Occupational Therapy
Support for growing bodies and developing nervous systems
Occupational therapy (OT) at Winding Willows is relationship-centered, play-based, and guided by an understanding of the nervous system. We support children as they develop the skills they need to participate fully in daily life — emotionally, physically, and socially.
We don’t focus on fixing behaviors or forcing skills. We focus on regulation first, because learning and development happen best when a child feels safe, supported, and connected.
Play-based. Child-led. Relationship-centered.
Our Approach
At Winding Willows all OT sessions are 60 minutes, individualized and responsive. There are no drills, no pressure to perform, and no expectation that your child behave a certain way to “earn” progress.
We don’t rush, force, or “fix.” We listen. We observe. We meet each child exactly where they are. Occupational therapy focuses on strengthening the foundations — so higher-level skills like attention, learning, and emotional regulation can develop more naturally and with less effort.
Children don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from occupational therapy. If something feels hard for your child — or for your family — OT can help.
Sensory processing and regulation
Helping children better understand and respond to sensory input so they can feel more comfortable, regulated, and ready to participate in everyday activities.
Big emotions, frustration, or overwhelm
Supporting children in recognizing their body’s signals, building regulation skills, and finding strategies that help them navigate big feelings and challenging moments.
Transitions and changes in routine
Helping children build flexibility and strategies for moving between activities, adapting to changes, and navigating routines with greater ease.
Attention and body awareness
Supporting a child’s ability to notice their body, understand where it is in space, and maintain the attention and regulation needed for play, learning, and everyday tasks.
Coordination and motor planning
Helping children develop the coordination and planning needed to learn new movements, sequence actions, and participate more confidently in play and daily activities.
Self-care skills and daily routines
Building independence with everyday activities such as dressing, feeding, toileting, grooming, and other routines that are important to your child and family.
Confidence, independence, and self-trust
Creating opportunities for children to build skills, experience success, and develop greater confidence in what their bodies and minds can do.
We understand that:
- Children do best when they feel safe, supported, and understood
- Behavior is communication
- Regulation is the foundation for learning
- A dysregulated nervous system cannot access higher-level skills
Each session may include:
- Real-time parent education woven naturally into sessions
- Movement and play
- Sensory exploration
- Games that support regulation and coordination
- Gentle challenges introduced at your child’s pace
- Co-regulation and connection
We meet children where they are — and build from there.
Ages
Infants through adolescents
Format
One-on-one sessions
Approach
Play-based
Family
Participation encouraged and supported
You’re not meant to do this alone
Support for Parents & Caregivers
You are an essential part of this process. Occupational therapy here is not something that happens to your child while you wait on the sidelines. We support parents & caregivers with:
- Practical tools you can use at home
- A deeper understanding of your child’s nervous system
- Language to reframe behaviors with compassion
- Guidance that feels realistic, not overwhelming
- Reassurance that you are not doing this wrong
Our goal is not just progress in sessions — it’s confidence and connection in everyday life.