This is the first in a series of workshops that are designed to equip you to support your child in your home environment, and follows on from our initial Let's Talk About Transforming Trauma forum.
If you didn’t attend the initial forum, you can attend one immediately after this workshop – see here.
Developmental trauma is linked to underdeveloped sensory and motor systems, and we will be looking at how to facilitate repair and restore essential foundations.
In this workshop, you will learn skills that enable you to provide key elements of therapy at home in regular small doses, which will support your child to rebuild foundational movement and sensory patterns.
We will be demonstrating how to apply simple movement and sensory solutions to transform the imprint of trauma, giving you a practical and easy to learn toolkit to take away with you.
You will have time and space to learn, explore and practice these techniques yourself so you can use them on your own, enabling you to support your child in the safety of your own home.
We will also share our own experiences of applying these simple body-based tools to bring full body regulation, trauma processing and attachment building, blending theory with clinical experience.
Who will be speaking?
Andrea Richards MSc – An occupational therapist with specialisms in trauma, attachment building, sensory integration, and developmental movement
Michelle Herring MBE - A single adoptive parent to a child with SEN and developmental trauma, and a parent therapy 'provider'
Why are we doing this?
For the past two decades there has been a seminal shift in how society understands early life brain development and the neurobiology of trauma. This has been exciting and has now become part of mainstream culture with neurology terms becoming part of everyday language. The transition has been radical and exciting, yet many families still report that although they understand more about their child’s reactions, they still don’t feel equipped to manage it. Drawing on our experience of working together over the last few years we think it is time to equip families to move beyond the theory and have some very practical things they can do to support repair and rebuild.
Format of the session
A half-day (4 hour) hour interactive training workshop, with opportunities to learn a key set of tools and movements.
You may find it helpful to wear trousers or clothing that’s easy to move in. You don’t have to engage in the movements, but may find doing at least some of them will help with your learning.
Who is the session suitable for?
This is for anyone who wants to learn more about our practical approach to nervous system regulation, sensory and motor system integration and the underpinning knowledge base. It is suitable for parents, caregivers, education and health and social care professionals.
How to book
Dates for new workshops not yet releasedWhat previous participants have said...
"The sessions with Andrea and Michelle were very insightful and informative. It was a strong link for me .. different actions and symptoms that connected my past knowledge, bridging the gap and giving me a more in depth understanding why what where and how the body responds. The regulation exercises were very important to see just how simple the movements could be to help with regulating the body in a safe way. It was really refreshing and positive."(GD)
"The session with Andrea was really good to understand how the sensory system of the body and brain links with so many aspects. The tips to utilise for self and child were really good and the practice as well on the mat. It kept me wanting to learn more about all she has to teach and impart as parent/ carers. I highly recommend the session." (J)
"Andrea Richards specialist OT is excellent. She has worked with my child when they were younger. I have attended her courses and workshops which are really informative and insightful with a great mix of professional and lived experience!" (LC)
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