Sensory Hypersensitivity After Brain Injury: (IV) From Assessment to Intervention - Anxiety, coping, and exposure-based approaches

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.

This session will focus on anxiety and coping processes in relation to sensory hypersensitivity in ABI. We will explore how these factors may maintain or exacerbate symptoms and consider exposure-based interventions as a possible treatment option. The session will combine theoretical insights with practical strategies for clinical implementation.

There will be 4 sessions to hypersensitivity after brain injury. Each session can be booked individuely. 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

26.02.2027 (II) From Assessment to Intervention - Psychoeducation and cognitive mechanisms; Dr. M.Sc. Hella Thielen & M.Sc. Jasmijn Heijman, Online

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

Speaker:

Nora Tuts is a PhD candidate in neuropsychology and a practicing clinical neuropsychologist. She is currently pursuing a PhD at Maastricht University in collaboration with the Limburg Brain Injury Centre. Her research focuses on common consequences of brain injury, such as sensory hypersensitivity and fatigue, and the use of psychological treatments (including mindfulness) for people with acquired brain injury. She is trained as a clinical psychologist (UGent) and clinical neuropsychologist (KU Leuven), and is a certified mindfulness trainer. Nora Tuts | 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