Denise is an occupational therapist who has over 35 years of experience treating people with sensory processing disorders.

Denise Peick is our licensed Occupational and CranioSacral Therapist. Her education includes a BS in Occupational Therapy from the University of Minnesota, and she holds certifications in Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (C-SIPT) and extensive training in varied sensory based intervention techniques. She is a techniques-level certified CranioSacral Practitioner with advanced and pediatric training in CranioSacral Therapy. Her 35 year career has led her through a variety of experiences treating those with sensory processing disorders and helping them thrive. She has worked in outpatient settings, school programs, and day treatment programs, treating a wide variety of children and young adults with complex needs.

As a craniosacral therapist, Denise seeks to support the body’s natural healing abilities using very light touch. She meets the patient where they are during treatment, using techniques that connect directly with the patient’s inner wisdom regarding what their body needs at that moment. When tissue is holding onto trauma, it can interfere with the body’s healing abilities, and craniosacral therapy can help the body release this. The role of the therapist is to remain grounded, supportive and non judgemental, allowing the patient’s body to release any disorganized energy that may be interfering with physical, emotional, or spiritual healing.

Denise’s specialty area of practice within occupational therapy is treating people with sensory processing disorders. She has worked with this population for over 35 years, initially treating children and gradually expanding her practice to treating people across the lifespan. Areas impacted by sensory processing challenges include emotional regulation, ability to achieve and maintain optimal arousal needed to engage across settings, motor and self care skills, and development of social skills. Areas of concern are addressed in therapy, targeting those skills that are of most importance to the patient and their caregivers, allowing for full engagement in their family structure and community. Occupational therapists are trained to look at the whole person in order to support their ability to engage in life tasks at different developmental stages. A major component of a successful occupational therapy program is the provision of parent and caregiver education regarding their loved one’s challenges, how it is presenting in their child, and how to address this in every day situations. 

In her free time, Denise enjoys spending time with friends and family. She finds joy in gardening and the outdoors.