Shows
Spirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT31. Wonder, Safety, and the Power of Showing UpIn this episode, we dive into the complexities of neurodiversity, sensory modulation, and the importance of safety and curiosity in therapy and life. Through some of our personal stories and clinical anecdotes, we explore how embracing individual differences and showing up authentically can foster resilience, learning, and connection.Resources & Mentions:Ruth Lanius and Dr. Stephen Porges (on neuroception and sensory matrix)Lois Hickman, OT, and nature-based therapyIf you enjoyed this episode, check out our Instagram for more resources and Cory’s “Spirit” rap. Keep showing up, stay curious, and embrace your own unique...
2025-07-2943 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT30. Exploring Shared Language: Modulation and RegulationIn this episode, we delve into the complexities of sensory modulation and regulatory systems, discussing how we understand these elements and how they influence therapeutic practice. We explore the polyvagal theory, sensory modulation matrix, and how we can create shared terminology in those spaces. Through real-life examples and theoretical discussions, we bring to light the importance of precise language and shared understanding in clinical settings. The episode highlights the dynamic interplay between sensory processing, state regulation, and adaptive functions, offering insights into how therapists can better support children with diverse needs.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction and Welcome...
2025-07-0946 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT29. When Science Meets Therapy: the art of co-regulationIn this episode, we dive into a fascinating discussion about the intersection of scientific research and therapeutic practice. Tracy shares a heartfelt experience of hosting scientists at the Developmental FX clinic, where they observed therapy sessions for individuals with Fragile X syndrome, autism, and other developmental disorders. The conversation highlights the importance of integrated models of care, the subtle yet profound impact of high-quality therapy, and the critical role of co-regulation. We also reflect on the teachings of Dr. Ayers, the challenges and rewards of being a therapist, and the significance of collaborative partnerships in advancing child development.
2025-04-0735 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT28. Therapeutic Power of PlayfulnessIn this insightful episode, we explore the transformative role of play and playfulness in paediatric occupational therapy from multiple perspectives. From real-life case studies to theoretical discussions on the STEPPSI model and polyvagal theory, we uncover how play enhances child development and therapy. Learn about the challenges and triumphs therapists face in incorporating fun into clinical practice, and discover strategies for balancing playful engagement with therapeutic goals. Through stories, research, and practical tips, we highlight the profound impact of playful interactions and social dynamics in fostering growth and emotional regulation in children.00:00 Exploring Play in Child...
2024-10-171h 02Spirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT27. Ayres Just Right Challenge & Adaptive ResponseIn this episode, we dive into the principles of adaptive responses and just right challenges as laid out by Jean Ayres in sensory integration therapy. We share our experiences and discuss the application of these principles in clinical practice. You’ll hear us talk about the developmental nature of this approach, the role of neuroplasticity, and the importance of individualized treatment. Through our conversation we highlight the significant impact of understanding and using these principles can have on children's functional abilities and overall quality of life.00:00 Introduction and Excitement About the Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders
2024-07-2554 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT26. Following a Child's Lead.In this episode, we delve into the often cited but widely misunderstood concept of 'Follow the Child's Lead'. Through our personal anecdotes, theoretical explorations, and practical insights, we wonder about the origins of this principle, its application across different disciplines and its pivotal role in treatment and intervention strategies. We unpack the nuances of following a child’s lead versus following a child’s need, and the profound impact of tuning into a child’s developmental trajectory for effective treatment. Join us as we dive deep into how this principle shapes our approaches to therapy and beyond, providing actionable takeaw...
2024-05-1255 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT25. Sensory Over Responsive and Sensory DietsThis episode is a detailed conversation about sensory modulation and its application in the field of occupational therapy. It examines various types of behaviours connected to sensory modulation and provides a thorough explanation of how to support individuals dealing with these behaviours. We discuss the intricacies of sensory modulation, particularly sensory over-responsiveness and under-responsiveness, sensory diets, and the impact of arousal and autonomic functions on sensory modulation. Key ideas include distinguishing between positive and negative valence responses, strategies for regulation and recovery, and the role of safety in sensory modulation. 00:00 Introduction and Updates on Training Pr...
2024-02-1456 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT24. Interoception with KIM BARTHELThis is our first ever Guest Episode, and who better to talk to than Kim Barthel!!In this episode we continue to discuss interoception and making sense of this in treatment. We had a glitch with our video feed this episode so it’s audio only, but we so very excited to finally share this. Our conversation covers many levels, from trying to understand and discern interoception vs neuroception, to understanding interoceptive processing with clinical practice examples and hopefully offers everyone new insights into how we can support individuals with different interoceptive needs.Ki...
2023-10-241h 06Spirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT23. Understanding Interoception and its Role in Sensory ProcessingIn this episode we discuss the relationship between interoceptive processing, conscious and subconscious as well as how that relates to the polyvagal theory. We explore how interoception changes in the different states of the nervous system, such as ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal states. We also discuss the role of interoception in emotions and feelings, and how it can impact social interactions. Our conversation begins our discussion around the importance of understanding interoceptive processing in clinical practice and hopefully offers insights into how we can support individuals with different interoceptive needs.Check out DFX's learning...
2023-09-0655 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT22. Somatosensory Foundations of The SelfThis episode we discuss the importance of the somatosensory system in forming our sense of self through our relationships and how it shapes neurodevelopment. We explore how individuals who have not experienced secure attachment early in life may struggle with somatosensory amplification and somatization later on. We chat about the role of touch in creating a sense of safety and connection, and how sensory integrative processing can impact overall wellness. If you’re curious about the need to balance and respect boundaries while providing positive somatosensory experiences for individuals with neurodiversity this episode is for you. Hopefully, like we di...
2023-08-0758 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT21. Somatosensory Processing and PraxisJoin us as we explore the interplay between feed forward and feedback in the somatosensory system. Learn how this impacts our ability to perform skilled movements and how our brain prepares for the next action. Find out how inhibition plays a crucial role in allowing us to venture forward in novel experiences. Check out DFX's learning journeys to build your clinicalreasoning skills with Tracy --> https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/ Full transcription of our episode is available on ourwebsite. Timestamps:0:00:00 Intr...
2023-06-1537 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT20. Somatosensory Processing - Tactile, Proprioception and so much more.If you've ever wondered what somatosensory processing and breaking down what that really is and how we can observe it in our sessions then this episode is certainly for you!-Check out DFX's learning journeys to build your clinical reasoning skills with Tracy --> https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/Full transcription of our episode is available on our website. Timestamps:00:03:21 - Exploring Modulation Challenges in Somatosensory Processing00:05:27 - Discussion of Somatosensory Receptors and Interoception00:07:26 - Discussion on the Vestibular Labyrinth as a Proprioceptor
2023-05-1655 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT19. Sensory 'Seekers' - Vestibular Discrimination Part 1This episode is our first attempt to discuss some of the vestibular based contributions to why some children just never. stop. moving. In comparison to others, who seem to fear movement. We attempt to explore how both of scenarios are related to weakened vestibular processing. This is a part one episode, as we've only just scratched the surface of this topic.-In this episode, Tracy, Cory and Michelle cover the following:1. The importance and power of the vestibular system and its role in neurological functions, sensory integration and higher cognitive...
2023-03-0748 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OTGood Things Are ComingBring on 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-02-0300 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT18. Polyvagal Theory and Co-regulationHave a listen as we reflect with Tracy on the 2022 PVI Gathering & Unyte Safe and Sound Summit. We discuss many things Polyvagal (big thanks to Dr. Stephen Porges!). Our journey takes us most deeply into co-regulation and some new ways of integrating this concept with Tracy's insights!The Summit is currently still available for online access (live recordings). So to anticipate that for all those who want to know you can find it here:https://web.cvent.com/event/836a907a-9b07-4503-8069-934a100e49db/summaryFull disclosure we do not...
2022-10-2853 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT17. Vestibular Based Treatment - A Case of Gravitational InsecurityJoin us for this episode as Tracy describes the treatment process for a young woman with gravitational insecurity. Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-09-0747 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT16. What's the Go With Reflexes?This episode was inspired by a lister!Most of us have had this quandary in our learning as professionals - how to think about reflexes holistically, do they even matter and what to do when we see them in treatment?We dive into the neurology of some of the reflexes and discuss them from a Sensory Integrative perspective, why they may or may not be present and how they can impact on functional performance. We love learning as much as you do and if you have questions, send them our way! spiritedconversationspodcast@gmail...
2022-08-1047 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT15. Rhythm, Routine and Predictability"We have to give predictability to allow for flexibility, and we have to give rhythm to allow for a-rhythm" - Tracy Murnan Stackhouse 2022This episode Cory highlights how becoming a parent has changed her appreciation for predictability, rhythm and routine. Tracy links these principles to their influence on our nervous systems and whole gang speaks to how predictability, rhythm and routine influence their treatment sessions. No show notes for this episode, just a good discussion between great friends. Website:spiritedconversationspodcast.com SpIRiT Course:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.comS...
2022-07-121h 00Spirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT14. The Surprises of TreatmentThis Episode we continue with our case from episode 3. Michelle walks us through the next surprising steps of the treatment journey and how she followed the child’s lead to new and wonderful places, like ADLs! Tracy highlights Michelle’s use of Dan Seigal’s 4 E’s of cognition and offers many pearls for us to ponder. We hope you enjoy!As always show notes can be found at::spiritedconversationspodcast.comYou can access training for the Spirit course online here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/courses/thespiritofpediatrictherapyShow notes on our webs...
2022-06-1453 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT13. The Journey of Becoming Relational TherapistsIn this discussion we talk through the tension we have as therapists to step through our list of activities for each session and the need of the child to have us adapt in sessions moment-to-moment in order to create the essential ingredients for neurodevelopment to unfold. Enjoy!Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-05-1452 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT12. Imitation as a foundation for Action and Social ConnectionThis episode we explore the neurological and developmental concept of imitation. We dive into how it unfolds developmentally in a social context and how it supports the process of praxis. We even get into the concept of ‘perfectionism’ from a sensory integrative framework.As always show notes can be found at::spiritedconversationspodcast.comYou can access training for the Spirit course online here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/courses/thespiritofpediatrictherapyEnjoy!Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do th...
2022-04-051h 07Spirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT11. Executive Functions ContinuedThis episode continues on from episode 10 in exploring executive functions in treatment. We wander across a few different topics throughout including praxis, complex processing and motor skill development. Show notes for episode 10 continue to be relevant for episode 11. You can access these here:spiritedconversationspodcast.com You can access training for the Spirit course online here: https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/courses/thespiritofpediatrictherapyEnjoy!Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:htt...
2022-03-0159 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OTCelebrating Genevieve JerebOn the 11th of January our profession lost a wonderful colleague, who had an incredible influence on so many lives around the world, particularly those of us in the field of paediatric OT. Given Tracy and Gen’s beautiful friendship and Gen’s influence on each of us, we are sharing a few stories to celebrate her life. If you want to find out more about Gen, her Sensory Tools website is a good place to start: https://sensorytools.net/blogs/news/about-genevieve-jereb-o-tMusic for this episode by Gen:‘Starfish’ - Jumpin’ Jellybeans ‘Do The Monkey’...
2022-02-0614 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT10. Emerging Executive FunctionsWow we've made it to episode 10! This episode brings us another case discussion. We explore how executive functioning (EF) and effortful control (EC) - particularly inhibition, start to emerge in treatment for our young man. Tracy references a mind map from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) which we've attached in our show notes here: https://www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com/basic-01 As always you can access training for the Spirit course online here: https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/courses/thespiritofpediatrictherapyEnjoy!Show notes on our website (coming soon):s...
2022-02-0157 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT9. Social Skills In Treatment: Attuning and TeachingThis episode takes us further along the path of social emotional development. We dance with the dilemma of knowing when the right time is in treatment to teach a specific social skill strategy. If you have ever thought about how much to challenge a child and how much to follow their lead then this discussion is definitely for you.Hopefully we will have all the bugs in our audio sorted for our next episode but we hope you enjoy regardless!Show notes for this episode can be found here:www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com...
2022-01-1149 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT8. Social Emotional Development - Go Slow to Go FastWe are back and taking our conversations into the realms of social-emotional development. If you haven’t heard episode 7 it will be helpful to go back and listen as we reflect on the same case and how treatment moved from regulation into the social-emotional domain. We don’t specifically reference a number of key researchers in our discussion and deeply want to honour and respect the work these wonderful people have contributed to this field. So we have included their names for you here:Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena WiederDr. Edward Tronick Dr. Dan SiegalDr. Daniel...
2021-11-2855 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OTUpdate!Hang in there! We’ll be back soon. Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2021-06-1100 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT7. Treatment and Sensory ModulationThis episode we work to put the concepts from the last two episodes together with a clinical case. As always show notes can be found here:www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com SpIRiT course can be found here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.comEnjoy!Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2021-05-2652 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT6. Sensory Modulation: Part 2These two Modulation episodes are packed full!! Definitely don't skip this one, it's packed with gold. So exciting that the SpIRiT course is now available for people to take online. If you're interested check it out here: https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com As always, our website has some links/resources to explore further from this ep in our show notes. https://www.spiritedconversationspodcast.comShow notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfx...
2021-05-121h 03Spirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT5. Sensory Modulation: Part 1Get ready to dive into sensory modulation, a very unique and incredibly important topic. Show notes at www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2021-04-2758 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT4. Sensory Discrimination for SkilfulnessJoin us as we discuss sensory discrimination for the purpose of skilfulness. Enjoy the process as we ask why the brain needs details! Show notes at www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2021-04-1352 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT3. The Power of PraxisShow notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2021-03-2559 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT1. Why Posture MattersThis episode we discuss a young man who demonstrates so clearly why posture is so important and how it can have such a profound impact on handwriting and function. Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2021-03-0853 minSpirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT2. Our Stories and Why We’re Here.Our first episode gives you a little behind the scenes of how we landed where we are today and why we are really excited about starting this podcast. Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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