Sensory Approaches for AOD Practice - Brisbane

Sensory Approaches is a collective term for a range of interventions that focus on supporting the client to achieve regulation of affect, attention and behaviour through regulation of bodily arousal states using a range of sensory modalities.* It is widely used in mental health services as a trauma informed approach, and as a first line intervention to manage difficult emotional states.

This practical one day workshop will cover:

• Defining and deciding when to use sensory approaches
• The supporting neuroscience and evidence
• The 8 sensory systems and their role in regulation of physiology, emotions, cognitions and behaviours
• Application of sensory approaches in the treatment of problematic substance use

Participants will be introduced to a range of frameworks, strategies and tools. These include sensory preferences, calming/alerting/noxious sensory input, safety tools, the TREEE model, Using Your Senses to Cope and Sensory Plan tools. The workshop will provide opportunities to trial and apply these in AOD practice.  

* From Sensory Approaches in Mental Health Clinical Capability Framework - QLD Health 2016.

NB: This workshop requires workers to have a foundational level of knowledge of AOD practice; the workshop is designed to complement and enhance your existing AOD practice.

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

Presenter: Michelle Taylor and Irene Francisco.

Tea, coffee and a light lunch are provided at all full-day workshops at Biala. Please note that the room can get quite cold at times, so bring a jacket if you think you may need one. The building is wheelchair accessible and interpreters, captioning services and other sensory impairment aids can be organised if required. Please contact us at least 2 weeks prior to your workshop to discuss. Roma Street train and bus station is the closest public transport access to Biala and current construction works are being undertaken on the Cross River Rail project, for up to date information on how this may impact you, please refer to https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/construction/roma-street-construction/

Please ensure adherence to all relevant conditions https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions for attendance to our workshops.

NB: There is no parking available at Biala.

Any last minute changes due to COVID restrictions may mean late cancellation of this workshop. In this case, contact will be made via mobile or e-mail. Please ensure all contact details are up to date on your Insight profile.