Associate Work at Purple House

My career so far:

Following my training as an Occupational Therapist, I worked with adults with mental health conditions in low and medium secure units. Many of these patients struggled to regulate their sensory systems, so I would help them to understand this and ultimately support them when transitioning to community living. Completing my Postgraduate Certificate in Sensory Integration (PGCert), helped me understand the neuroscience behind sensory integration. 

The role of an Occupational Therapist and Sensory Integration Practitioner 

Working as an Occupational Therapist, I work with a range of psychological presentations including complex trauma. Together we look for solutions to everyday tasks by adapting the environment, using ergonomics, adapting the activity or using assistive technology. 

With sensory integration, first I carry out an assessment and then I recommend strategies for sensory regulation. In more complex cases, more intensive sensory integration therapy sessions may be required. Working with adults and children, we look to see if Activities Of Daily Living (ADLs) are affected. These can include showering, toileting, dressing and eating. Whether hobbies or interests are affected or life at school or work. Using a fully-adapted sensory room, I can observe during assessment and later provide therapy sessions. 

My Work  at The Purple House Clinic

At The Purple House Clinic, I work mostly with children through the Adoption Support Fund (ASF). Alongside the impact of trauma and attachment, many have difficulties regulating sensation. I also work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who often need support managing their sensory sensitivities. 

Working within a close-knit team of clinicians, we often support and consult each other. Sometimes Clinical Psychologists, using Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) will have concerns about childrens’ sensory regulation. The children might be preoccupied with sensory avoiding or sensory seeking behaviour. I will then support the same child through play-led sensory sessions in the sensory room. 

Within the team, I have offered group training to other Associates on how sensory regulation impacts children with complex childhood trauma. This informs other clinicians and aids further holistic understanding of psychological presentations.

The impact of my work in clinic

Sensory regulation has a primary function, underpinning everyday activities, communication, learning and development. Sensory strategies and integration can help a child and family understand their sensory needs. Even simple strategies can be revolutionary: parents understanding how scratchy socks and clothing labels can cause tactile (touch) sensory overload. Often through therapy, children will become more aware of their own bodily sensations and integrate them into everyday routines. 

What I love about working as an associate 

I have been working at Purple House Clinic since 2019 and there are multiple benefits, including an improvement to my work/life balance.  The wonderful administration team takes care of referrals and invoices, leaving me free to focus my time on client assessment, observation and report writing. I have felt welcomed and valued by the Purple House Team and would encourage anyone deliberating becoming an associate, to join our wonderful team.