Implementing A Sensory-Based Approach in a Clinic Setting
Let’s talk about using sensory strategies in a clinic setting.
As the owner of a private practice, I understand how easy this sounds in theory but can often be hard to implement in reality.
When I talk about implementing a sensory based approach in a clinic setting, I’m often met with the same questions:
“What if I don’t have a sensory gym or sensory equipment?”
“How can I get parents on board with this approach?”
“How can I collaborate with the child’s school-based SLP to make sure everyone is using the same sensory strategies?”
These are great questions and I recently went live with my friend and colleague, Celina Wright, who has been a practicing SLPA for over 14 years, to talk about how easy it really can be to start using sensory strategies in their sessions.
So let’s dive into these questions:
“What if I don’t have a sensory gym or sensory equipment?”
Guess what - you don’t need one!
This is a mindset barrier we see from a lot of therapists. Therapists think their room is too small, or they don’t have a gym, or they don’t have the equipment, and they feel that prevents them from using a sensory-based approach. But in reality, it’s not about the tools you have, but what you do with them.
When you understand why a sensory strategy works, you can use any tool - you don’t need a swing, but they are nice to have!
“How can I get parents on board with this approach?”
It helps to think of the parents as the conduit that leads to everyone else in the child’s life.
We need to take time to educate the parents on the benefits of sensory based therapy. Show them the amazing progress their child is making with this approach. Show them all the gains you are making, no matter how small.
When we work closely with the family, we can help them learn how to educate others, advocate for the child’s sensory needs, and how to set up their environments to be successful outside of therapy.
“How can I collaborate with the child’s school-based SLP to make sure everyone is using the same sensory strategies?”
My number one tip is to put front and center that mutual respect, especially for their schedule and time limitations.
When trying to get others on board with your approach, it’s never helpful to tell someone everything they’re doing is wrong and how they can do it better, or overwhelming them with too much information. Sometimes exchange of emails is helpful, but sometimes it’s more effective to have a few short phone calls over a period of 4-6 months.
You have to find what works for the other therapist as well.
The biggest benefit of utilizing a sensory-based approach in a clinic setting lies in fostering collaboration with parents and families, empowering them to advocate for their child's needs and set up supportive environments outside of therapy.
If you want to hear more about implementing sensory strategies in a clinic setting, make sure you check out my live show, Making the Shift.
