Creating Therapy Spaces that are Sensory‑Friendly & Affirming

 

Therapy can be a beneficial, self-actualizing experience, but feeling safe to do the work is often the first step. As a therapist at BHC, I work with clients who have diverse needs that require a strong feeling of safety and security. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, or a history of trauma, as well as those with other sensory processing differences such as chronic pain or migraines. As a neurodiverse individual myself, making my office a sensory-friendly and affirming space was at the forefront of my mind when decorating. A truly “sensory-friendly” space minimizes non-essential sensory triggers and stress. Alongside this, a “sensory-affirming” space goes further by allowing individuals the autonomy to access and meet their specific sensory needs. Thoughtfully designed therapy spaces can increase a client’s sense of safety, their engagement, and the overall therapeutic alliance to benefit both the client and the clinician.

Sensory-friendly spaces are not just dim lights and neutral colors as one may suspect. Sensory needs are very individualized and complex, varying across a spectrum that can range from being easily overwhelmed or overstimulated to requiring more input or being understimulated. This input can include visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory (smells), interoceptive (internal body cues), and proprioceptive (external body cues) stimulation. These should be offered as options as often as possible, but not assumed. As previously stated, sensory needs are a vast spectrum, so it is often best practice to give the client the space to make the choices that fit them best when able. Typically, I opt for an overall understimulating environment, with opportunities for increasing sensory stimulation as needed. The therapy office should be able to adapt to the client’s needs, not the other way around.

The visual environment can be fun to play with, as there are often elements that cannot be changed. For example, my office has fluorescent lights. This is something I would advise one avoids when able, such as through the use of lamps or natural lighting from the windows. However, it is also important to be aware of the outside environment, like glare from the sun or the bright whites of our snowy Wisconsin weather. Another option is to use fabric fluorescent light covers to help mute the harsh lights. The light covers can turn the overstimulating sensory input from the lights to sensory fulfilment from the variety of colors.

The color palette in the therapy space is another subtle yet effective addition of sensory stimulation to a space. I typically opt for a colorful space, but choose muted or pastel colors so it does not come off as visually overpowering. I also have color-changing lights, projectors, and a lava lamp for additional visual stimulation. I will often turn off the lights, turn on a projector, and use glow-in-the-dark sensory tools (like my glow-in-the-dark rug or putty) as a means of decreasing stimulation during a session when appropriate. Achieving a visual environment that is stimulating without becoming overstimulating from clutter requires a careful approach. Strategies such as maintaining a consistent color scheme and keeping items in closed storage, potentially using colorful storage options, can be a way to balance the visual environment.

Another sensory aspect that any therapist grapples with is the auditory environment. Things like squeaky office chairs, noisy vents, buzzing from fluorescent lights, hallway chatter, or thin walls between offices can be tricky to navigate. Some options to help reduce noise can include white noise machines, fans, and sound absorbing furniture like rugs, wall hangings, or curtains. Light, instrumental music can be used as well, but it is important to take into consideration the client’s needs and triggers (i.e. not playing music with higher pitches if that is a sensory trigger). I often advise clients to purchase earplugs to help dampen noise, but having a pair of noise cancelling, over the ear headphones can be useful to have on hand. Softer furniture tends not to make noise with the added benefit of decreasing noise. If the auditory or overall sensory environment is too distracting for the client, utilizing virtual counseling is an option as well.

Navigating the sensory need for textures and tactile stimulation can present a challenge when considering furniture and other sensory-friendly office decor. This area is where a lot of the interoceptive, or internal cues from the nervous system (Payne et al., 2015), and proprioceptive, or physical cues relating to pressure and the physical body (Payne et al., 2015), Allowing for a variety of options for clients is often the best practice. In my office, I have a soft couch, two firm chairs, a rug as well as pillows to use for floor seating, and a firm office chair (that can be leaned back in) as options for seating. Other ideas could be wobble chairs, wobble cushions, sensory cushions, or yoga balls (depending on the environment). I also provide sources of weight such as weighted stuffed animals or heavy pillows, but a weighted blanket is another great option for proprioceptive input. Other means of proprioceptive fulfilment can be engaged through fidget tools like putty.

The fabric of furniture is another tactile need that can be overlooked. Typically it can be beneficial to avoid scratchy or sticky textures, but if that option is not available, then having different textured blankets for the clients to cover chairs with is a great solution. It is important to allow options for the clients, including the ability to stand, pace, or move around rather than just sitting. Another often overlooked tactile sensory stimulation is temperature regulation. Often, neurodiverse clients have difficulty with temperature regulation (Marzi & Gasparella, 2025), so it is important to have opportunities to target this need. Temperature focused sensory regulatory tools include fans, heating pads, blankets, or access to ice packs or cold water from a mini fridge. These can be helpful in calming the nervous system to decrease anxiety or potential panic attacks as well. It is vital to prioritize the client’s comfort to effectively support their focus and regulation, especially since tactile needs are so diverse and can be challenging to determine.

Another often overlooked sense is smell. Strong smells can often be a trigger for headaches, nausea, or potentially trauma responses. If candles, air fresheners, or essential oils are used, it is important that they are light scents and not overpowering. Cleaning supplies also tend to have stronger scents when true fragrance free options are not available, so it is important to air out the therapy office after they are used. Since scents are another sensory need that can be incredibly diverse, it is important to have the conversation with clients prior to their use when possible. If I know I have a new intake or a client that has heightened sensitivity to scents, I will avoid lighting candles or using my essential oil diffuser. That way, I am able to have the conversation with my clients to ensure their comfort.

As I mentioned throughout this article, the client’s autonomy to appropriately fulfill their sensory needs in the therapy room is vital to the therapeutic relationship. Verbally offering choice and clarifying what choices are available is a helpful boundary to set in the first appointment. During my intake appointments or when new sensory items are brought into the therapy room, I ensure that my clients are aware of the options and ask my clients what their sensory preferences are. Often, my clients are not aware of the options available for sensory fulfillment, so this is a journey we discover together in therapy. It is important to normalize sensory needs rather than framing them as something “special” the therapist is providing for the client. This autonomy can help to build trust between the therapist and client.

I filmed a corresponding video linked here if you are interested in checking out some of the items I mentioned above in my therapy office. If you or someone you know is looking for a sensory-friendly therapeutic environment, feel free to reach out to Behavioral Health Clinic at 855.607.8242 or visit BHClinic.com.