The Heart and Practice Behind Sense & Flourish

 

At Sense & Flourish Occupational Therapy, we focus on understanding sensory, emotional, functional and developmental needs so individuals can thrive in ways that are meaningful, sustainable, and empowering

What is Occupational Therapy?

 

Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that helps people of all ages participate in the activities that matter to them — at home, school, work, and in the community. According to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), OT “supports people to live life to the full by enabling them to perform everyday activities, overcome barriers, and develop skills for independence and wellbeing.”

 

My Experience

 

I’m Helen Walker, an Occupational Therapist based in Settle, North Yorkshire. I am deeply passionate about supporting people to feel safe, understood and empowered in their bodies and environments. Across 18 years of clinical practice in the UK and South Africa, I have developed a strong commitment to trauma‑informed, sensory‑informed and neuro‑affirming care that honours each person’s lived experience and unique way of being in the world.

 

My background spans complex physical rehabilitation, specialist seating, neurodevelopmental practice and sensory integration, giving me a rich understanding of how the body, brain and environment interact to shape daily participation. I bring a functional, person‑centred approach grounded in developmental trauma principles and the PACE model, supporting individuals to build regulation, confidence and meaningful engagement in everyday life.

 

I have worked across inpatient, outpatient, residential, remedial and SEN settings, as well as community services, supporting children, young people, adults and families. These experiences have strengthened my skills in complex functional assessment, equipment provision, and collaborative multidisciplinary working. I am known for being reliable, reflective and confident working both autonomously and as part of a wider team.

 

At the heart of my practice is a belief that everyone deserves to feel safe, connected and capable—and that with the right support, people can flourish in ways that truly work for them.

 

My Passion

 

 

I am deeply passionate about helping people understand themselves, develop confidence and flourish in daily life. My work is driven by a belief that when sensory, emotional and functional needs are recognised, validated and supported, every person has the potential to thrive. I am especially committed to creating spaces where individuals feel safe, connected and truly seen—whether they are children, young people, adults or families navigating complex experiences.

 

I love working collaboratively with families, educators and wider teams to create practical, meaningful strategies that work in real life, not just on paper. My passion lies in translating trauma‑informed and sensory‑informed principles into everyday routines, environments and interactions that promote regulation, wellbeing and authentic participation. Helping people build self‑understanding, strengthen relationships and experience success in the moments that matter most is at the heart of why I do this work.

 

Core Qualifications & Professional Registrations

 

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Certification in Sensory Integration, SAISI, South African Institute for Sensory Integration

Certified Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Provider, Unyte

Qualified in NDT Bobath Neurodevelopmental Theory (IBITA)

Registration with Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

Safeguarding, Level 3 

Ongoing professional development in sensory processing, interoception, neurodiversity, trauma-informed care, emotional regulation, and wellbeing-focused OT