Therapy Wisdom Circle · July 2026
The Sensory Nervous System and Trauma
Varleisha D. Lyons · PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS, FAOTA, FNAP
This program has limited CE approval for the live Trauma Expert Teachings Zoom calls on a per-session basis (1.5 CEs per session)
CE Request Deadline
**CES MUST BE REQUESTED NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE LIVE CALL**
- Session 1The Sensory System and Trauma: Foundations of Regulation and NeurobiologyJul 10, 20269-10:30 am PDT1.5 CEs
- Session 2The Sensory System and Trauma: Applied Strategies for Healing and Clinical PracticeJul 24, 20269-10:30 am PDT1.5 CEs
**FULL ATTENDANCE FOR THE ENTIRE 90-minute DURATION IS REQUIRED TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE CES**
JULY 2026 Calls
It is the participant’s responsibility to check if their state is approved for CEs. No refunds will be given on CE purchases for failure to check state approval. Please click on the Specific CE Information link below for more details.
Course Details
Varleisha D. Lyons, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS, FAOTA, FNAPDr. Varleisha D. Lyons is a lecturer, researcher, developer of the Self-Regulation and Mindfulness program, and coauthor of Raising Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders. Dr. Lyons received her baccalaureate degree in psychology from the University of Delaware. She continued her studies in the field of occupational therapy and received her master of science degree from Columbia University and her clinical doctorate in occupational therapy from Thomas Jefferson University. In addition, she successfully completed a PhD program in health sciences at Seton Hall University. Those professional relationships allowed her to take part in various research activities. Specific focus was given to neurological disorders throughout the lifespan, such as autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, and dementia. In 2003, Dr. Lyons founded Universal Progressive Therapy, Inc., located in New Jersey. The company was established with the focus of providing interdisciplinary and quality therapeutic services to families. Dr. Lyons’s published research has focused on family-centered care and autism spectrum disorders and the use of telerehabilitation. No longer part of Universal Progressive Therapy, she has dedicated her time to being a lecturer, educating practitioners, parents, and teachers throughout the country and internationally. As the inaugural chair and director of the first master’s program of occupational therapy in Delaware, Dr. Lyons is steadfast. She is an expert in the fields of neurology, cognition, and pediatric therapeutic intervention and is an advocate of evidence-based practices and making clinical connections to neuroanatomy, which is evident in her lectures. Utilizing the best evidence is paramount to Dr. Lyons; however, she has a strong appreciation of allowing learners to challenge information, leading to further research development. Currently, her research and efforts continue, with a specific interest in mentoring future researchers.
This two-part workshop explores how the sensory nervous system influences trauma responses, emotional regulation, behavior, and participation across the lifespan. Participants will examine the neurobiology of trauma, including autonomic nervous system functioning, sensory processing patterns, and the role of co-regulation and Reciprocal Regulation in supporting recovery and resilience.
Through clinical frameworks, case studies, and practical application, attendees will learn to identify sensory-based indicators of dysregulation and implement evidence-informed intervention strategies. The workshop integrates Dr. Varleisha Lyons’ ACTION and SAM frameworks to support trauma-informed assessment, treatment planning, and regulation-focused intervention across clinical, educational, and community settings.
Course Agenda
The Sensory Nervous System & Trauma
with Varleisha D. Lyons, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS, FAOTA, FNAP
Live Online Zoom Session 1 – Foundations of Regulation and Neurobiology – Friday, July 10th – 9-10:30am PDT/12-1:30pm EDT/5-6:30 BST – 1.5 CEs
Trauma shapes far more than our thoughts and emotions-it also profoundly influences how we experience the world through our senses. In this foundational session, Dr. Varleisha Lyons explores the critical role of the sensory nervous system in trauma responses, helping participants understand how sensory processing and autonomic nervous system functioning interact to influence regulation, behavior, and well-being. Through a trauma-responsive lens, attendees will learn to recognize patterns of sensory-based dysregulation, deepen their understanding of reciprocal regulation and co-regulation, and explore real-world case examples that illuminate how trauma can alter sensory experiences across the lifespan.Session Agenda:
- 0-10 Welcome and framing
- 10-30 Sensory system overview
- 30-50 Autonomic nervous system
- 50-70 Dysregulation vs. Regulation
- 70-85 Case examples
- 85-90 Q&A
Live Online Zoom Session 2 – Applied Strategies for Healing and Clinical Practice – Friday, July 24th – 9-10:30am PDT/12-1:30pm EDT/5-6:30 BST – 1.5 CEs
Building on the foundations established in Session 1, this practical and clinically focused workshop explores how sensory-informed approaches can support healing, resilience, and nervous system regulation. Dr. Lyons will introduce evidence-based sensory interventions and guide participants through the application of her ACTION and SAM frameworks for assessment and intervention planning. Through case-based learning, attendees will strengthen their clinical reasoning skills, explore the impact of intergenerational trauma on sensory experiences, and develop practical strategies for integrating sensory-informed care into therapeutic, educational, and helping-profession settings. Session Agenda:- 0-10 Recap
- 10-30 Interventions
- 30-50 ACTION and SAM framework
- 50-70 Case scenarios
- 70-85 Implementation
- 85-90 Q&A
The Sensory Nervous System & Trauma: Foundations
of Regulation and Neurobiology
and Applied
Strategies for Healing and Clinical Practice
with Varleisha Lyons, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS, FAOTA, FNAP
Learning Objectives
Session 1: Foundations of Regulation and Neurobiology
- Define at least 3 key components of the sensory nervous system related to
trauma responses. - Explain the relationship between sensory processing and autonomic nervous
system activation in 2 distinct trauma scenarios. - Differentiate between sympathetic and parasympathetic responses using at
least 2 behavioral or physiological indicators. - Examine 3 patterns of sensory-based dysregulation across case examplesExamine 3 patterns of sensory-based dysregulation across case examples.
Session 2: Applied Strategies for Healing and Clinical Practice
- Demonstrate the use of at least 3 sensory-based strategies to support
regulation. - Apply 2 levels of the ACTION and SAM frameworks to a clinical or educational
scenario. - Analyze a case study to identify 3 intervention priorities based on sensory
needs. - Integrate principles of Reciprocal Regulation into 1 real-world clinical or
educational scenario.
For Intermediate mental health professionals.
Continuing Education
This program offers limited Live CEs/Contact Hours.
Continuing education credit/Contact hours are awarded on a per-session basis, with full attendance required for the entire 90-minute duration. There is no additional charge for the CEs. Application forms and other required CE materials will be available to participants by the Academy of Therapy Wisdom.
NOTE: To receive continuing education credit, applicants must complete all CE materials, comply with attendance regulations, and submit an evaluation form for the session attended. Information on how to obtain the CEs will be emailed to all participants who qualify within two business days of the live broadcast. It is the responsibility of the attendee to determine if CE credit/contact hours offered by Academy of Therapy Wisdom meet the regulations of their state licensing/certification board.
Psychology: This course does NOT provide CEs for Psychologists.
Counseling:
Academy of Therapy Wisdom has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7370. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Academy of Therapy Wisdom is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. This program is approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours for each live session for a possible total of 3 CE Credit Hours.
NY State Social Workers: Academy of Therapy Wisdom is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Workers as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers. #SW-0814.
NY State Mental Health Counselors: Academy of Therapy Wisdom is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0285.
Marriage/Family Therapy: See below for CAMFT information.
California Professionals:Academy of Therapy Wisdom, Provider #1032323, is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, and LPCCs. Academy of Therapy Wisdom maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. This course meets the qualifications for 1.5 hours per session of continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
This course is $49 per month. You can purchase it here.
CancellationYou can try your first 2 weeks risk-free with a money-back guarantee. After that, if you cancel 5 or more business days before the date of your next payment, you will not be charged, and your access will expire on the last day of the current month. You will lose access to all of the subscription content when your access expires.
Commercial Support Disclaimer
This program is provided solely by the Academy of Therapy Wisdom and its teachers. There is no conflict of interest for this program.
Disability Access
If you require ADA accommodations please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification.
Cancellation Policy
You can try your first month risk-free with a money-back guarantee. After that, if you cancel 5 or more business days before the date of your next payment, you will not be charged, and your access will expire on the last day of the current month. You will lose access to all of the subscription content when your access expires.
Please contact support@therapywisdom.com if you wish to cancel your purchase.
Grievance Policy
Grievances shall be submitted via the form found here and acknowledgement of receipt sent within 24 hours. The Program Administrator will review the grievance and respond back to the participant within 2 business days. Please use this form if you would like to submit a grievance with Academy of Therapy Wisdom for any of the following reasons:
- Refund requests
- Complaints about course content
- Complaints about facilities
- Complaints about non-receipt of certificates
- Complaints about miscellaneous occurrences
If you have any questions about this, please contact support@therapywisdom.com.
Additional Policies
For questions or concerns, please send an email to support@therapywisdom.com.
CE Expiration Date
The Live CEs will be available until 60 days after the last live call (through January 30th, 2024).