-focused contributions to support mental health and well-being, including utilizing valued occupations aligned with each client’s context to reduce the cost burden of mental health (The SJOT Foundation, 2020). Integrating a sensory processing approach has been advocated for (Harrison et al., 2019) and also provides significant results (Wallis et al., 2018; Stoller et al., 2012; Scanlan & Novak, 2015). Sensory modulation theory explores a mental health framework that broadens the application of occupational therapy from wellness to illness. Sensory processing, as a fundamental component, influences mental health (e.g., Harrison et al., 2019) and workplace productivity (Annandale, 2020; Lombard, 2012).

This workshop is ideal for occupational therapy professionals working with adolescents and adults who wish to increase their understanding of sensory modulation, from its inception to its current, more inclusive application. The workshop will provide an overview of available sensory processing assessment tools for adolescents and adults and compare them to psychological tools, while also providing an opportunity for participants to measure their sensory style through a quiz. Participants will learn about an education framework that incorporates insights from neuroscience and empowers mental health clients to understand their sensory thresholds and triggers, facilitating self-regulation to reduce distress and to promote participation in meaningful occupations. Various applications of sensory modulation for self-regulation will be discussed.

Please note: This workshop is presented by the Founder and CEO of Sensory Intelligence Consulting and will discuss two sensory processing assessments developed by Sensory Intelligence (one free and one paid). It is not necessary to purchase or use these assessments to benefit from the information presented in this workshop.

Preliminary agenda

November 14 to 20, 2024 (on your own)

Friday, November 22, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Target audience

Occupational therapist clinicians, occupational therapist educators, and occupational therapist assistants working with adolescents and adults who wish to increase their knowledge and skills in assessing and co-creating sensory self-regulation strategies. Psychologists, nurses, physical therapists, and social workers are also welcome to participate.

Please note: Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.

Client age group

Adolescents (13-19 years old), Adults (20-64 years old)

Areas of practice

Advocacy, Health Promotion & Wellness, Mental Health, Return to Work, Sensory Integration & Processing, Substance Use/Addictions, Veterans Affairs or Armed Forces

Workshop level

Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific area of practice)

Please note: Participants with more or less than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with 3-5 years of experience.

Presenter

Dr. Annemarie Lombard

Dr. Annemarie Lombard, Founder and CEO of Sensory Intelligence Consulting, earned her Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Cape Town in 2012. She is a registered Occupational Therapist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and has 33 years of national and international experience in sensory integration and sensory processing. As a renowned thought leader in Sensory Intelligence, she authored "Sensory Intelligence: Why It Matters More Than IQ and EQ" in 2007 and contributed a chapter on Sensory Play to the textbook "Rethinking Learning through Play" in 2020. Dr. Lombard has also made substantial contributions to academia, reviewing articles, and sharing her insights through various media outlets. Passionate about expanding sensory processing's applications, her focus shifted towards making sensory modulation more accessible in schools, families, and workplaces, since early 2000. Dr. Lombard emphasizes the role of Occupational Therapists in promoting mental health and rehabilitation. She designed a CPD-accredited adult/adolescent sensory processing course, training over 500 practitioners since 2012.

Tia Steyn

Tia Steyn Consulting, located in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada, is led by Tia Steyn, an occupational therapist with a 25-year career spanning public, private, military, and academic sectors in South Africa and Canada. Her expertise now focuses on mental health and wellness. Since 2017, she has specialized in sensory modulation for adults, recognizing its significant impact in helping clients manage stress and anxiety in their daily lives. Tia conducts assessments and interventions that consider the individual, activity, and environment, offering personalized approaches for both individuals and organizations to help them achieve their goals. Her qualifications include a B. Occupational Therapy from Stellenbosch University, a PG Dip in Hand Therapy from the University of Pretoria, and licenses with COTBC (College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia) as Martha Steyn. She is also a member of CAOT (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists) and holds certifications in various therapeutic techniques and professional development.

Registration fees

Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by September 18, 2024

Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after September 18, 2024

Registration deadline: November 20, 2024 at 11:59 a.m. (Pacific Time)

Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees.  *It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.   

Included in your registration fee:

Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.

Cancellation/refund policy

All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by October 30, 2024 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after October 30, 2024. Substitutions and transfers requests received by October 30, 2024 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee. 

If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the same workshop if currently open for registration. 

CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before October 4, 2024 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until October 18, 2024. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.

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The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts approximately one week ahead of time in multiple slide layouts, auto-generated closed captioning through Zoom (excluding breakout rooms), as well as access to the recording for two weeks following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.    

Please note that workshop is offered in English.