On September 14th, Therapro’s Saturday Seminar Series featured Karen Moore, OTR/L, author of the Sensory Connection Program. Karen’s passion is mental health practice, where she has had extensive experience in acute psychiatric care and in various residential settings with adult and adolescent psychiatric patients. Her career-long commitment to the study and use of sensory modalities for treatment in psychiatric care culminated in the writing of her book, The Sensory Connection Program: Activities for Mental Health Treatment. Her subsequent publications include: The Sensory Connection Program: Self Regulation Workbook and The Sensory Connection Program: Curriculum for Self Regulation. Karen has presented workshops on sensory related treatment to programs and facilities throughout the country, including presentations for “at risk” youths, special needs students, and behavioral programs for adolescent treatment.
Karen’s seminar involved active participation by all the attendees in a simulated Sense-ability Group while sitting in a circle and being challenged motorically, socially, cognitively, and with sensory activities. Karen demonstrated how to adapt the group to target certain behaviors and skills of individuals in the group with the goal of each participant feeling competent and positive. Karen’s style was encouraging, supportive, and at the same time fluid in targeting the needs of each participant. Her anecdotes from her practice were enlightening. Karen described the Sense-ability Group Stages 1-6 along with activities the facilitator might use in each. These stages include the Awareness Stage, Moving and Breathing Stage, Conversing Stage, Active/Interacting Stage, and Learning Stage. Attendees tried out many novelty as well as familiar games in the group such a Hot Potato, to spark interest and energize a sluggish group; ball play with Spider Ball or Koosh Ball, parachute games for movement and interaction; Brain Gym based movement for calming; Theraband rowing for strengthening and reciprocal movement; Thumball to help express emotion, and many many more! Karen referred all to her website sensoryconnectionprogram.com for full instruction and details for every stage of the Sense-ability Group.
Karen is a Therapro author, and all of her publications are available through the Therapro website. She recommends both the manual and handbook of The Sensory Connection Program: Activities for Mental Health Treatment. These activities can be adapted and interchanged easily for a wide range of purposes, ages, and settings. All of Karen’s books use a person-centered treatment approach that begins with self-awareness and then moves on to self-regulation and eventually to self-care.
In summary, a Sense-ability Group is a highly adaptable, supportive group for those who experience a variety of symptoms that might include, depression, anxiety, psychosis, disorganization, poor self regulation, sensory problems, difficulty with social skills, physical challenges, and much more. The facilitator designs the group to ensure that the participants have a successful, enjoyable experience. Every group is different and is modified by the facilitator depending on the environment, the mood of the group, the participants, etc. Activities might include movement, sensory, physical, cognitive, and social experiences. The goal of the group is that each participant feels competent and improves function.
Thank you, Karen, for sharing your knowledge, expertise, and dedication to mental health treatment by modeling how a Sense-ability group can be a highly effective occupational therapy treatment modality… and lots of FUN!
Take a look at just a few of the glowing comments from those who attended Karen’s seminar:
“It accentuated how incorporating sensory games can enhance engagement, self-regulation & learning all at once.” – Christine C.B., Occupational Therapist
“Awesome ideas for sensory based social skills learning. Great intro & walk through of the materials.” – I.D., Occupational Therapist
“Very hands on and applies to so many different levels of abilities and ages!!” – Beth M., Occupational Therapist
“Hands on. Lots of group ideas. Real life examples. Very comprehensive. Holistic approaches. Many recommended activities & resources.” – Joann W., Occupational Therapist
Thank you, Karen!
Filomena Connor, OT, MS, OTR
September 14, 2019