Regulation & Trauma

Regulation and Trauma

Trauma Informed Approach to Sensory Processing Disorder and Arousal Regulation

Therapists and other professionals who work with individuals with sensory and developmental disorders (e.g. autism spectrum, attention deficit, learning disabilities) often encounter clients with difficulties related to developmental trauma. Traumatic events may be overt, such as early loss of a primary caregiver; sexual, physical or emotional abuse; or domestic, community and school violence. Trauma may also be innocent, such as early hospitalization and necessary lifesaving medical procedures in the neonatal intensive care unit. Exposure to adverse life experiences has been shown to increase the likelihood of social, emotional and developmental delays. Furthermore, children with developmental delays have a higher risk of being subjected to experiences involving physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

There is a growing understanding, and accompanying clinical practice that addresses the connection between sensory processing dysfunction and trauma. When an individual cannot adequately process sensory information or traumatic experiences, the body’s natural defense mechanisms become heightened, further impacting sensory processing disorder.

two-day, live course


This two-day, hands-on course will explore, from a trauma-informed perspective, the connections between sensory processing and sensory integrative difficulties. We will also provide a brief introduction to the tension reducing technique, known as TRE®, as a means of demonstrating how the body retains stress in core muscular tension patterns. This course will investigate the hardwired action systems that underlie sensory modulation, arousal, affect regulation, and play. A clinical reasoning model for tracking dynamic shifts in state and levels of integration will be presented. Interactive hands-on labs, video and case presentations will bring key concepts and treatment strategies to life in this theoretically based, yet practical course.

one-day, online course – Finding Safety & Stability


This live, one-day online course will will explore the connections between trauma, sensory processing and sensory integrative difficulties. Participants will learn how sound and movement are critical in the development of body based, perceptual motor, and social emotional foundations for feeling safe in the world and in relationship to another. Treatment labs will explore the basics of auditory and vestibular/somatosensory processing, and their relationship to arousal, attachment, self-regulation, and learning. Video and case presentations will highlight key concepts and treatment strategies in this theoretically-based, yet practical course.

Currently No Upcoming Events for this Course.