Sensory Integration Education

My Journey into Sensory Integration

My journey into SI began circa 20 years ago when I started working in a community service for adults with learning disabilities. A colleague who had some SI training highlighted that several of the people we worked with had sensory processing difficulties. I began the SI modular pathway (then via a different university) and trained to level 2 – meanwhile moving in to work in a paediatric service - but I was self-funding and could not afford to complete the pathway at the time. I later went in to independent practice and wanted to pursue my passion for SI so started over this time continuing to PGDip level/ Advanced Practitioner level. I may progress to MSc once I decide on a research project!

Cathy lives in Devon, UK and is an occupational therapist with specialist background in paediatrics, adults with learning/ intellectual disabilities and acquired brain injuries.

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, MSc CPD (Health), PGCert Clinical Education, PGDip SI (Distinction)

How I use SI in my practice

I utilise my SI knowledge clinically in independent practice with people with a range of needs. Over the years, this has included contracting time to special needs schools (generally ASD and SEMH profiles) as well as individual clients in mainstream and with, for example, acquired brain injuries. I do not have my own clinic, I work peripatetically.

In 2014 I was successful in an application to work on a Sensory Integration Project; followed by becoming an Editor of EmphaSIze; and contributing to SIE module development. In 2018, I became Lead for Video Content (project managing the making of videos for use in the SIE pathway); and latterly joined the team overseeing smooth administration of the SIE assessments. I have now returned full-time to clinical practice, utilising OT-SI with a range of clients, and as a case manager. I clinically supervise and mentor a few local SI practitioners.

Why I am committed to supporting others to study SI

SI theory makes sense of so many challenges that people face in their daily lives. I am keen to see more professionals, carers and people with difficulties relating to SI, learn about SI so that the daily challenges can be better understood and addressed. I look forward to ‘meeting’ other practitioners, and to us all learning and developing our thinking together.