Sensory Integration Education

This time of year comes reflection and an impulse to carve out a new routine. We can carry the lessons from 2023 and remind ourselves that there are many possibilities for growth in 2024. As therapists passionate about enriching our clients' lives, we must care for ourselves and grow in the practice we love. This blog post aims to share ways to reinvigorate your practice for 2024.

Tip: Don't try to change everything; just choose one to focus on until it's in your routine.

Be Inspired by Research

Published research on sensory integration, sensory processing and other related topics is a great way to reignite your passion in your practice, reminding yourself of the power of a sensory-informed approach on an individual's life (or many lives). It also keeps you up-to-date with the latest scientific evidence to inform your clients about the impact of sensory integration therapy. SIE collates a monthly SI Research Digest, updated monthly; you can find these here.

Put Yourself First

When you spend most days prioritising other people, sometimes your self-care is put on the back burner. There are some quick and simple ways to balance yourself and help manage overwhelm and stress. It could be finding something you enjoy you can do daily, starting a morning routine that suits you or simply a 3-minute breath work session before you start work. Why not try Box Breathing? The Box Breath could be a great tool to make you feel relaxed and regulated, and it doesn't cost a thing!

1. Take a Breath in counting to 4, focusing on the air entering your lungs.
2. Hold your breath for another count of 4, and relax your shoulders and body.
3. Exhale slowly for 4 seconds.
4. Repeat this at least 5 times or until you feel more grounded.

If 4 seconds is too much, start with 3 seconds. If you are suffering from congestion or asthma, don't hold your breath; instead, breathe in for 4 and exhale for 4. Learn more here.

Learn From Experts

Completing the standardised training is just the start. It's more important than ever to continue to expand your knowledge and learn from the experts in your field. You could do this through short courses such as webinars. Keep an eye out for live webinars with a Q&A; this is an excellent opportunity to engage with experts. We offer a wealth of short courses with our Lifelong Learning Programme, or embrace a longer, more in-depth study to start your training towards becoming a Sensory Integration Practitioner. 

Start a Research Project

Curious about a topic? A great way to learn and develop is to research and gather data. If there is something you want to know more about, why not begin a study to measure the effectiveness of interventions and support the development of evidence in your field? You can strengthen the credibility and reputation of your approach by contributing to research or evidence-based practices.

Join a Community 

Fostering relationships with other healthcare professionals and support groups is a beneficial way to gain shared insights and solutions. At the same time, it helps you discover a multidisciplinary approach and gives you comprehensive support. Our Lifelong Learning Programme includes Peer Support groups where you can connect with other professionals using a sensory integration-informed method in regular live online group sessions.

Use Technology

Embrace technological advancements such as apps, automation and telehealth. Integrate these tools to offer excellent customer service, elevate therapy sessions, engage clients, and be more accessible. Use technology to streamline processes to focus on what truly matters – your clients' well-being.

In 2024, embrace innovation, research, and collaboration. By implementing just one of these approaches, you, as a therapist, may feel revived and excited about your practice, be able to offer more comprehensive therapy and stay aligned with the evolving needs of your clients. 

References

Box breathing: Getting started with box breathing, how to do it, benefits and tips (30 April 2023) WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-box-breathing