The Full Story
About
Who am I?
Hi, I’m Grainne (pronounced Grawnia). I am an occupational therapist and have over 12 years experience working with children and young people in educational settings. Since 2021 have specialized in working with Autistic children, children with ADHD, children with learning disabilities as well as Looked After Children and Adopted Children.
What is Empower OT?
Empower OT was born out of my passion for empowering parents, caregivers and schools to understand their child’s or student’s sensory needs and arming them with the tools and knowledge they can use to help them. To meet this need, I offer services to schools, parents and individuals that are detailed below. Having a lived experience as mainstream teacher and a parent of a Neurodiverse child, I work in a way that means I offer these services in a cost-effective and a neuro affirming manner. In other words, my goal is not to change the person but help you understand and support them better.
What services do you offer?
School training and consultation packages
Sensory assessments - children, teenagers and adults – Assessments for Education Health Care Needs Assessments/Plans available
What additional training do you have?
I have completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Advancing Practice in Ayres Sensory Integration which means I can assess, plan and deliver Ayres Sensory Integration and Sensory Based Strategies. I have also completed training in Sensory Attachment and Neurodiversity. I work in a neuro affirming manner and through a trauma and attachment informed lens if these are appropriate.
Some of the recent training courses I have completed are listed below:
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SAI Foundation Training: Introduction to SAI: The Impact of Developmental Trauma and Insecure Attachment on Sensory Processing
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Completed Attachment: Parent – Child Relationships: An integrative approach to assessment and intervention
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The Psychology of Autism and Attachment
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A 3 Step Approach to Nurturing Interoceptive Awareness -Kelly Mahler
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An Interoception-Based Approach for Supporting Traumatized Learners
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Interoception, Alexithymia, Social Cognition and Emotion
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Influence of Complex Trauma and Attachment on Praxis and Play Concerns in Children
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The Power of Touch in Mental Health Services: Exploring it’s role in Recovery and Wellbeing
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Safeguarding Children Levels 1,2 & 3 Training Course (Renewed every 2 years)
Professional Memberships and other important information:
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HCPC – Health and care Professions Council
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RCOT/BAOT – Royal College of Occupational Therapists/British Association of Occupational Therapists
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Member of Independent Practice Network on RCOT
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Registered with ICO (Information Commissioners Office)
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Enhanced DBS held on the update service and renewed annually (Details available on request)
