What Good Occupational Therapy Really Looks Like
Good Occupational Therapy begins by asking:
What’s getting in the way?
Is it sensory processing?
Motor planning?
Regulation?
Coordination?
Environmental expectations?
Why I Work With Parents Instead of Just Children
Many families look for occupational therapy for writing difficulties, expecting the therapist to work mainly with the child.
Because of this, people sometimes ask why I work with parents rather than only working directly with children.
It’s a fair question.
What 25 Years as an OT Has Taught Me About Helping Kids
Back then, I didn’t even own a cell phone. I relied on a complicated map book to get around (Google Maps truly changed my life!). Social media wasn’t a thing. And the idea of working with families entirely online would have sounded impossible.
“My Child Can’t Even Sit Still!”
I often think our society expects people to sit too much. In reality, it’s much better for us to be moving—getting up and down from the floor, staying active. Movement keeps circulation flowing, muscles strong, and our bodies from getting stuck.
Sensory Support Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
People often think sensory support means setting up picture-perfect activities, obstacle courses, or buying loads of sensory equipment to meet their child’s needs.
And I get why you might think that.
I used to believe that too, especially in my early OT days, nearly 27 years ago.
Hypermobility in Kids’ Hands: Signs to Look For and How to Help
If your child avoids writing, says their hands hurt, presses too hard, or tires easily, it’s valid. They’re not being lazy. In fact, they’re often working extra hard just to keep up.
What is a Video-Based Assessment?
People are often surprised when I say I offer video-based assessments.
“Is that even effective?”
“Can you really assess a child that way?”
I get those questions a lot ……. and I get them!
So let me walk you through what a video-based assessment actually is, how it works, and why it can be so helpful.
OT is not just for your child
When one family member struggles, it impacts everyone. Occupational therapy goes beyond supporting your child’s sensory and emotional needs to include the whole family—parents, siblings, and their nervous systems. Discover how gentle, practical strategies can create a more connected, calm, and supported home environment for everyone.
We Don’t Talk About This Sense Enough: The Feel Good Sense in Sensory Development
We often focus on proprioception for sensory support—but there’s another powerful sense we don’t talk about enough. The “Feel Good Sense” is rooted in connection, joy, and emotional safety. When activated, it transforms how children engage, learn, and grow—especially when it comes to writing and coordination.
How This Child Gained Confidence in Writing — A Holistic Approach for Struggling Kids
Parents often wonder if progress in movement and coordination relates to writing and the answer is YES!
When we build foundational skills, the ripple effect reaches beyond just writing.
This child didn’t gain writing confidence by being pushed to write.
They gained it by becoming stronger, more aware of their body, and more regulated; and the writing followed.