Moyna Talcer Consultant Occupational Therapist

07/03/2026

The importance of occupational balance:

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend an instructors seminar with Sifu Sergio alongside the other instructors from the UK Schools of Kung Fu. It was a great reminder that the lessons we practice in kung fu extend far beyond the training floor.

As occupational therapists, we often talk about the importance of occupational balance—the healthy mix of work, rest, and meaningful activities that support our wellbeing. Being in a profession that helps others build this balance is incredibly rewarding, but it’s just as important that we practice what we teach.

The seminar highlighted how discipline, awareness, and consistency in kung fu mirror what we encourage in occupational therapy: creating intentional space for movement, mindfulness, learning, and recovery. When we maintain balance in our own occupations—whether that’s work, hobbies, family time, or training—we support our mental health and become better practitioners for the people we serve.

As a highly productive person, like many others, I can often hyperfocus on my work to the exclusion of other occupations (because im so passionate about it), however carving out time to continue to learn the wonderful art and application of Wing Chun is equally important to me. Wing Chun has taught me so much over the years, mostly to "know thy self", and this is a journey I am so grateful to be on.

As a person with hypermobility, and a connective tissue disorder, I have had to learn about body mechanics, correct alignment, to learn where my centre is and to consistantly reorientate to it. This has been the only exercise I have been able to maintain without injury for years and that is because of the focus on body health and internal awareness.

A great reminder that wellbeing isn’t just something we teach… it’s something we live.

Thank you again to Sifu Sergio the human Wing Chun encyclopedia, for sharing your knowledge and passion in such an inspiring way, Sifu Keith Monk and Sifu Alan Paterson for sharing their knowledge and encouragement as always and to all the other UK instructors who I had the privilege to train with.

04/03/2026

Theraputic use of self in therapy:

Every client I meet brings their own unique nervous system, their own rhythms, their own way of experiencing the world. But every now and then, there’s a client who is especially hard to reach — they may avoid eye contact, stays on the edges of the room, communicate in ways that are easy to miss if you’re not looking closely.

Yet when that theraputic connection happens… it’s pure joy. It might be the briefest glance. A shared giggle in the middle of a sensory play moment.
A client who once resisted touch may suddenly be leaning in for a crash on the mat and spontaneoualy requesting a firm hug for the first time. A quiet “more” after swinging together in just the right rhythm.

In those moments, I’m reminded why I fell in love with this profession. Today was one of those days. Pure connection and sheer joy of being in each other's presence.

The principles first developed by A. Jean Ayres teach us that when we support the sensory systems — when we meet a client exactly where their nervous system is — connection becomes possible. Regulation opens the door. Safety builds trust and trust allows relationship.

For some clients who are hard to reach, connection isn’t about big breakthroughs. It’s about co-regulation, patience, attunement, and celebrating the smallest shifts.

It’s about honoring their sensory needs rather than trying to change who they are.
As therapists, we hold hope — especially on the days when progress feels slow. And when that wall softens, when a client.feels safe enough and lets you into their world even for a moment, it is an absolute privilege.

As occupational therapists trained in sensory integration, we don’t just use swings, crash pads, or sensory bins as our tools. We use ourselves.

The therapeutic use of self in a sensory-based framework means intentionally using our own nervous system, body, voice, movement, and emotional presence to help a client feel safe, regulated, and connected.

When a client is hard to reach, it’s often not about behavior — it’s about regulation. Their nervous system may be in fight-or-flight, shutdown, or sensory overload. Before we can teach skills, we have to create safety. That’s where our sensory use of self becomes powerful.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

1. Regulating Our Own Nervous System First
Neurodivergent people are exquisitely sensitive to our internal state. If we are rushed, anxious, or overstimulated, they feel it. When we ground ourselves — slowing our breathing, softening our posture, lowering our tone — we offer a regulated nervous system for them to “borrow.” Co-regulation starts with us.

2. Matching and Modulating Sensory Input...We may:
Adjust the volume and rhythm of our voice
Slow our movements
Provide predictable touch or deep pressure (when appropriate)
Mirror a persons tempo before gently shifting it
This is not accidental. It is intentional sensory communication.

3. Using Proxemics and Body Positioning
Where we place our body matters. Sitting beside instead of across. Lowering ourselves to floor level. Giving space to a person who is easily overwhelmed. Our physical presence can either increase threat or increase trust.

4. Attunement and Timing
Connection is about timing. We watch for micro-cues: a shift in breathing, a fleeting glance, a slight relaxation of shoulders. We respond in rhythm. Sometimes the most powerful intervention is waiting — allowing the person’s system to organise without intrusion.

5. Being the Safe Anchor
When a person takes a sensory risk — climbing higher, tolerating messy play, initiating interaction — we become their secure base. Our facial expression, our calm affirmation, our steady presence tells their nervous system: You are safe. You can try.

This concept is deeply rooted in sensory integration theory as originally developed by A. Jean Ayres, who emphasized that adaptive responses occur when a person feels safe enough to engage.

The sensory use of therapeutic self is subtle, relational, and powerful. It is not something you can buy or set up in a clinic. It lives in the therapist’s presence.
When we intentionally use our own regulated body and attuned relationship as part of the intervention, we are not just delivering therapy.
We are offering connection — and for many, connection is the intervention.

Those moments are why we do what we do. 💛

04/03/2026

Ahhh is anyone else enjoying the sunshine? Spring is coming!

04/03/2026

Robyn Gobbel is brilliant at talking about nervous system activation and distress in children.

01/03/2026

To all the parents out there fighting the tough silent battle every single day.

26/02/2026

Frisson (from the French word meaning “a shiver”) is a brief, intense physiological response to emotionally moving stimuli, most commonly music.

It can feel like:
• A wave of chills down the spine
• Goosebumps on the arms
• Tingling across the scalp
• A lump in the throat
• Sudden warmth in the chest
• Even tears

Goosebumps occur due to activation of the autonomic nervous system, specifically a sympathetic nervous system response. Tiny muscles at the base of hair follicles contract causing the hairs to stand up.

When music triggers frisson, the brain’s reward and emotion centers, including dopamine pathways, become highly active. In essence, your nervous system is responding to beauty, meaning, connection, and emotional prediction in sound.

Research suggests that about 50–60% of the general population reports experiencing frisson at least occasionally. However, studies indicate the experience is more frequent and more intense in neurodivergent individuals, including autistic people and those with ADHD. Some research samples suggest rates as high as 70–80% in neurodivergent groups.

But why is this?

Neurodivergent nervous systems often demonstrate:
• Heightened sensory processing
• Increased emotional intensity
• Strong pattern recognition
• Deep attunement to detail in sound

From a sensory integration perspective, music can act as highly organised, rhythmic input that the brain both predicts and experiences as surprise, a powerful combination for dopamine release.

One of the most fascinating findings is that individuals who frequently experience frisson often score higher on measures of empathy, emotional openness, and compassion.

Neuroimaging studies show stronger connectivity between auditory processing areas and emotional processing networks in people who experience musical chills regularly.

In other words, frisson may reflect a nervous system that is highly attuned — not just to sound, but to meaning and connection.

From a Sensory Integration Lens, Frisson is not “overreacting.” It is not “too sensitive.” It is a beautifully regulated surge of emotional-sensory integration.

For many neurodivergent individuals, music becomes:
• A regulation tool
• A processing outlet
• A safe container for intense feelings
• A bridge to connection

If you or your child experience goosebumps or chills with music, that’s your nervous system doing something remarkable in integrating sensory input with emotional depth.

And in my professional opinion? It’s one of the most exquisite examples of how the body and brain are designed for connection.

Have you ever experienced chills from a song? I’d love to hear what music moves you. 🎶

I experience frisson often, almost always to music. This video of gave me frisson, did it you?

857.5K likes, 5574 comments. “Creating a song with the Audience Symphony Orchestra live in San Francisco! The full 20min video is on YouTube 😊”

26/02/2026

Amazing contribution

I am thrilled to announce our new publication in the Journal of Research in Neurodiversity: Sensory-processing informed autism practice for child-centered therapists!

This paper emphasizes the need for flexible, sensory-informed, and child-centered approaches, and provides practical strategies to create supportive environments, strengthen interoception and emotional understanding, and foster connection without compromising the child’s agency.

And what fun to write with this group: Dee C. Ray, Kade Sharp, Kim Clairy, Sean M. Inderbitzen, Amy C. Laurent, Jacquelyn H. Fede, and Jonathan T. Delafield-Butt . An extra special thank you to lead author Stuart Daniel for spearheading this article and for his amazing patience and encouragement to think deeply about interoception in relation to this topic. I am so honored to be amongst all of these amazing co-authors.

Read more here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S305057982600001X?dgcid=coauthor

26/02/2026

Sometimes transitions can be really tough for some of my neurodivergent clients. This is why Nalah, my therapy dog, trained with Pawsitive Squad is such an asset. She helps those transitions feel a little less intense and shifts the focus from the individual to her fluffy face, making it more gentle and less scary. Nalah is delighted to be part of the team and absoloutely adores her role.

25/02/2026

This gave me goosebumps.

25/02/2026

This is a deep ache for many. Its never spoken about openly and within that feeling is a deep sorrow and isolation.

25/02/2026

The excellent Helicopter Swing has arrived and was taken for its test flight by my amazing brother-in-law.

This swing is used for developing bilateral motor co-ordination, balance reflexes, visuomotor skills, improving postural (flexor and extensor) muscle tone and general stimulation of the nervous system through strong activation of the vestibular and proprioceptive system receptors.

Its actually pretty hard work! It will be a brilliant addition to the clinic space.

25/02/2026

As a Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist trained in Sensory Integration, I’m often looking for ways to support regulation and sensory feedback in my clients.

Vibration can be a powerful form of sensory input. When used thoughtfully, it may help with:

• Sensory regulation – Rhythmic vibration can provide organizing proprioceptive input, which may help some individuals feel calmer or more alert depending on how it’s used.

• Body awareness – Vibration stimulates muscles and joints, potentially enhancing proprioceptive feedback and postural activation.

• Arousal modulation – For certain nervous systems, vibration can support transitions between states (for example, waking up the body before tasks requiring focus).

• Motor activation – Some individuals show improved readiness for movement or engagement after brief vibration exposure.

However, vibration is not universally beneficial. Sensory systems are highly individual, and there are important considerations.

Possible contraindications / caution areas:

Vibration may not be appropriate for individuals who:

• Are highly sensitive to tactile or vestibular input
• Experience dizziness, nausea, headaches, or disorientation with movement
• Have a history of seizures (vibration may be overstimulating for some)
• Present with certain medical conditions (joint instability, acute injuries, implanted medical devices, etc.)
• Become dysregulated with intense proprioceptive input
For some nervous systems, vibration can be over-alerting rather than regulating, leading to agitation, anxiety, or distress.

Important considerations when using vibration plates with children:

Children require extra care because their sensory systems and musculoskeletal structures are still developing.

Potential issues include:

• Overstimulation – Children may not recognize or communicate discomfort until dysregulation occurs
• Difficulty grading intensity – Many plates provide strong input that may be too intense
• Postural safety – Maintaining stable positioning can be challenging
• Joint stress – Excessive vibration may place strain on developing joints and particularly hypermobile bodies.
• Behavioral misinterpretation – Excitement or silliness may be mistaken for regulation
• Mismatch of sensory needs – Not all children benefit from vibration; some may find it distressing.

Vibration is not a “one-size-fits-all” tool. What is regulating for one child may be overwhelming for another.

As with any sensory strategy, effectiveness depends on:

✔ Individual sensory profile and clinical assessment
✔ Intensity, duration, and context
✔ Careful observation of responses
✔ Professional guidance when needed

Sensory supports work best when they are personalized, purposeful, and responsive to the nervous system, rather than driven by trends or equipment alone.

If you’re considering vibration-based tools, focus first on understanding the individual’s sensory processing patterns. That’s where meaningful regulation truly begins. If in doubt always start with less and not whole body experiences and consistently monitor for signs of overstimulation or discomfort.

For me personally using the vibration plate every day is brilliant for regulation and also the drainage of lymphatic fluids. I have to be very careful though because I have hypermobility, my si joints can become very sensitive after using vibration for too long so if you are also hyper mobile please proceed with extreme caution.