Sensory Approaches to Mental Health Practice presents the latest research on the relationship between sensory processing and a range of mental health conditions, along with coverage of relevant sensory-based programs. This book includes real life case studies to support practical and clinical application. Organised into sections on theory, specific diagnoses, clinical settings, interventions, and tools to practice, it explores key topics such as sensory processing, sensory integration, sensory modulation, and the intersection of these with recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care, in mental health practice. This comprehensive resource equips readers with the knowledge, practical skills, and tools to apply sensory approaches effectively and in a recovery-focused manner across diverse client needs and settings.
Section I Sensory processing theory, nosology, and taxonomy
1. Introduction
2. The neuroscience of the sensory systems
3. Behavioral theory: Overview of theoretical frameworks
4. Sensory approaches and recovery oriented practice
5. Sensory processing and sensory integration: Principles and therapy
implications
6. Sensory modulation interventions in practice when working with
Section II Using sensory approaches with specific populations
7. The lived experience
8. Sensory approaches for anxiety and depression
9. Sensory approaches and acquired brain injury
10. Sensory approaches for people with schizophrenia
11. Sensory approaches and eating disorders
12. Sensory approaches and chronic pain
13. Sensory modulation in dementia care
Section III Sensory informed intervention approaches
14. Sensory modulation program
15. Adolescent Regul8 program
16. Activity and occupational engagement
17. Animal-assisted therapy
18. Sensorimotor spiritual and religious practice in mental health
Section IV Use of sensory approaches in specific settings
19. Beeping monitors, bright lights, and white walls: A sensory journey
through hospital birth and beyond. Matricentric perspectives on embodiment
and environment
20. Surviving the emotional rollercoaster: Sensory interventions to support
parents with infants in the neonatal critical care unit
21. Use of sensory approaches in inpatient acute services, including crisis
care planning
22. Applying sensory approaches in community-based mental health services
Section V Sensory tools and resources
23. Sensory assessment tools Pamela Joy Meredith Prof and Tawanda Machingura
24. Resources for sensory approaches in practice
Professor Tawanda Machingura is a highly accomplished occupational therapy practitioner and academic, with extensive experience spanning clinical practice, program leadership, and scholarly research. He holds a PhD from Griffith Universitys School of Applied Psychology, where his doctoral work examined the effectiveness of sensory modulation in adults living with schizophrenia. Renowned for his leadership in advancing occupational therapy education in Australia, he has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing innovative programs nationwide. He played a key role in the establishment of the Graduate Entry Masters and Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs at Bond University and then went on to lead the establishment of occupational therapy programs at The University of Southern Queensland and the University of Notre Dame, Australia. His research centers on psychosocial, evidence-based interventions to enhance mental health and well-being, and he remains deeply committed to advancing the profession through publication, international conference engagement, teaching, and mentoring the next generation of occupational therapists. Professor Pamela Meredith is Discipline Lead of Occupational Therapy at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) and Fellow of the Occupational Therapy Australia Research Academy. She holds dual registration as an occupational therapist and a psychologist with AHPRA. After clinical work in disability, child, and youth mental health, and education, she transitioned into academia in 1997 and earned her PhD in 2006 from The University of Queensland. Her research explores the links between early-life experiences (e.g., attachment, sensory patterns), parenting, and long-term health outcomes, focusing on chronic pain, mental health, and trauma. Professor Meredith has over 160 peer-reviewed publications and has received numerous awards for teaching, research excellence, and research higher degree supervision.
