Sensory modulation
Whakaāio ā-rongo or sensory modulation is an evidence based tool that supports trauma informed approaches and reduction of restrictive practices and is recognised within the Six Core Strategies©. Sensory Modulation has proven to have a positive impact on people accessing these services.
The use of sensory tools supports people to use their senses to learn self-soothing techniques and change their current emotional and behavioural responses to a stressful situation. Examples of tools are music, essential oils, rocking chairs, weighted items and massage chairs.
Research shows that sensory modulation is very useful and an easy to learn set of skills that people find helpful. See the following reports for more details about the use of sensory modulation in Aotearoa New Zealand mental health services:
Sensory modulation - whakaāio ā-rongo training package
We have developed a sensory modulation training package, which is available to anyone who wants to build their knowledge and skills in the application of sensory modulation.
The training package comprises a suite of resources. These share the science behind sensory processing, arousal, and emotion. There is also a range of tools to support you to use sensory modulation in your daily life and mahi.
Train the trainer
Te Pou co-delivered a series of sensory modulation workshops in 2019/2020 to equip the workforce with the knowledge and skills to use sensory modulation. To sustain the ongoing development and use of sensory modulation, Te Pou provided a refresher training for trainers as well as an opportunity to develop new trainers to deliver this training in their local areas in 2021.
The two-day sensory modulation train the trainer workshop was designed to assist districts to build their own capability to deliver training.
Te Pou has produced a full evaluation report on the sensory modulation train-the-trainer workshop. The purpose of this evaluation was to identify whether participants’ understanding and confidence in the training and facilitation of sensory modulation increased as a result of attending the train-the-trainer workshop. A summary infographic of the train-the-trainer evaluation is also available.
Video resources
Dr Gilbert Azuela talks about sensory modulation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This webinar co-facilitated by Dr Gilbert Azuela and Caro Swanson, introduces using sensory strategies to cope with challenging situations.
Sensory modulation national practice group
The national practice group supports the sustainable implementation of sensory modulation across Te Whatu Ora health localities. The group is comprised of interested practitioners from across Aotearoa New Zealand. Contact our Te Pou project co-leads if you are interested in learning more about the group. The terms of reference of this group is available here.
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Resources
Te Pou has a wide range of evidence-based resources and tools to help the mental health, addiction and disability workforces.
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Te Pou works alongside mental health and addiction services, and disability organisations to understand their priorities and workforce challenges.
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