Please reach us at shannon@mindfullyoccupied.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Sensory integration refers to how the nervous system receives, organises, and responds to sensory information from the body and the environment. This includes sound, light, movement, touch, and internal body sensations.
Sensory integration–informed occupational therapy looks at how sensory processing supports—or interferes with—regulation, coordination, energy, and participation in daily life. When sensory systems are under strain or overloaded, everyday activities can require much more effort and lead to fatigue, overwhelm, or symptom flares.
How is this different from counselling or talk therapy? often focuses on thoughts, emotions, and insight. While this can be helpful, my role as an occupational therapist is different.
I focus on:
The emphasis is on how life is lived day to day, not just how symptoms are understood or talked about.
Somatic therapies often focus on body awareness and emotional processing. Sensory integration–informed OT is more functionally focused.
We look at:
The goal is to support participation and sustainability in daily activities, not just awareness.
Graded exposure aims to increase tolerance by gradually increasing exposure to a stimulus.
In conditions involving nervous system sensitisation (such as CFS/ME, Long COVID, or persistent concussion symptoms), this approach can sometimes increase symptoms.
Sensory integration–informed OT focuses instead on:
Capacity may change day to day, and the work adapts accordingly.

When everyday tasks become difficult due to fatigue, brain fog, or sensory overload, it helps to have someone who understands how the nervous system works in real life. I provide OT support for people recovering from persistent post concussion symptoms (>12 months), brain injury, stroke, or functional neurological disorders (FND) with a strong focus on pacing, sensory regulation and cognitive function.
Services are available in person on South Vancouver Island and virtually in BC, Ontario, Albert, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon

Creating a space that truly supports you starts with understanding how your body moves and responds to the world around you. With a background in both occupational therapy and interior design, I work with you to create a home environment that offers comfort, clarity, and ease—especially when daily tasks feel more demanding. An accessibility consultation gives you practical recommendations and a clear space plan to guide communication with designers or contractors.
Services are available in person on South Vancouver Island and virtually in BC, Ontario, Albert, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon
When you’re feeling overloaded or disconnected, it can be hard to know what’s actually helping and what’s quietly draining you. Sensory wellness coaching is a space to pause, take stock, and gently rebuild the rhythms of your day in a way that fits how your nervous system works.
We start by getting curious about your sensory preferences, stress patterns, and daily routines. From there, we’ll work together to make small, practical shifts—ones that help you feel more anchored, steadier, and more like yourself again.
This work isn’t therapy —it’s collaborative, grounded in real life, and shaped by what matters most to you.
Support is available through individual coaching, small groups, and workshops throughout the year.
Good fit for:
· Burnout and midlife shifts
· Feeling foggy, wired, or stuck
· Anyone curious about how their sensory world impacts their energy and focus
Available virtually across Canada and internationally.
Shannon Ellis OT | Universal Design Solutions