Sensory Hypersensitivity After Brain Injury: (II) From Assessment to Intervention - Psychoeducation and cognitive mechanisms

Sensory hypersensitivity, meaning an increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, is a prevalent complaint after acquired brain injury (ABI) and can have a substantial impact on daily functioning and quality of life. In these webinars, we provide an introduction to sensory hypersensitivity after ABI, including its clinical presentation, diagnostic assessment, and underlying mechanisms. We also discuss current treatment options and practical approaches to supporting people who experience sensory hypersensitivity.

In this session, we will consider how psychoeducation and treatment protocols can support individuals with ABI who experience sensory hypersensitivity. Particular attention will be given to potential cognitive mechanisms underlying these difficulties, and how these may inform intervention strategies. The session will integrate theoretical perspectives with clinical examples.

There will be 4 sessions to hypersensitivity after brain injury. Each session can be booked individually. Every session will cover both theory and clinical practice. Please check out our website.

29.01.2027 (I) From Assessment to Intervention - Assessment and conceptual framework; Dr. M.Sc. Marilien Marzolla & Dr. M.Sc. Hella Thielen, Online

19.03.2027 (III) From Assessment to Intervention - Stress and mindfulness-based approaches; M.Sc. Nora Tuts & Dr. M.Sc. Marilien Marzolla, Online

23.04.2027 (IV) From Assessment to Intervention - Anxiety, coping, and exposurebased Approaches; M.Sc. Nora Tuts & M.Sc. Jasmijn Heijman, Online

References (more will be included in the sessions):

Thielen H, Tuts N, Welkenhuyzen L, Huenges Wajer IMC, Lafosse C, Gillebert CR. Sensory sensitivity after acquired brain injury: A systematic review. J Neuropsychol. 2023 Mar;17(1):1-31. doi: 10.1111/jnp.12284. Epub 2022 Jun 30. PMID: 35773750.

Heijman, J. O., Marzolla, M. C., Thielen, H., K, S., Königs, M., Gillebert, C., Van Heugten, C., Van der Stoep, N., & Huenges Wajer, I. (2026). A Neuropsychological Perspective of Sensory Hypersensitivity after Acquired Brain Injury. [Manuscipt accepted for publication].

zur Person:

Dr. Hella Thielen is a clinical neuropsychologist and postdoctoral researcher.  She works at Revarte Rehabilitation Hospital, where she conducts neuropsychological assessment and counselling for adults living with acquired brain injury (ABI). Alongside her clinical role, she holds a position as a postdoctoral researcher at KU Leuven, where her work centres on sensory hypersensitivity and fatigue following ABI.  Her doctoral research laid the groundwork for this line of inquiry, focusing on the assessment and underlying mechanisms of sensory hypersensitivity after ABI. She also serves as assistant academic staff at KU Leuven, contributing to the training of the next generation of researchers and clinicians in her field. Hella Thielen | LinkedIn

Jasmijn Heijman is a PhD candidate and practicing neuropsychologist at Bartiméus, Zeist, a center of expertise for visual rehabilitation. In collaboration with Utrecht University, her PhD research focuses on visual hypersensitivity following acquired brain injury, with particular emphasis on underlying cognitive (attention and multisensory integration) and psychological factors (fatigue, stress, and coping). She is committed to bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, with a strong focus on addressing healthcare professionals’ needs for evidence-based guidance on (visual) hypersensitivity after acquired brain injury. Jasmijn Heijman | LinkedIn