Spirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT

This is a short bonus from us, and it comes with an invitation. From the 9th to the 14th of November 2026, Tracy is leading a Spirited Retreat in Ubud, Bali, through CPD Retreats, and we wanted our listeners to know. If you have ever wanted to learn the SPIRIT model deeply, this is the way to do it. You complete the SPIRIT course online beforehand at your own pace, then land in Bali with around 25...

What does it really mean for sensory integration to be a developmental theorym and how does that change the way we see the children in front of us? In this episode, we pick up right where Episode 33 left off. Tracy opens with a powerful quote from the Sensory Integration Theory and Praxis textbook that bridges sensory discrimination and executive functioning, and the conversation takes off from th...

I n this episode, we dive deep into the clinical reasoning behind a case study of Cory's involving a 3.5-year-old boy. We do our best to link the experiences of this little boys daily challenges, such as dressing, social interactions, and emotional regulation, and unpack them through the lens of sensory integration and praxis. We explore the vital difference between "high route" and "low route" br...

In this episode, we’re wrestling with something that comes up all the time in clinic: how do we explain the tricky clinical terms (like ocular control) to parents without losing them? We are continuing on the journey of trying to unpack language, talking about how we translate what we’re seeing in terms of ocular motor functions, vestibular contributions, and somatosensory discrimination into lang...

In 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 (o...

In 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...

In 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 model...

In 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 p...

In 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...

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 ver...

This 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-respons...

This 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 u...

In 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...

This 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...

Join 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 clinical reasoning skills with Tr...

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...

This 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 Mic...

Bring on 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have 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 a...

Join 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.

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 per...

"We have to give predictability to allow for flexibility, and we have to give rhythm to allow for a-rhythm" - Tracy Murnan Stackhouse 2022 This 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 rout...

This 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:: spiritedconversationspod...

In 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...

This 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.com You can access training for the Spirit course online...