Sensory Attachment and Trauma Services
What is sensory attachment intervention?
Sensory Attachment Intervention (SAI) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between a child or young person’s sensory processing and their emotional regulation, exploring how each affects the other. This therapy also takes into account the child and their key adults—such as parents, foster carers, teachers, siblings, or any significant person in their life. The approach looks at the child and their family’s daily routines in a holistic way.
Humans are inherently social beings, forming relationships even before birth, which are crucial for survival, learning about safety and danger, playing, exploring the world, and experiencing joy. In early childhood, we typically learn to co-regulate with a trusted adult, and as we grow, we develop the ability to self-regulate. This means that when we feel dysregulated, we can choose whether to rely on co-regulation or self-regulation, depending on what feels right at the time. Our capacity to both co- and self-regulate is deeply linked with how we process sensory information.
Why might you want a sensory attachment service?
We are a specialist provision in assessing and treating attachment difficulties and trauma that can be associated with children who are have had experienced adverse childhood experiences, adopted, fostered or looked after
OT4me is an accredited provider of adoption support services for all Local Authorities throughout Yorkshire and the Humber. These services are funded by the Adoption Support Fund (ASF) and we work closely with our social care colleagues to ensure that our clients receive a comprehensive, joined up service. We also work privately with families.
We offer support with the following:
- The impact of trauma
- Attachment issues
- School-related problems
- Behavioural difficulties
- Health, cognitive or developmental concerns
- Sensory processing issues and dysregulation
Interventions we offer
Sensory attachment intervention (SAI) for a child focuses on fostering emotional connection and attachment through sensory experiences. This therapeutic approach involves engaging a child in activities that stimulate their senses—such as touch, sight, sound, and movement—in a way that is calming and nurturing. The goal is to create a safe, predictable environment where the child can experience positive interactions with caregivers or therapists, building trust and emotional bonds. Techniques may include gentle touch, sensory toys, calming music, aromatherapy, and guided activities that promote relaxation and emotional regulation. The intervention helps the child feel secure, supported, and connected, aiding in the development of healthy attachment patterns.
We also offer the following services
- Theraplay
- Dyadic Development Psychotherapy (DDP)
- Group sessions – parents/education
- External supervision/mentoring professionals
Training Packages
‘Making SENSE of your child’s needs’ In 2024 we launched our new training programme to the north west social workers and foster parents.
The topics covered include:
Sensory integration: includes an overview of all 8 sensory systems
- Sensory strategies
- Pregnancy and birth
- Regulation and co-regulation
- PANS/PANDAS
- Sleep challenges
- Toileting issues
- Trauma and development
- Importance of play
'Specialist training for parents/carers'. This is a 10hour package aimed at parents/carers. This programme is a deep dive into the concepts of regulation, attachment and trauma.
'Specialist training for schools'. This package is designed to support teachers or teaching staff. Who may have children in their school who have additional needs.
What is Theraplay?
“Developed in the late 1960s by Ann Jernberg, Theraplay is a child and family therapy, based on attachment theory, that aims to address behavioural, emotional, and developmental issues. It is endorsed by the Association for Play Therapy as a historically significant play therapy approach.
At its core, Theraplay endorses healthy attachments between caregivers and children for them to develop a healthy sense of self. To achieve this,
Theraplay has the practitioner, along with the caregiver, facilitate fun, nurturing, and involved activities to build a healthy relationship with the child, allowing them to experience a positive and safe world as they explore their emotional states. It can be adapted for all ages.
Theraplay uses practitioner guidance to create playful and caring child-adult interactions that foster joyful shared experiences. These activities build attunement and understanding of each other – replicating early relationship experiences that are proven to lead to secure attachment. The sessions are personal, physical and fun – a natural way for everyone to experience the healing power of being together.
Theraplay sessions focus on four essential qualities found in healthy parent-child relationships: structure, engagement, nurture, and challenge”.
Theraplay UK
Looking to help your child develop the skills & confidence they need to flourish?
OT4me offers a wide range of occupational therapy services to assist you or your client! Booking or contacting us online is really quick & convenient.