Coaching
Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
If you are interested in learning mindfulness, or deepening your current practice, individual sessions can greatly enhance this experience. This can be especially helpful if you have been struggling with unpleasant feelings, sensations or thoughts. We will discover obstacles that are preventing you from practicing, create personalized habits to support daily practice and explore how the formal practice of mindfulness translates into daily life. Mindfulness is especially beneficial when it becomes a way of life allowing you to live with greater ease, presence and happiness. As mindfulness fosters greater self-awareness, a self-compassion practice can increase resiliency when navigating health concerns, stress, burnout and difficult relationships. Whether new to either practice or not, private sessions allow you to focus on your specific needs in order to go deeper than you may be able to on your own.
Mindful Movement and Sensory-Enhanced Yoga®
Mindful movement involves learning how to modify and adjust a yoga practice, moment by moment, based on what your body, mind and heart need. It involves learning how to use your breath to guide your practice and nourish your nervous system. A private session can offer valuable insight into your personal growth as you learn to work within and then expand your window of challenge, recognize and release expectations and embrace imperfection. As you increase awareness, practice non-judgement and ground yourself in the moment you will learn to trust that you are working in collaboration with your whole self. Whether you are interested in exploring mindful movement as a tool to support healthy living, to reconnect with yourself or to build resiliency, a private session will deepen this experience.
Sensory-Enhanced Yoga® integrates techniques from sensory-based occupational therapy practices with recent findings from the fields of neurobiology and trauma psychology to support self-regulation. This evidence-based style of yoga was developed to promote healing and self-empowerment for those who are experiencing PTSD, anxiety, or related autonomic nervous system disorders.
Sensory Wellness
Are you struggling to get day-to-day activities completed due to sensory overload? Sounds are overwhelmingly loud, lights are too bright, and you need to retreat from the world if you've done too much? We will work together to increase your awareness of behaviours, routines and environments impacting the senses. Find tools that calm, alert or ground you and support moving away from overload and taking care of your nervous system. With coaching support through an occupational therapy lens, we will identify and set small achievable goals. You will learn to lower stress, improve self-care routines and increase focused energy. You will feel supported to move forward in daily activities and away from feelings of overload.
Occupational Therapy (BC Residents Only)
Occupational Therapy services include assessment and treatment of cognitive and sensory processing difficulties following a neurological event such as a mild traumatic brain injury or stroke. Specialized services are available for clients suffering from prolonged sensory overload symptoms that impact day to day function, with a focus on sensory regulation. Please note services billed as occupational therapy are only available to BC Residents. This service is not covered by MSP but may be covered under some extended health plans.
Sensory-Enhanced Space Design
Understanding your personal sensory preferences and tendencies is essential when creating a space in your home where you can retreat when the world becomes overwhelming. Working with an occupational therapist with design knowledge is a first step in building a safe and calm space that immediately reassures your nervous system. An exploration of the 5 exteroceptive (external) senses will guide the development of a sensory focused space, allowing your sensory palate to create the sanctuary you desire. A well thought out space plan and sensory mood board can assist with communication to designers and contractors, if required.