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 family wellness?
Perinatal Health
One of the greatest roles in life can be that of a parent 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. This creates a new dynamic that inherently comes with an adjustment period and learning curve.
Pediatric Health
The well-being and development of children can cause stress and worry at any age. When a child is experiencing challenges that are impacting their everyday well being and function, there is typically a ripple effect throughout the family unit. Our family focused approach to assessment and interventions supports the child, siblings, and parents bringing connection and attachment to the forefront of the occupational therapy session.
Our Unique Perspective
Occupational therapy can provide a unique perspective when our clients of all ages are faced with changes in function, adaptation to new roles, concerns with coping and adjustment, and overall well-being. Our OTs remain evidence-based in assessment and interventions to support all clients and families when addressing and overcoming barriers to engagement in meaningful life roles and activities. Through coaching, counselling, and play-based approaches, we help find a way back to the success and meaning of "doing" in everyday living.
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 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.
Ready to start seeing an Occupational Therapist?
Fill out our online referral form to get started!
"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 children 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.
