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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.
Shannon Ellis OT | Universal Design Solutions