Sensory Attachment Intervention

our services

Sprucewood embraces a Sensory Attachment Intervention (SAI) approach when supporting the children in our care. “SAI is an integrative approach to the treatment of children who have suffered abuse or severe neglect. Negative experiences in the womb and in early childhood impact on their capacity to cope with stress throughout life. There is a tendency to either adopt one or fluctuate between various stress states when there is a hint or reminder of traumatic stress”. (Éadaoin Bhreathnach).

Traumatized children tend to operate in these states and staff are trained and equipped to support them accordingly. Sprucewood has a certified ‘Just Right State Programme’ facilitator, who engages children and staff in the appropriate use of sensory activities and foods to help the children learn how to self-regulate their emotional states and behaviour. The goal of this programme is to enable children to become more emotionally aware of themselves and others and to give them simple tools to achieve the ‘just right state’, whether that is to engage in academic learning, interacting with their peers or to be able to get a good night’s sleep. The Just Right State Programme facilitator has been trained and certified by Eadaoin Bhreathnach (Clinical Director of the Sensory Attachment Centre).

Sprucewood Care

Please Note!!

Images depicted throughout the site are stock images and not of actual children resident in Sprucewood Cottage.