Trauma Informed Therapy; Utilising the Polyvagal Theory and Sensory Integration in Practice

Trauma Informed Therapy; Utilising the Polyvagal Theory and Sensory Integration in Practice

Tracy Stackhouse, MA, OTR/L and Kelsey Forbringer, MSOT, OTR/L

Trauma has a profound impact on the way we experience our world. It compromises our sense of safety and ability to engage in everyday life. Professionals working with children and young people have a vital role in supporting clients who have experienced trauma. Our deeper understanding of sensory integrative processing, regulatory capacities, and relational approaches enhances our ability to be trauma informed/responsive. Sensation is integral to our neural processes, including our regulation capacities. Regulation is grounded in a felt sense of safety, which gives rise to the possibility for engagement and exploration. As we think about how the nervous system utilises sensation for detection and the production of adaptive responses, we begin to understand the complex relationship between our sensory and regulatory capacities. This course will review key concepts from Polyvagal Theory and Sensory Integration Theory in order to understand their roles in practice. In addition, we will explore the converging relationship between these theories and trauma informed/responsive practice from both theoretical and therapeutic lenses. This discussion will include a deeper dive into co-regulation and the importance of ensuring sensory interventions are delivered within the context of relationships to enhance a felt sense of safety. Information about specific sensory modalities and clinical reasoning regarding sensory modulation and sensory discrimination will be provided. Participants will have opportunities to engage in hands-on learning activities designed to support the integration of the lecture material into everyday practice.

At the end of this course participants will be able to: 

1. Understand the role of trauma informed/responsive care within the field of occupational therapy. 

2. Identify the key principles of polyvagal theory and sensory integrative processing (SIP) theories; and how they align with trauma informed/responsive practice. 

3. Evaluate how the autonomic nervous system impacts children with developmental trauma, fostering a deeper understanding of Polyvagal Theory. 

4. Utilise principles of Polyvagal Theory and SIP in everyday practice in order to customise therapeutic approaches to be trauma-responsive, and to promote relational well-being in children.

Methods of teaching: Lecture, Slides, Case Studies, Integrative Learning Activities

Event information

Registration on the first day will be from 9am, with the course starting at 9.30am. The course will start at 9am on the second day. We will aim to be finished by 4.30pm on both days.

A two course, hot and cold buffet lunch will be provided on both days. Please let us know when booking if you have any dietary requirements.

You are able to book a room at The Hilton hotel. Please book directly following this link;  https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/ormnohn-athra-75e53092-5903-471f-84dd-cdb8c1dbd8a6/

Other accommodation options

The following hotels are all within a 5-10 minute driving radius of the course venue;

• Holiday Inn Express
• Northampton South Travelodge
• Northampton Wootton Premier Inn
• Northampton South (Wootton)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q - I work with adults and I'm keen to learn more about trauma informed practice. I would like to know whether you feel this course would be helpful and relevant for working with adults?

A - Tracy and Kelsey, our trainers work in a children and young people’s service and whilst the training will centred around children and young people, the skills learnt can be transferred to people of all ages. There will be other OT’s attending the course that work with adults, which will assist with case studies.

Q - Can I attend this course if I'm not an Occupational Therapist? 

A - This course is ideal for occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and educational and clinical psychologists aiming to enhance their trauma-informed practice. Trauma affects our perception of the world, undermining our sense of safety and daily engagement. As professionals, we play a crucial role in aiding clients' healing. By understanding sensory processing, regulation, and the significance of relationships, we can better support trauma survivors.

The course will delve into key concepts from Polyvagal Theory and Sensory Integration Theory, emphasizing their practical applications. It will also examine how these theories intersect with trauma-informed practices from both theoretical and therapeutic perspectives. Topics include co-regulation and the importance of delivering sensory interventions within relational contexts to foster safety.

While the course includes many OT-specific concepts, it offers valuable insights for professionals from other fields. Understanding the role of sensation in neural processes, including regulation, is essential. Regulation is rooted in a felt sense of safety, enabling engagement and exploration. By exploring how the nervous system uses sensation for detection and adaptive responses, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between sensory and regulatory functions. They will also learn about specific sensory modalities and clinical reasoning related to sensory modulation and discrimination.

Q - Is this course suitable for parents?

A - No, unfortunately this course is aimed at professionals including occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and educational and clinical psychologists.

Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, MA, OTR is the executive director of Developmental FX (DFX) in Denver, Colorado, a non-profit organisation providing clinical and training services to engage and elevate paediatric therapeutic practice. She is a leading paediatric occupational therapist (OT) involved in clinical treatment, research, mentoring, and training regarding OT intervention for persons with neurodevelopmental disorders, especially Fragile X Syndrome and autism. Tracy has a master’s degree in developmental psychology/neuroscience. She received her NDT training with Lois Bly. She is SIPT Certified and was the clinical specialist in sensory integration at The Children’s Hospital in Denver as well as the OT for the Fragile X Research and Treatment Center. Tracy continued her clinical and research work with Dr. Randi Hagerman at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute during its start-up year prior to starting Developmental FX. Tracy has written several book chapters on sensory integration and neurodevelopmental disorders and teaches nationally and internationally on sensory integration, autism, fragile X and related topics. She is the lead author for the SpIRiT & S.T.E.P.S.I. Clinical Reasoning Tools which are leading-edge evidence-based models in paediatric OT. These models are utilised in OT practices around the globe and included in the model at Camp Jabiru in Australia. The tools are shared through the “Spirited Conversations’ Podcast as well as through DFX’s training platform, Learning Journeys. Tracy has ongoing courses offered through Medbridge and iLS/Untyte (remote training use of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and co-author of the OT guidelines for use of the SSP). Tracy is a member of the National Fragile X Foundation Clinical Research Consortium, the Scientific And Clinical Advisory Committee, and the NFXF Advisory Council and an expert advisor to the CDC and RTI Fragile X Priorities Panel.

Kelsey Forbringer MS, OTR/L graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a BA in Psychology before receiving her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. Kelsey began her career in Chicago working with paediatric clients in the home and outpatient clinic settings. Upon moving to Denver, she worked in the early childhood program at Cherry Creek School District. During a continuing education course in which Tracy presented the SpIRiT, Kelsey knew she wanted to understand the material at a deeper level and needed to be part of the DFX team. Kelsey is passionate about learning and increasing her capacity to support her clients to the best of her ability. In addition to her knowledge of various treatment approaches, Kelsey has completed advanced training in Dr. Stuart Shanker’s Self-Reg curriculum, iLs/Unyte’s Safe and Sound Protocol, Therapeutic Listening, and DIR®/Floortime™. Kelsey is a co-author of the SSP and Occupational Therapy Sensory Integrative Processing (OT/SIP) Combined Delivery Guidelines for Unyte. Kelsey and her husband recently moved back to the Midwest to be closer to family as they raise their two children. She is grateful to continue to be part of the DFX team from afar in her role as the DFX Learning Journeys Program Coordinator/ Lead. Kelsey also provides telehealth-based services, consultations, parent coaching.

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