Blog

Supporting Individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder 

By Amanda Morgan, LCSW, Parent of, & Individual Living with SPD

3/25/24

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects how the nervous system processes sensory information, leading to difficulties in effectively responding to stimuli from the environment. Individuals with SPD may experience hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory input, impacting their daily functioning and quality of life. Understanding and supporting someone with SPD is crucial for fostering their well-being and helping them thrive in various environments. Let's explore what SPD is, its common symptoms, and practical strategies for providing support.

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder is a neurological condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes through the senses. This can include sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, and even movement. While SPD is not officially recognized as a standalone disorder in some diagnostic manuals, it is often seen in individuals with conditions like autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and delayed development.

Common Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder:

• Overreactivity or Underreactivity to Sensory Input: Individuals may be extremely sensitive to certain sensory stimuli (hypersensitivity) or may not respond to stimuli as expected (hyposensitivity).

• Sensory Seeking or Avoidance Behaviors: Some individuals may seek out intense sensory experiences, while others may avoid certain sensations altogether.

• Difficulty with Motor Skills: SPD can impact fine and gross motor skills, leading to challenges in coordination, balance, and motor planning.

• Emotional Regulation Issues: Sensory overload or discomfort can trigger emotional responses such as anxiety, frustration, or meltdowns.

• Difficulty with Transitions: Changes in routine or environment can be particularly challenging for individuals with SPD.

How to Support Someone with Sensory Processing Disorder:

• Educate Yourself: Learn about SPD and how it manifests in individuals. Understanding the specific sensory challenges faced by the person you're supporting is key to providing effective assistance.

• Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment: Minimize sensory triggers by controlling lighting, noise levels, and visual clutter. Provide sensory tools like weighted blankets, fidget toys, or noise-canceling headphones.

• Establish Predictable Routines: Consistent routines can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of stability for individuals with SPD.

• Respect Sensory Preferences: Be mindful of the person's sensory preferences and aversions. Allow them choices whenever possible and respect their need for space or breaks.

• Use Visual Supports: Visual schedules, timers, and social stories can help individuals with SPD anticipate and understand upcoming events or transitions.

• Offer Supportive Strategies: Teach coping strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, or sensory breaks to help regulate emotions and sensory input.

• Encourage Self-Advocacy: Help the individual develop self-awareness and advocate for their sensory needs in different environments.

Supporting someone with Sensory Processing Disorder requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt to their unique sensory needs. By creating a sensory-friendly environment, providing appropriate tools and strategies, and fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, we can empower individuals with SPD to navigate the world more comfortably and confidently. Let's work together to raise awareness and create inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive, regardless of their sensory differences.  

If you or someone you love struggles with some of the things listed here, please reach out for support.  We provide individual consultations as well as ongoing therapy to help individual learn to navigate life more comfortably. 

The Healing Power of Intentional Fresh Air: 

Nurturing Physical & Mental Well-Being

2/24/24

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of responsibilities and stressors, often neglecting our basic need for fresh air and connection with nature. However, carving out intentional time to breathe in the crisp, clean air outdoors can have profound benefits for both our physical and mental well-being.

Physically, immersing ourselves in fresh air allows our bodies to intake oxygen-rich air, which is essential for optimal functioning of our organs and tissues. Deep breathing outdoors helps to oxygenate our blood, improving circulation and boosting energy levels. Additionally, exposure to sunlight during outdoor activities stimulates the production of vitamin D, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and a healthy immune system.

On a mental and emotional level, spending time in nature and breathing in fresh air has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind. The tranquility of natural surroundings provides a welcome respite from the noise and distractions of everyday life, allowing us to quiet our racing thoughts and find inner peace. Fresh air also contains negative ions, which have been linked to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Taking a moment to pause and breathe deeply amidst nature can serve as a powerful form of mindfulness practice, grounding us in the present moment and fostering a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.

Moreover, intentional fresh air breathing offers a much-needed break from the sedentary lifestyle that many of us lead, especially in today's digital age.   Many of us use social media and/or screens as a way to unwind from the day.  We lay in bed and scroll through social media accounts, or relax on the sofa watching some TV.  Although these are forms of relaxing, they aren't necessarily giving us a break from screens.   Whether it's going for a leisurely walk in the park, hiking along forest trails, or simply sitting on a bench and inhaling the scent of flowers in bloom, these outdoor activities encourage movement and physical activity, promoting cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. The gentle rhythm of walking combined with deep breathing creates a harmonious synergy between body and mind, leaving us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Incorporating intentional time to breathe fresh air into our daily routines doesn't have to be a daunting task. It can be as simple as stepping outside for a few minutes during a lunch break, opening a window to let in a breeze while working or studying, or dedicating a weekend morning to explore nearby nature trails. By prioritizing this fundamental need for connection with the natural world, we can reap the myriad benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed or stressed, take a deep breath, step outside, and let the healing power of fresh air envelop you in its embrace. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): 

Myths, Facts, and Coping Strategies

10.20.23

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, commonly known as OCD, is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, OCD is often misunderstood and stigmatized. In this blog, we will delve into the world of OCD, shedding light on what it is, debunking common myths, and providing coping strategies for individuals and their loved ones.

I. What is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). These compulsions are performed to reduce the anxiety associated with the obsessions. OCD can manifest in various forms, such as washing, checking, hoarding, or even pure obsessional OCD, where the obsessions are mainly in the form of distressing thoughts.

II. Common Myths and Misconceptions:

1. OCD is just about cleanliness: While cleanliness and hygiene can be a part of OCD for some individuals, it can manifest in numerous other ways. People with OCD may have obsessions about harm, symmetry, or orderliness, leading to compulsions that are not related to cleanliness.

2. OCD is a personality quirk: OCD is not a quirk or a personal preference. It is a mental health disorder rooted in the brain's structure and function.

3. People with OCD are simply seeking attention: This is a harmful misconception. People with OCD often go to great lengths to hide their symptoms due to shame and embarrassment.

4. OCD can be cured by willpower: Although willpower has a role in managing OCD, it is not the sole way to cure OCD.  It's a mental health condition that requires professional treatment and support, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), distress tolerance skills, and in some cases, medication.

III. Coping Strategies for Individuals with OCD:

1. Seek professional help: If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of OCD, it's crucial to consult a mental health professional. A therapist or psychiatrist can help diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and help you find relief.

2. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness and meditation techniques can help individuals with OCD learn to tolerate the discomfort of obsessions without acting on compulsions. These techniques can be beneficial as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

3. Medication: In some cases, medication can be prescribed by a psychiatrist to help manage the symptoms of OCD.

4. Educate yourself: Understanding your condition is a vital part of managing it. Learn about OCD, its triggers, and its treatment options. Knowledge can empower you to better cope with your symptoms and help you realize you do not have to be alone in navigating OCD symptoms. 

IV. Coping Strategies for Loved Ones:

1. Be patient and understanding: Supporting someone with OCD can be challenging, but it's essential to be patient and empathetic. Avoid judgment and criticism.  Help them set goals and determine what they need to achieve the goals. 

2. Educate yourself: Just as individuals with OCD should educate themselves, so should their loved ones. Understanding the disorder can help you provide better support.

3. Encourage professional help: Encourage your loved one to seek professional treatment. Offer to help them find a therapist or psychiatrist if needed.  Sometimes going with them to a first appointment can be helpful to support them, or even help share the extent of OCD symptoms present in their life. 

4. Avoid enabling: While it's essential to be understanding, avoid participating in or enabling their compulsions. This can reinforce the cycle of OCD.

Conclusion:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a challenging condition, but with the right treatment and support, individuals with OCD can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. By dispelling myths, seeking professional help, and employing coping strategies, both those with OCD and their loved ones can work together to improve their well-being and quality of life. Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for a peaceful future.  

If you think OCD may apply to you or a loved one and you are ready for support, please reach out to us.  We are happy to support you on your journey. 

Navigating the Depths of Burnout: Understanding, Preventing, and Overcoming

Written with thoughts of Grace for yourself-Amanda Morgan, LCSW

8.17.23

Over the past few months, Jordan and I have been working diligently in helping various organizations navigate what it means to be mentally well.  One of the areas we are focusing on is Burnout!  We are aiming to share more on how to prevent it, what it looks/feels like, and how to navigate experiencing burnout.  We have been offering large group support meetings, educational opportunities, as well as smaller individual wellness check ins to help individuals reduce burn out and learn interventions to healthily manage life stressors.  

In today's fast-paced world, where we juggle multiple responsibilities, pursue ambitious goals, and connect through various digital channels, burnout has become an all-too-familiar adversary. Burnout isn't just a buzzword; it's a real and serious condition that affects countless individuals across the globe and is on the rise!  Burnout can further create extensive mental health concerns in individuals if left untreated.  In this blog, we'll delve into just some information about burnout: what it is, how it manifests, ways to prevent it, and strategies to overcome it.  

Defining Burnout: Beyond Just Stress

Burnout is more than just feeling stressed or tired. It's a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, often accompanied by feelings of cynicism and detachment from work or other responsibilities. This condition can lead to reduced performance, feelings of ineffectiveness, and even physical health problems.

Recognizing the Signs of Burnout-what to look for:

• Physical Exhaustion: Feeling constantly drained, lacking energy, and experiencing unexplained physical symptoms like headaches and stomach issues.

• Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling emotionally drained, overwhelmed, and detached from others, leading to irritability, mood swings, and a sense of hopelessness.

• Reduced Performance: Struggling to concentrate, accomplish tasks, and meet deadlines, despite putting in the effort.

• Cynicism and Detachment: Developing a negative and cynical attitude toward work, relationships, and life in general, often accompanied by a sense of isolation.

• Lack of Satisfaction: Feeling unfulfilled and dissatisfied, even when achieving goals or milestones.

Preventing Burnout: Self-Care and Beyond:

• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no when you're overwhelmed. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential.  We understand this is not always an easy thing to do, so we support you in discussing how to do this further during sessions. 

• Prioritize Self-Care: Engage in activities that rejuvenate you – whether it's exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies.

• Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques can help you stay present and manage stress more effectively.

• Time Management: Break tasks into manageable chunks and create a balanced schedule that includes breaks and downtime.  Create a schedule if you need to and learn to follow it. 

• Seek Support: Don't hesitate to talk to friends, family, or a mental health professional if you're feeling overwhelmed.

• Please note that this list could be much longer.  Each individual is faced with learning and determining what will work best for them.  We aim to support you and help you along in that journey of learning about yourself care needs. 

Overcoming Burnout: A Journey to Renewal:

If you find yourself already deep in the throes of burnout, remember that recovery is possible:

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: Admit that you're struggling and recognize that it's okay to ask for help.

• Rest and Recharge: Take time off to disconnect from your routine and focus on self-care.  This doesn't have to be time away from work or a specific role or duty you fill.  Keep in mind there are many ways to rest and recharge. 

• Reflect and Reevaluate: Consider the factors contributing to your burnout. Are there changes you can make in your work or personal life to alleviate some of the stressors?

• Seek Professional Help: A therapist or counselor can provide guidance and strategies for managing burnout.

• Gradual Return: When you're ready to return to your responsibilities, do so gradually. Don't rush back into a full workload.

In a society that often glorifies hustle and constant productivity, burnout has become an unfortunate consequence. It's crucial to recognize that our well-being is paramount, and burnout is not a sign of weakness, but rather a signal that something needs to change.  We are not robots.  That is a fact.  However, even if we were robots, robots still need maintenance, time in the shop for oil or other adjustments to keep running smoothly!  By understanding the signs, practicing preventive measures, and seeking help when needed, we can navigate the turbulent waters of burnout and find a path to renewal and well-being. Remember, you are not alone on this journey.  If you do find that you need help addressing any of these items listed above, please reach out to us.  We are happy to help and passionate about getting you the care you need.  

Please keep an eye out for an upcoming community event we will be hosting on Sept 19th at 5pm to talk a little bit more about these factors! 

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?  

Compassionately Written By Amanda Morgan, LCSW

7.22.23  

Have you ever felt overwhelmed or irritated by the stimuli around you?  Chances are that your nervous system is being overworked!  Usually our bodies are able to regulate these experiences.  For some individuals, this feeling happens more often and they may need help learning how to regulate their nervous system.  

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), also known as Sensory Integration Disorder or Sensory Sensitivity, is a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes and responds to sensory information from the environment. Sensory input includes everything we perceive through our senses, such as sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, as well as sensations related to balance and body awareness (vestibular and proprioceptive senses).

In a person with Sensory Processing Disorder, their nervous system may overreact, underreact, or have difficulty organizing sensory input, leading to atypical responses to everyday stimuli. This can result in various challenges and difficulties in daily life.

There are three main subtypes of SPD:

• Sensory Overresponsivity (Sensory Defensiveness): Individuals with this subtype are hypersensitive to sensory stimuli. They may react strongly or negatively to relatively mild sensory input, such as becoming overwhelmed by loud noises, being bothered by certain textures of clothing, or feeling discomfort in bright or crowded environments.

• Sensory Underresponsivity: In contrast to overresponsivity, people with sensory underresponsivity have a reduced response to sensory input. They may seem less aware of their surroundings, have delayed reactions to sensory stimuli, or show a lack of responsiveness to certain sensations.

• Sensory Seeking/Craving: This subtype involves seeking out intense sensory experiences. Individuals with sensory seeking tendencies may engage in repetitive or excessive behaviors to get the sensory input they desire. For example, they might spin, jump, or seek deep pressure by pressing against objects or people.

It's essential to understand that Sensory Processing Disorder is not a stand-alone medical diagnosis, according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) used by clinicians and other healthcare providers. However, many professionals in occupational therapy, pediatrics, and related fields recognize SPD as a real and impactful condition that can significantly affect a person's daily functioning and quality of life.

SPD is often seen and recognized in children, but it can also persist into adulthood. It may coexist with other neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or developmental coordination disorder (DCD).

Occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, and behavioral therapy consults may be used to help individuals with SPD manage sensory challenges, develop coping strategies, and improve their overall sensory processing abilities, leading to improved functioning and participation in daily activities. Early identification and appropriate support can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with SPD, allowing them to thrive and engage more effectively with their environment.  

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, we want you to know that we are here to help and support you. We sincerely care about your well-being and would be more than happy to offer a consult to guide you through any environmental challenges you may be facing, as well as provide effective strategies for managing Sensory Processing Disorder. Your journey is important to us, and we are committed to making it as smooth as possible.