Our entire Occupational Therapy philosophy is based, in theory, on holistic health care and body mind spirit integration- we learn about it at uni- but often there is a mismatch with current practice. The Body Mind Spirit tour is all about going back to our roots and reclaiming what we innately know and value as Occupational Therapists- we are wired, neurologically, for connection and social interaction, for curiosity and joy, and for a meaningful and purposeful existence.

The body, mind, spirit tour is a calling for allied health professionals to join in coming together to return to our roots of community, wholeness and living experiences, to guide our approach to supporting health and wellness.

The idea was ignited during the OT Getaway when we reflected on the essence of Occupational Therapy and healing, our own journeys and the knowledge gained and shared by each of us. We have combined this spark with Kaya‘s extensive knowledge in supporting children and families holistically, her seamless ability to blend the neuroscience with experience, and her recent share on “Body Mind Spirit through Sensory Connection” at the ATTach conference in Arizona.

We will be touring the east coast of Australia, visiting nine regional and rural areas along the way and delivering a full day workshop in each location. Our intention is to empower country therapists and communities by providing a two-way learning environment that blends neuroscience, knowledge of cultural roots and practical experiences that will provide enthusiasts with the opportunity to embody a cohesive approach to healing.

The workshop will involve two layers:

1. Sensory integration and how the way we process and integrate sensation weaves together body, mind and spirit.

2. Attachment and establishing a secure sense of self as a base for connecting meaning to occupations.

Participants can expect to engage in an enriched day of inspiration and to gain a range of therapeutic tools to take forward into practice, as health professionals and for those who we support.

Key Learning Areas

Understand the neurological importance of Sensory Integration on health and function.
Explain how attachment and connection guide child development.
Identify the factors that contribute to connecting meaning to occupation.
Describe the theoretical concepts of sensory integration, attachment and meaningful occupations through embodied experiences
Acquire clinical reasoning tools of body/mind/spirit to take forward into practice.

Please click here for more information on the structure of the day.

About the Speaker- Kaya Lyons:

Kaya is a dynamic trauma-responsive Occupational Therapist who is driven to support children to thrive in life as unique individuals. Kaya is the director of Active OT For Kids and Camp Reset aiming to provide services that make a difference.

Kaya has extensive training and experience working with children with autism, trauma, physical disabilities, genetic disabilities, emotional and behavioural disorders, global developmental delays, and specific learning difficulties. Kaya presents nationally and internationally to support, educate and empower the journey of development, health, wellness and healing, and has authored a chapter in the book, “Clinical Reasoning in Nature Therapy”.

Kaya has also contributed to the NSW Government project “Munch and Move” as well as the design and implementation of the Yudi Gunyi health and education project.

She values the importance of play, attachment and being active outdoors. She values nature, culture and connection. As a mother of three children she also understands the constant challenge to find balance in life.

Kaya’s recent speaking engagements include: