Abigail Barwell: Kisimul’s Assistant Educational Psychologist and now Qualified Sleep Practitioner!

Following participation in sleep conference and foundational workshops, Abi demonstrated motivation and professional growth by enrolling in the Sleep Practitioner course. This advanced training is designed for professionals seeking to implement evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions for children aged 12 months and older, addressing complex sleep-related challenges.

The course covered a wide range of topics including sleep hygiene, bedtime routines, sensory sensitivities, and how anxiety or additional needs can affect sleep. It also explores medical sleep disorders and how to identify when further support may be needed. The course provided input from experts in child psychology and sleep medicine, and ensures that the strategies she uses are grounded in the latest research and best practice.

Throughout the course, Abi engaged with both theoretical and applied components, including reflective practice and case study analysis. This training has equipped her with a comprehensive skill set to conduct thorough assessments of sleep disturbances, utilise sleep diaries effectively, and apply strategies grounded in sleep hygiene principles. Moreover, Abi has developed expertise in supporting people around sleep with neurodevelopmental differences, such as SEND and sensory processing issues, as well as adolescents experiencing attachment-related anxiety impacting sleep.

Within the Kisimul Group, where persistent sleep difficulties and at times medication reliance are prevalent across both Children’s and Adult services, Abi’s enhanced competencies will significantly improve her capacity to deliver targeted, trauma-informed sleep interventions. Her ability to assess individual sleep needs and tailor interventions aims to reduce sleep-related distress and promote overall wellbeing. As a qualified Sleep Practitioner, Abi can now offer tailored support to help individuals build healthy sleep habits, reduce bedtime dysregulation, and improve overall wellbeing. Abi can support young people who have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early.

In addition to direct work, Abi is developing a training program aimed at empowering colleagues with knowledge of sleep hygiene and its psychological impact. This initiative has the potential to foster secondary benefits by enhancing staff well-being and self-care practices, thereby contributing to a healthier workplace culture.

Furthermore, Abi’s eligibility to join the Children’s Sleep Professional Membership scheme will facilitate ongoing professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring sustained excellence in sleep support within our services. Abi will be completing further modules supporting children and young people with SEND and sleep issues over the next few months.

Abi’s training will be an asset to Kisimul in enhancing psychological well-being through specialised sleep intervention training.