Sensory Processing, Polyvagal Theory and Regulation

Sensory Processing, Polyvagal Theory and Regulation; Understanding the brain/body connection and the practical application of theory, to enhance well-being and participation for children and families.

Tuesday 5 th March 2024

Fee - €175

( book by 10 th December 2023 for early bird price of €150)

This is an in person course in Hand in Hand Children’s OT clinic, Headfort Place, Kells, Co.Meath, A82P9D2

https://childrensoccupationaltherapy.ie/product-category/training-courses/

Occupational Therapists will be provided with a greater understanding and awareness of the relationship between the Autonomic Nervous System, Polyvagal Theory and Sensory Integration. The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is the neural platform that influences our interpretation of everyday experiences as stressful, traumatic, safe and nurturing (Kok et al., 2013).

As OT’s we have always been aware of the interlink between sensory processing, the nervous system and regulation; our body brain connection.  We cannot consider sensory processing without also considering the bidirectional link with the nervous system.  In doing this we can truly support regulation.The latest research in neuroscience shows that children’s experiences of play, sensory processing and relationships are embedded in the developing brain (Tooley et al., 2021).

The aim of this course is to support OT practice which merges relational neuroscience, sensory processing and regulation.

 Learning Objectives

• Understanding interoception and its primary role in the brain and body connection


• To provide an in-depth understanding of how sensory processing and polyvagal theory interweave


• To provide a functional understanding of the Autonomic Nervous System and how the body and brain are connected


• To define what regulation and co regulation mean for Occupational Therapy practice


• To understand the power of relationship and attuned connection with the child and family


• To enable OT’s to apply theory into practice and develop a tiered integrative service model to ensure best outcomes for children and families.

Course Facilitators

Regina Donnelly and Emir Crowley each have over 25 years experience training and working as Children’s Occupational Therapists.  They both worked in Meath HSE for over 18 years and now have a clinic in Kells Co. Meath specialising in sensory integration, sensory attachment and trauma sensitive therapy. They are passionate about evidence-based practice for children and families and specialise in Occupational Therapy (OT) with a family-centred approach based on a relationship and engagement model for children and adolescents.

Regina and Emir are Advanced Clinicians in Sensory Integration and the only OT’s in Ireland who have completed a mentorship with Dr Lucy Miller at the Star Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder, Colorado USA. They also have extensive training in Sensory Attachment Intervention.  They have spent a number of years training in the application of Poly Vagal theory for OT and are the only OT’s trained in  and  providers  of Stephen Porges Safe and Sound Protocol. Regina and Emir are clinic directors of Hand in Hand Children’s OT service.