Courses for Therapists

To see a list of upcoming courses, please visit our workshop schedule.

Courses for Therapists:

• Becoming a Sensory Detective: An intimate relationship exists between sensory motor function, the development of relationship, communication, speech and behavior
• Connections: Integrating the Neurobiology of Brain-Behavior into the Treatment of Sensory Processing
• Falling into Place: Assembling the Pieces of Pediatric Therapy
• Moving to Higher Ground
• Setting the Stage for Function
• Coaching Caregivers: An Essential Adjunct to Pediatric Practice
• Creating Movement: Complementary Approaches in Pediatric Movement Rehabilitation
• Putting the Pieces Together: A Blend of Neuro-Developmental Treatment and Sensory Processing Intervention
• Introduction to the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Approach
• Enhancing Upper Extremity Function in Pediatric Therapy
• Helping Hands: Facilitating the Development of Fine Motor Skills in Pediatric Therapy
• The ABC’s of Baby Treatment
• Sensory Processing Disorders affecting Adult Functional Performance
• Sensory Based Motor Dysfunction
• Collaborating Clinicians: Occupational and Speech Therapy Using a Sensory Motor Approach
• Beyond Weight Bearing: Developing Hand Function in Children and Adolescents
• There’s Always a Reason for the Behavior (Is it sensory or is it behavior?)
• Building the Brain:  A Neurobiological Approach to Treatment of the Adult Neurologically Impaired Patient

Becoming a Sensory Detective: An intimate relationship exists between sensory motor function, the development of relationship, communication, speech and behavior

This one day workshop is designed for speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers and special educators who work collaboratively towards the enhancement of a child's learning, organized behavior, communication, interaction, joint attention, and modulation using sensory processing intervention. Explore the neurobiology of sensory processing intervention, assessment procedures and the art of therapy for children with a variety of neurological, behavioral, mental health and communication challenges. Through lecture, videotape analysis, treatment demonstration and practical sessions, clinicians will leave the workshop energized to problem solve client intervention in a new way!

Learning Objectives:

• Therapists will begin to develop comprehension of the neurobiology of arousal states and their influence upon behavior and communication.
• Therapists will develop clinical reasoning skills facilitating the analysis of sensory contributions for behavioral, communication and functional limitations.
• Therapists will begin to develop an understanding of sensory processing interventions as a form of treatment for clients experiencing sensory processing challenges in a variety of environments.
• Therapists will begin to develop a mechanism for integrated practice within a collaborative team using a sensory processing model of intervention.

Connections: Integrating the Neurobiology of Brain-Behavior into the Treatment of Sensory Processing

This dynamic workshop provides a current scientific review of neurobiology of sensory processing disorders, deepening the participants understanding of brain-behavioral relationships in the pediatric population. Bridging evidence with therapeutic intervention, this workshop will leave participants with the capacity to understand the “why” of their interventions. Problem solving and clinical reasoning skills are emphasized, enhancing the development of sensory intervention that is applicable to any environment.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to:

• Relate the symptoms and behavioral characteristics of autism spectrum disorder, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, fetal narcotic effect and attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity to specific neurological etiology.
• Comprehend what happens in the brain during bonding, connection, and interaction in typical development, with comparison to the neurobiology of atypical patterns in a variety of neurobiological disorders.
• Understand how the nervous system self-regulates, specifically comprehending the relevance of emotion and sensation as they contribute to states of arousal.
• Develop a repertoire of techniques and sensory strategies to achieve connection and adaptive responses in a variety of environments.
• Strengthen clinical reasoning skills facilitating the ability to generalize these principles as a rehabilitation approach for the ASD/FASD and ADD/ADHD population.
• Comprehend the neurological processes of attention, learning and memory.
• Develop a repertoire of sensory strategies to enhance attention and learning through alterations of the environment and therapeutic use of activities.

Audience: Pediatric occupational therapists, OT assistants, physical therapists, PT assistants, speech and language pathologists.

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Falling into Place: Assembling the Pieces of Pediatric Therapy

This user-friendly workshop for pediatric therapists of all disciplines will highlight and update several current treatment approaches for children with special needs. Integrating sensory processing intervention with therapeutic approaches to enhance movement, this workshop will provide a broad spectrum of frameworks for analysis and intervention for pediatric neuro-motor disability. Emphasizing 2007 research combined with practical application, therapists will leave this workshop feeling inspired with new skills and understanding ready to apply back at work on Monday morning.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

• Apply Motor Control and Motor Learning treatment according to theory
• Update neurophysiology of the mind body connection emphasizing therapeutic relationship
• Relate theory of Neuro-Developmental Treatment with treatment demonstration and practicum
• Highlight motor control issues in the mild motor population
• Assess neurobiology of attention and learning
• Update latest research in Sensory Integration Theory
• Understand sensory processing strategies for management of arousal level

Audience: Pediatric occupational therapists, OT assistants, physical therapists, PT assistants, speech and language pathologists.

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Moving to Higher Ground

This special mentorship camp experience is a combined personal growth and clinical development experience for therapists working with children who have special needs. Under the guidance of master clinicians, therapists attending Moving to Higher Ground will develop their own learning plan designed to enhance the skill set they wish to improve. This residential program offers an opportunity for retreat and connection with other participants. State of the art therapeutic intervention approaches are incorporated into this five day experience. Combinations of hands-on treatment, didactic learning and practical experience are enhanced.

Audience: Pediatric occupational therapists, OT assistants, physical therapists, PT assistants, speech and language pathologists, and psychologists.

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Setting the Stage for Function

This two day workshop will integrate current research of neurobiology and mindbody science as it relates to occupational performance. These principles will be applicable to occupational therapists serving diverse populations. From pediatrics to geriatrics, from physical medicine to psychiatry, from neurology to orthopedics, this workshop will provide innovative concepts and principles preparing clients for functional skill acquisition. Therapists will learn techniques bridging theoretical concepts into treatment strategies through instruction and practical application in lab sessions. Preparation of arousal states, motivation, and engagement in the learning process will be instructed through the introduction of sensory processing interventions and mind body techniques. These strategies combined with therapeutic use of self through connection will cover the bases in setting the stage for functional task performance. Finally, therapists will learn to analyze the motor components of task and develop problem solving skills to enhance motor skill acquisition. This workshop will leave you with a fresh view of approaching your practice when you return to the clinic.

Learning Objectives:

• Therapists will begin to understand how therapeutic relationship affects neurology, setting the stage for attention and learning.
• Therapists will begin to comprehend the neurophysiology of arousal states, “paying attention” and the executive functions involved in task performance.
• Therapists will learn a variety of techniques to influence these states necessary for learning. Sensory processing techniques, acupressure, dialoguing, scripting, and meditation will be introduced as preparatory “bridges” for task performance.
• Therapists will begin to understand the physiology of mind body science as it relates to health and healing in therapeutic practice.
• Therapists will begin to understand how the brain contributes to the production of movement. Analysis of functional movement is combined with strategies for motor learning as preparations for task acquisition.
• Therapists will complete the workshop with an introductory problem solving approach to looking behind the scenes at skills necessary for maximizing functional performance.

Audience: OT, PT and SLP

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Coaching Caregivers: An Essential Adjunct to Pediatric Practice

This three day workshop has been designed to support occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language pathologists, behavioral interventionists and psychologists who practice pediatric therapy in a consultative model. As therapists we seek to provide excellent treatment for the children we serve and are often frustrated by the reduced opportunity for hands on intervention. This workshop explores effective innovate techniques for ensuring quality of care while instructing others in the concepts of therapy. This workshop will explore the therapeutic models of Sensory Processing Rehabilitation, Neuro-Developmental Treatment, motor learning and motor control theories within the classroom, home and community setting.

Learning Objectives

• Therapists will begin to understand the principles of coaching and begin to apply them in a pediatric context through practical lab experience.
• Therapists will begin to understand the concepts of adult learning principles and how they apply to the coaching process.
• Therapists will comprehend the importance of the therapeutic relationship in relationship to the success of therapeutic intervention.
• Therapists will learn how to apply coaching principles to the instruction of sensory processing intervention through practical lab experience and treatment demonstration.
• Therapists will learn how to apply coaching principles to the instruction of movement facilitation techniques through practical lab experience and treatment demonstration.

Audience: Occupational therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, Child Development Consultants, Psychologists

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Creating Movement: Complementary Approaches in Pediatric Movement Rehabilitation

Children with neurological challenges experience many barriers when learning to move their bodies. This course was designed to introduce therapists to current levels of understanding that encompass the science and art of pediatric therapy. Varying adjunctive approaches will be introduced in an integrated manner, blending state of the art skills together. Therapists will develop both intuitive and cognitive clinical reasoning to aide in the treatment problem solving process.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to:

1. Understand the current science linking the mind body connection.
2. Describe how emotion is translated into physiology and movement patterns.
3. Understand the physiology of muscle and connective tissue and their relationship to motor control challenges in the pediatric neurology patient.
4. Develop and heighten sensation and awareness of movement, enhancing the ability to alter the movement patterns of the neurologically challenged child.
5. Develop a preliminary understanding and usage of Myofascial release techniques as an adjunct to alter biomechanical resistance to movement.
6. Develop a preliminary understanding and usage of acupressure techniques as an adjunct to developing activation, co-contraction and strength of motor patterns in the neurologically challenged child.
7. Increase intuitive perception and sensory awareness of subtle energies and their impact upon movement.
8. Develop a preliminary knowledge and use of cranio-sacral therapy as an adjuct intervention to alter state of arousal and preparation for motor learning.
9. Develop clinical reasoning and problem solving of an integrated approach of techniques to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation approach to the neurologically challenged child.

Audience: Pediatric occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, speech and language pathologists.

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Putting the Pieces Together: A Blend of Neuro-Developmental Treatment and Sensory Processing Intervention

This one day workshop will integrate the concepts of sensory integration intervention with Neuro-Developmental Treatment. In the treatment of children with neuro-motor impairment, sensory issues are often prevalent in their accompaniment of functional motor impairments. This session will help you to understand the importance of addressing sensory processing issues in meeting the child’s functional goals.

Learning Objectives:

• The learner will be able to describe the role of sensory systems in posture and movement: motor control and motor learning theories
• The learner will be able to identify sensory processing impairments in children with neuro-motor problems and how they relate to functional activity limitations.
• The learner will begin to evaluate arousal and regulation states as a preparation for learning to move.
• The learner will begin to describe sensory issues in a child with cerebral palsy through case study and video analysis.
• The learner will develop an understanding of techniques to calm, orient, organize and activate for function.
• The learner will develop an appreciation of the application of NDT and SI treatment strategies for children with cerebral palsy through case study and video analysis.

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Introduction to the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Approach

This course is designed to acquaint physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language pathologists working with children with motor dysfunction due to cerebral palsy with an introduction to the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Approach. Participants will experience typical development and atypical development, broadening their understanding of the movement challenges faced by their clients. Practicums and treatment demonstrations will augment didactic instruction.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will achieve a basic understanding of the components of movement in typical development 0-12 months.
• Participants will achieve a basic understanding of the components of atypical movement demonstrated by children with cerebral palsy.
• Participants will achieve a basic understanding of the components of normal postural reactions necessary for motor function.
• Participants will achieve a preliminary understanding of neurodevelopmental therapy concepts, principles of assessment and treatment.

 

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Enhancing Upper Extremity Function in Pediatric Therapy

This two day workshop will focus on treatment techniques to facilitate optimal upper extremity function in children. Neuro-developmental treatment strategies will be emphasized through lectures, demonstrations, and lab practicums. Labs will focus upon therapeutic handling strategies and techniques to optimize postural control as related to the forearm, wrist and hand. Sensory components and manual therapy techniques will be included to expand the therapist’ repertoire. Participants should leave with an understanding of treatment principles to guide the child to a higher functional scale.

Learning Objectives:

• Therapist will connect their knowledge of upper extremity anatomy to the facilitation of functional arm movements.
• Therapist will be able to compare and contrast typical and atypical upper extremity patterns of reach.
• Therapist will acquire a beginning understanding of the treatment of the elbow, forearm, wrist and hand through lecture, demonstration and lab practice.
• Therapist will be able to compare and contrast typical and atypical patterns of hand grasp and dexterity.
• Therapist will be introduced to sensory considerations of upper extremity function and analysis of task for treatment.
• Therapist will develop an introductory understanding of the impact of the shoulder on hand function.

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Helping Hands: Facilitating the Development of Fine Motor Skills in Pediatric Therapy

This two-day workshop for therapists is designed to expand your knowledge of upper extremity motor control and treatment. Enhance your assessment skills of pediatric prehension patterns, eye-hand coordination and upper extremity/trunk control contributions to fine motor performance. This interactive workshop will provide practical strategies for preparation of the body for fine motor control combined with a pragmatic approach bridging movement into functional task performance. This workshop is just right for the therapist working in the clinic, community or school environment using both consultative and direct treatment methods.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of the course participants will be able to:

• Identify current motor control theories and neurological contributions to fine motor skills.
• Develop and assess prehension patterns.
• Perform therapeutic approaches preparing the hand, upper extremity and trunk for fine motor adaptive skills, including Myofascial techniques, mobilization techniques, Neuro-developmental treatment and sensory processing strategies.
• Bridge techniques to integrate the “prepared” hand and body into a fine motor task

Primary Target Audience: PT’s, PTA’s, OT’s and COTA’s

 

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The ABC’s of Baby Treatment

This three day course highlights the development of motor skills in children from birth to one year and how this development differs in children with neuro-motor dysfunction. Lectures will focus on how the development of postural control supports the components of these motor skills as they differentiate and combine to allow ever more complex skills to emerge. The implications of the neurobiology of attachment will also be discussed. We will have the opportunity to observe and assess both typical babies as well as those experiencing delays. Handling labs will focus on integrating Neuro-Developmental treatment handling skills and sensory organization strategies to support the development of more efficient functional skills. Two practicum sessions with babies will provide a more in-depth opportunity to integrate both assessment and treatment skills. Previous NDT experience would be an asset for this course.

Instructors: Shelley Mannell, PT Kim Barthel, OT.

 

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Sensory Processing Disorders affecting Adult Functional Performance

The course will present new research on sensory processing disorders in the adult population. Diagnosis ranging from psychiatric disorders, addiction, anxiety disorders, brain injury, stroke, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease will be highlighted in view of the sensory processing contributions of these varying challenges. Through understanding how sensory processing challenges affect adult behavior, treatment strategies will be emphasized with opportunities for problem solving and analysis.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Develop a preliminary understanding of the neurobiology of sensory processing disorders in the adult population with varying psycho-neuro disabilities.
• Learn to problem solve behavioral challenges through the sensory processing frame of reference.
• Understand the affect of the environment upon sensory processing challenges and develop strategies to alter the environment accordingly.
• Understand the affect of relationship upon sensory processing challenges and develop strategies to engage and sustain connection in relationship.
• Develop preliminary treatment strategies to support behavior and develop functional capacity.

Audience: PT, OT, SLP and Psychologists

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Sensory Based Motor Dysfunction

Today’s clinician receives abundant referrals for children experiencing movement challenges interfering with daily living functions. Diagnoses such as “Developmental Coordination Dysfunction, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Aspberger’s Disorder, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and Learning Disabilities” often display co-morbid features of dyspraxia and postural deficits. Despite these distinct disorders, therapists observe consistent behavioral manifestations that limit occupational performance. This two day workshop for occupational and physiotherapists will provide an introduction to the current understanding of praxis and postural deficits observed in clinical practice. A framework for observing, identifying and problem solving ideational praxis, motor planning, sequencing, coordination of the two sides of the body, projected actions sequences and postural control deficits will be highlighted. Videotapes, lecture and labs will comprise the learning format.

The participant will be able to:

1. Describe the neurobiology of practice dysfunction
2. Describe the sensory contributions to posture and movement dysfunction
3. Identify and differentiate practice dysfunctions from ideation to execution
4. Using a problem solving approach develop treatment strategies for practice and postural control deficits

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Collaborating Clinicians
Occupational and Speech Therapy Using a Sensory Motor Approach

This three day workshop is designed for speech/language pathologists, behavioral interventionists, and occupational therapists who work collaboratively towards the enhancement of communication, interaction, organized behavior, learning, joint attention, and modulation using sensory integrative principles.  An intimate relationship exists between sensory motor function and the development of relationship, communication and speech.  Join these master clinicians as they explore the neurobiology, the art of therapy and collaborative approaches in the treatment of children with communication challenges.  Strategies presented will emphasize an OT/SLP integrated approach for children diagnosed with developmental challenges, autism, attention deficit disorder and language delays, etc.

Objectives:

1. Recognize arousal states and design strategies of readiness and interest for communication, interaction and relationship.
2. Outline the relationship between sensory processing and the development of interaction and communication skills.
3. Identify the significant aspect of speech sound production that relate to sensory integration, respiratory support, oral apraxia and oral motor function.
4. Describe the relationship between sensory processing and non-verbal communication and speech and language development

Faculty
Kim Barthel, OTR and Robin Harwell, CCC-SLP

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Beyond Weight Bearing: Developing Hand Function in Children and Adolescents

This 3-day intermediate level course will combine lecture, lab, video presentation and hands-on demonstrations with children.  Content will focus on the characteristics of development of upper extremity use, foundations of function (posture, musculoskeletal sensations, cognition and desire), and the use of the arms and hands in transitions, contact, grasp and manipulation.

Upon completion of this seminar the participant will be able to:

• Gain knowledge of the motor, sensory, cognitive and behavioral foundations for use of arm and hands for support, contact grasp and manipulation.
• Observe and identify essential postural, sensory and perceptual elements necessary to use the arms and hand functionally.
• Identify missing elements in children with developmental, neuromotor or sensory processing challenges.
• Set goals, plan treatment and identify strategies to optimize strengths and minimize barriers to performance.
• Learn a minimum of three new interventions to improve upper extremity function.

Target Audience: OT’s, COTA’s, PT’s and PTA’s who treat children and adolescents with hand and are dysfunction. Participants should have a solid knowledge of NDT approaches to therapy and have the ability to apply the knowledge on an intermediate to advanced level.

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There’s Always a Reason for the Behavior (Is it sensory or is it behavior?)

Clinicians consulting with teachers and families are increasingly challenged by students with complex behavioral issues.  As a result, therapists desire discriminating skills and tools to identify the basis of these complexities.  Is the behavior a result of neurophysiological limitations in sensory processing or a manifestation of social and emotional experiences?  Traditionally, models of intervention have isolated these two features as separate contributions of functional performance, which when viewed holistically are integrated and overlapping aspects of human behavior. 

This two day workshop will provide clinicians with an understanding of the integrated neurobiology of sensory processing and emotional/behavioral problems resulting in “challenging behavior”.  Through lecture, problem solving labs and videotape analysis, therapists will learn where on the integrated sensory-emotional continuum, sensation and mental health concerns entwine.  This understanding will assist therapists with their problem solving abilities allowing for easier treatment planning.  Treatment strategies will be specific to the home and school environment based upon active analysis of identified behavioral concerns.

The therapist will learn:

1. Introduction to neurobiology of challenging behavior
2. Sensory, emotional, and cognitive components of behavior
3. Analyzing various overlapping contributions to behavior problems
4. Integrating theories of intervention into a holistic approach to complex behaviors
5. Develop treatment techniques, relationship building tools and dialoguing skills with complex students and their caregivers.

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Building the Brain:  A Neurobiological Approach to Treatment of the Adult Neurologically Impaired Patient

Facilitated by Kim Barthel, OTR and Robin Harwell, MA,CCC-SLP

Today's clinician can draw from the expansive brain-behavioral sciences to energize and empower their practice, demystifying the process of neuro-rehabilitation.  Join us for this two-day integrative, holistic workshop that wull provide you with a scientific and theoretical framework for assessment and treatment of adults with neurological challenges.  Whether acute and medically fragile or chronic with sustained neurological challenge, these concepts and tools will be easily incorporated into your treatment setting.

Objectives:

1. Develop a preliminary understanding of the neurobiology of therapeutic relationship and attachemtn as a healing force in therapy.
2. Develop an understanding of the stress response as an atagonist to healing
3. Develop an understanding of the role of arousal as the driving force for attention, learning and rehabilitation.
4. Develop a preliminary understanding of the brain's neuroplasticity as the rationale for the use of sensory processing and neurodevelopmental intervention.
5. Develop a skill set of "tools" for building the brain as an aspect of neuro-rehabilitation.
6. Develop a preliminary understanding of the brain/body self-healing mechanisms and the implementation of alternative healing techniques.

Target Audience: OT's, COTA's, PT's, PTA's, and SLP's.

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Upcoming Workshops:

For upcoming workshops, consults or private sessions feel free to contact Kim at Kimberly@labyrinthjourneys.com

 

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