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Professional Development
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What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapists help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities or "occupations".
(American Occupational Therapy Association - AOTA) Pediatrics With children, I promote healthy development by engaging kids in their meaningful occupations - first and foremost PLAY, as well as learning/school, self-care, and social engagement. Intervention may focus on the child's skills: sensory processing, fine and gross motor, cognition and executive functioning, emotion regulation, mental health, and social skills. Intervention also considers the environments in which children participate in their occupations (home, the park, school, etc.), as well as the ways we can change the demands of an occupation to make it more accessible. Working with kids means also working with the adults in their lives. It is essential for caregivers to actively participate in therapy so that concepts and practices are carried over to everyday life. This creates common context and allows for everyone in the family to grow together. Adults I also offer services to adults who want support to create and maintain routines and rhythms of healthy living. In the field of OT, we refer to this as the occupation of "health management" or the "activities related to developing, managing, and maintaining health and wellness routines" (OTPF, 4th ed., 2020). We will explore your sensory profile and your current patterns of living, identify your goals, and co-create a path to increased health, wellness, and resilience rooted in deep nature connection. |
What is the NatureLed Approach©?
The NatureLed Approach©, pioneered by occupational therapist Kathleen Lockyer of RxOutside, combines the science of human development with the ancient wisdom of deep nature connection to support thriving individuals, families, and communities. For more information, see her website at kathleenlockyer.com.
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Play and creativity are birthrights!Play is the primary occupation of childhood and has been identified by the American Academy of Pediatrics as central to healthy development. Through free play (unstructured and child-directed), children engage their senses, challenge their bodies, grow their minds, and build relationships. Outdoor environments offer the richest free play opportunities, providing the exact experiences that growing brains and bodies are seeking. It turns out, adults need to continue playing and nurturing their creative selves to keep their bodies and brains healthy and well too!
Using intentional mentorship and fostering relationships rooted in deep nature connection, I practice OT using a NatureLed Approach© to support humans in realizing their healthiest, fullest selves. |