Sensory Integration Therapy and Mindfulness For Peace of Mind
If you suffer from sensory sensitivity or autism, you may be concerned about your senses and want to find a way to enhance them. There are various treatments you can try such as sensory integration therapy and mindfulness techniques.
Sensory integration therapy (SIT) aims to enhance how people process sensory data in their minds and bodies, so they can better use it when making decisions and engaging with others. This treatment involves a series of sensory-focused exercises designed to teach individuals how to control their responses to the world around them.
Therapy is a type of physical or occupational therapy that assists children and adults with their sensory processing issues. It can improve their capacity to respond appropriately to various sensory stimuli such as touch, smell, taste, sound, and movement.
Sensory integration therapy can also help children hone their social skills and boost self-esteem. Before beginning this type of therapy, consult an occupational therapist for advice and support.
Mindfulness therapies can be especially helpful for sensory-sensitive people who struggle to manage their anxiety and preoccupations. Eastern meditative practices such as mindfulness instruct the brain to pay close attention to bodily processes and sensations without judgment or defensiveness.
One popular technique is called the body scan, which involves shifting focus to different parts of the body and noting how they feel for short periods of time. This can be done from home or at a therapist’s office.
Patients are instructed to practice body scanning by closing their eyes and focusing on certain body parts such as feet, calves, stomach, upper body parts such as arms or head until they become aware of all sensations present there. Once this skill has been mastered, patients can move onto another part of their anatomy for practice.
This technique can be beneficial for individuals with sensory sensitivity, as it encourages them to adopt a more relaxed, accepting attitude toward their sensations. It may also be used by anxious individuals who are anticipating events in the future as it makes them feel more at ease in their environment and what they’re doing.
Treatment for sensory integration therapy is typically provided by an occupational therapist trained in sensory integration therapy. The therapist will assess the child’s sensory capabilities and teach them various strategies to enhance their senses.
Other approaches involve mindfulness-based sensory coping techniques, which involve focusing on a particular sensation or behavioral response and observing it as it arises. These can be done from home or in a clinic and have proven to be highly effective.
These techniques can help alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety, stress and depression. Furthermore, they may be beneficial to individuals living with autism spectrum disorder or learning disabilities.
People who are hypersensitive to sound or light may find them less frightening. Additionally, psychotherapeutic interventions have the potential to decrease fear associated with sensory experiences for those suffering from mental health disorders like schizophrenia and anxiety.