Who We Are
Willow Family OT is a privately owned and operated occupational therapy clinic specializing in women's health and pediatric support from a family focused perspective. Both mental health and physical health perspectives are addressed. We offer in-home, virtual, in-clinic*, and in-forest* assessments and interventions.
Our Kingston location is situated on over 100 acres of farm land just north of Kingston city limits, which is usable for treatment interventions when appropriate.
*Kingston & Area location only.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) is a regulated healthcare profession focused on helping people live life to the fullest; looking at the person, their environment, and the activities that they do. It seeks to enable you to engage in the meaningful activities or occupations that you want to do, need to do, or are expected to do. Occupational therapists (OTs) provide assessment and individualized treatment plans based on client goals from a holistic approach. We work with you to overcome barriers (physical, mental, social, and environmental) that may be preventing you from completing these meaningful occupations.
How does Occupational Therapy relate to motherhood and family wellness?
One of the greatest roles in life is being a mother and when challenges occur that limit the ability to fulfill this role in the way it is desired, a disconnect can happen. When a woman becomes a mother many of her daily occupations become co-occupations shared with a child, creating a new dynamic that comes with an adjustment period and learning curve.
The well-being and development of children can cause stress and worry. Our family focused approach to interventions can also help address parent concerns for childhood development, movement, and connection.
Occupational therapy can provide a unique perspective when our clients are faced with changes in function, adapting to new roles, concerns with coping and adjustment, and overall well-being. An OT remains evidence-based in assessment and interventions, following best practice guidelines, to work with women and families to overcome any barriers related to successful and stress-free living while on their parenting journey.
Meet Our Occupational Therapists
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Amanda Hall, MSc.OT, OT Reg. (Ont.), PMH-C
Owner & Occupational Therapist
I am a registered Occupational Therapist in Ontario, Canada and owner of Willow Family Wellness Occupational Therapy Services (Willow Family OT). I am also certified professional in perinatal mental health with Postpartum Support International, a certified yoga teacher, and a recognized provider with the Ontario Autism Program.
Over my last 10+ years of clinical experience, I've worked in hospital, clinic and community settings. My experiences cover both physical and mental health approaches which I give great value to when working from a mind-body connection point-of-view.
Following the birth of my own two babies, I developed a passion for working with and helping women as they transition into their motherhood journey from a physical, mental, spiritual and social health perspective. I love spending time in nature and find great benefit to bringing a natural element to my client interactions when possible.
I have also been fortunate to teach many Queen's University occupational therapy students through clinical supervision roles during various levels of fieldwork, facilitating an online fieldwork learning experience and most recently holding a Term Adjunct teaching position.
Training & Qualifications:
Keeping current with my education is imperative so I can offer up-to-date knowledge to all of my clients and students. Plus, I love to learn! The continuing education training I have received includes, but is not limited to certificates and education in:
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arts-based therapy
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mindfulness & meditation
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acceptance & commitment therapy
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sensory processing
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child development
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handwriting development
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managing parental stress & trauma informed care
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play-based learning for all ages
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postpartum exercise specialist
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maternal mental health
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women's health
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pelvic floor health
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solution focused therapy
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eco-therapy and nature based approaches
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cognitive behavioural therapy
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yoga teacher training
This range of learning allows me to ensure a holistic approach to assessment and intervention. I'm excited to bring a unique and beneficial approach to perinatal health and family wellness!
OFFERING SERVICES IN KINGSTON, SOUTH FRONTENAC AND ONTARIO WIDE (virtual only)
Emily Gallagher, MScOT, BEd, BPHE, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Occupational Therapist
I am a registered Occupational Therapist and mom of 2! Through my 6 years of clinical experience, I have worked with both children and adults in clinic, community and school settings. My clinical work has included supporting clients with a variety of abilities and diagnoses. I have a special interest in infant and early childhood mental health and development, motherhood, as well as the mind-body connection. Through my schooling, I have obtained a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, Bachelor of Education and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. I am currently working toward my certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International.
After the birth of my own two babies, I discovered my passion for maternal health through my own journey in becoming a mother. My lived experience, together with my love of learning, helps me to support other women on their mothering journey while also using current evidence-based practices in this area. I am also fascinated by infant development and continue to learn about the best ways to support your little ones!
When I’m not working with clients, you can find me tending to my flower gardens, crafting with my daughter, camping, running, and enjoying nature through adventures with my husband and two amazing kids.
OFFERING SERVICES IN PETERBOROUGH AND ONTARIO WIDE (virtual only)
Sarah Platz, MSc.OT, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Occupational Therapist
I am a registered Occupational Therapist with over 12 years experience in community mental health. Throughout my clinical practice, I
have gained extensive experience working with clients with a wide range of mental health challenges including but not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar and psychosis related disorders.
OFFERING SERVICES IN KINGSTON, SOUTH FRONTENAC & ONTARIO WIDE (virtual only)
My training and experience throughout my career has allowed me to incorporate a number of evidence based techniques into supportive counselling including motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, behavioural activation and cognitive behavioural therapy. I love learning what I can do, to better outcomes for my clients.
In addition, I have a passion for bringing awareness to others in helping professions about the detrimental impact of empathic strain and burnout to our effectiveness as clinicians, and in our personal lives. Burnout can happen in our natural roles as well, especially as parents and family caregivers.
During my first pregnancy and becoming a mother in 2011 through a cesarean birth, it became very apparent to me the lack of occupational related services made available to women during this major life transition. Being a mother is a wonderful but also extremely challenging role at times, and can become even more challenging when trying to balance our other roles and most importantly not forgetting ourselves in the process. I am passionate about helping women succeed as mothers, find balance within their own life and maintain those valued identities outside of being a parent.
What does a session look like?
Appointments
Appointments can occur in our clinic spaces, in your home or virtually. A travel surcharge may be added for locations outside of the South Frontenac, Kingston, & Peterborough areas. Upon booking an appointment, you will be asked to fill out an intake form to give us some detail about the nature of your concerns. Children are welcome to be present during maternal health appointment.
First Session
The first session will consist of completing our initial assessment so we can get a full picture of your concerns and how they are affecting your or your child's daily life. We will work with you to develop treatment goals and a plan to work toward goal attainment. You can expect your first session to be approximately 60-90 minutes.
Please note that we complete a perinatal mood disorder screen as part of our initial assessment for all women in a perinatal phase of life. If there are any concerns with this aspect of our assessment please reach out and we will happily discuss this with you!
Follow Ups
If a follow up visit is recommended, this will be discussed during your first session.
Coverage
Occupational therapy services are covered under some extended health benefit plans. Please check your coverage to ensure occupational therapy is listed.
We are proud to be an approved provider with the Ontario Autism Program.
If you are unsure how our services can help, please consider booking a free 15-minute Discovery Call. This is available to new clients only.
"Encounters with any aspect of the natural environment - sunset, beach, clouds, or forests grab our positive attention without us paying much effort to it, and the whole process restores the life energy that negative emotions had taken away from us."
- Positive Psychology; Attention Restoration Theory
Our Nature-Based Practice Philosophy
At Willow Family OT Services, we believe our clients, both women and their families, possess the capacity to grow and adapt through their strength, perseverance, hope, and resiliency. It is with this in mind, along with our love and appreciation for nature, that we chose to name our practice after the willow tree. A willow tree carries many of the same attributes with the ability to grow and survive in difficult conditions, thriving and nourishing the environment surrounding it despite the hardships it may endure to survive. It is this metaphor that helps to guide our practice.
Our mission is to provide quality and compassionate care to women and their families while maintaining their dignity, strengthening their hope, and discovering their resiliency to live the life they want.