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Harpa Ýr Erlendsdóttir

Occupational Therapist, Iceland

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Harpa Ýr Erlendsdóttir is an trauma and attachment based Occupational therapist. She has 19 years of experience working with youngsters and young adults at a rehabilitation center for children and mental rehabilitation departments at the University Hospital of Iceland and today in her clinic. Besides facilitating Adventure Therapy for individuals and groups, she mainly provides trauma and attachment based occupational therapy to individuals and families. Harpa was a part of the ATE coordination team in the Erasmus+ partnership project that organized the first GATE in Valencia 2017 and has been an active member since. She was one of the Co convener of 9IATC/3rd GATE in Norway 2022. She is furthermore a representative for Iceland in for ATIC, NOTN and the Icelandic Adventure Therapy network.

The practical use of natural elements to regulate the nervous system-from theories to action

Explore how we can consciously harness the power of natural elements in our therapeutic settings to regulate our clients' nervous systems. While Adventure Therapy can be transformative, pushing clients to their limits, it's crucial to consider the state of their nervous system during sessions. Are we equipped with the tools to ensure we operate within the "window of tolerance," empowering clients to regulate and derive maximum benefit from the activities?

This workshop delves into the intersection of the Polyvagal theory and the model of Sensory Integration. The Polyvagal theory provides a valuable framework to heighten client awareness, enabling them to map and access different states of their nervous system for self-regulation. Concurrently, the Sensory Integration model supports clients in understanding their sensory systems, identifying stimuli for up or down regulation, and enhancing overall well-being.

Join us in this workshop to gain insights into how the Polyvagal Theory and Sensory Integration model can be applied to map clients' nervous systems. Explore the incorporation of various natural elements as tools for self-regulation in therapeutic sessions, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness of Adventure Therapy.

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