Sensory Integration

What is sensory integration therapy?

Sensory integration therapy is a specialist form of therapy that supports people who experience sensory processing differences. It is based on the understanding that everyone's nervous system develops uniquely. Some people experience the world more intensely, some less intensely or in varying ways that make everyday environments harder to navigate. 

The aim of sensory integration therapy is not to change a person. Instead, it looks to support them to feel safer, more regulated and able to participate in the activities that are important to them.

Sensory integration therapy should be delivered by a qualified therapist with accredited post graduate training in this area in order to be able to provide evidence based therapy with fidelity. 

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Sensory integration is the way the brain takes in information from the within the body and from the world around us, makes sense of it and helps us to respond to it. Throughout the day our brains work sorting through and interpreting constant messages from all of our senses. This involves:

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• Vision

• Hearing

• Tactile- what we touch or feel through our skin and includes things like food in the mouth

• Taste

• Smell

• Proprioception- knowing the position out body is in and how much force is needed to move or perform an action

• Vestibular- balance and movement, helping is stay upright and move in the right direction

• Interopception- our internal body signals such as pain, thirst, needing the toilet or temperature

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So much of this happens without conscious thought. The brain uses this information- often needing to combine, or integrate, different sensory systems in order to make sense of what the body is experiencing. ​This process not only supports the understanding of the environment but also impacts how it might make us feel by linking into the emotion and regulatory areas of the brain. It can impact our ability to feel calm, alert, or ready to cope with everyday situations. When this process is working well, it helps us feel balanced and in control of ourselves. When we have difficulties with sensory processing, it can be harder to manage. Some people may feel overwhelmed by everyday sensations, leading to anxiety, frustration, or meltdowns, while others may seem under-responsive and find it difficult to stay alert, focused, or motivated. Sensory Integration therapy works with individuals to facilitate a better understanding of themselves and manage these responses.

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What happens in therapy?

Sensory Integration therapy is always tailored to the individual, but sessions are typically active, engaging, and guided by a person’s specific sensory needs and goals. Sessions are individually tailored to your sensory profile, strengths and goals.

 

For children, sessions are playful and child-led. Through play-based, carefully structured experiences, children are supported to develop their ability to process and respond to sensory information, which can improve areas such as attention, coordination, emotional regulation, and participation in daily routines.

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For adults, Sensory Integration therapy is more function focused and linked closely to everyday life. It may involve identifying sensory preferences and sensitivities, developing practical strategies to manage sensory input, and building routines that support regulation, focus, and well being. This could include adapting home, work, or community environments, alongside targeted activities that help improve body awareness, organisation, and resilience.

 

Across all ages, the aim is to enable individuals to feel more comfortable in their bodies, better able to manage daily demands, and more confident in participating in the activities that matter most to them. The goal is to help understand your sensory needs, to support your self advocacy and to engage in daily file in ways that feel manageable and authentic. I start with understanding, and together, we build from there.