NB: This 1-day workshop requires workers to have a foundational level of knowledge of AOD practice

Sensory Approaches is a collective term for a range of interventions which utilise the sensory systems to regulate levels of bodily arousal when a person is experiencing symptoms of distress and agitation. They are commonly used in mental health services as a trauma informed approach, and as a first line intervention to manage difficult emotional states.

This 1-day practical workshop is suitable for all AOD and mental health practitioners and requires workers to have a foundational level of knowledge of AOD practice.

By the end of this workshop learners will be able to:

• Define and decide when to use sensory approaches
• Understand the supporting neuroscience and evidence underpinning its use
• Understand and describe the 8 sensory systems and their role in regulation of physiology, emotions, cognitions and behaviours
• Be familiar with a range of frameworks, strategies and tools including sensory preferences, calming/alerting/noxious sensory inputs, safety tools, the TREEE model, Using Your Senses to Cope and Sensory Plan tools
• Understand how to apply these sensory tools and approaches in the treatment of problematic substance use with opportunities to trial and practice their use throughout the workshop

Follow up Zoom call

This follow up zoom call will be scheduled approximately 4 weeks after the workshop so that participants can further discuss and/or practice their application of sensory approaches with support provided from the training facilitators.

Pre-requisite: If you are new to the area of AOD practice, it is recommended that you have completed the Foundational AOD Concepts eLearning (Insight), AOD Crash Course (Insight) or Young People and Drugs (Dovetail) training at minimum before attending this course.