Benefits of Working with an Occupational Therapist Parent Coach for Dysregulation
If you have a child with special needs, you may be familiar with the traditional role of an occupational therapist. But did you know that as an occupational therapist, I offer one-on-one coaching to help parents thrive in their role, without the constant feelings of overwhelm, overstimulation, and anxiety?
In this blog, I'll share the life-changing benefits parents can expect when working with me because I combine my first hand experience with parenting after a traumatic brain injury (more on that later) and my years of experience as an occupational therapist.
Understanding Occupational Therapy and Parent Coaching
At its core, occupational therapy is about empowering individuals to overcome everyday challenges. It's a field where we, as therapists, tailor activities and exercises to help people gain or regain the skills needed for daily living and working. (Source: PubMed)
This could range from aiding children with developmental delays in mastering milestones to assisting adults recovering from injuries in regaining independence.
When people think of occupational therapy, they probably think of a clinician who supports a client regain independence with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, or toileting. However, occupational therapists also play an important role in sensory, emotional, social, and cognitive skills, as well.
What is the role of an occupational therapist in parenting?
Many parents are sensory overloaded and don’t even realize it!
They feel angry and impatient when their kids ask for snacks for the 100th time.
They feel stressed and overwhelmed when they realize nothing on their to-do list got done because of the constant demands.
And then often, they feel shame, like they should be able to handle all of the stresses of parenthood.
It can be isolating feeling like you’re the only one feeling like this, but believe me- you are not. We used to have villages of supportive people in our corner to help us cook, clean, and take care of our family, but sadly, that is not the case for many American families these days.
I saw a huge need where parents wanted to learn how to regulate their nervous systems so they could enjoy parenthood, so I created Steady Parents.
Now, I help overstimulated, overwhelmed, overloaded, and generally over-it parents learn to find steadiness, engagement, and joy in their everyday lives through parent coaching. I love working with parents, because I know how vital it is to care for your sensory needs in order to feel like yourself, and nourish your relationship with your children.
What is parent coaching?
Think of a parent coach as a guide who helps parents navigate the often complex and emotional journey of raising a child (with or without special needs or challenges). We provide support, share effective parenting strategies, and help families create nurturing and structured environments.
This dual approach ensures that the therapy is not just about the sessions but about enriching the child's entire ecosystem – their home, family, and daily life. It's about making a lasting, positive impact that extends beyond the walls of a therapy room (or a computer screen!).
Personalized Strategies Tailored to Each Family
Regarding occupational therapy and parent coaching, one size does not fit all. Each child and family is unique and different. This is where I come in. I collaborate closely with families to design tailored solutions that address the unique requirements of each person’s sensory needs.
By listening to the parent's concerns and taking a deep dive to understand each parent’s sensory needs and triggers, I create a personalized approach to supporting your family from a sensory perspective while respecting the family's dynamics and lifestyle.
Fostering Family Involvement for Lasting Impact
In my experience, understanding the entire family dynamic is critical. Parents of neurodivergent children might have different needs and require different tools than or parents with a medically-complex partner, for example. I guide parents with actionable strategies and a concrete plan to care for themselves as individuals and the entire family.
A Holistic Approach to Care
Parent coaching is not just about meeting the needs of one parent; it's about nurturing the whole family. My role extends beyond addressing motor skills to emotional, social, and cognitive aspects.
You’ll understand your overwhelm and be able to release the guilt associated with it so you can enjoy parenting your littles, even when it’s chaotic!
You’ll be more in tune with your own needs and feel confident prioritizing your needs on a regular basis- not just when you’re at your wits end!
Spa days are nice, but what’s better is taking charge of your emotions and responses to stimuli so that you can live in the moment and make these precious years count!
Navigating Life's Challenges Together
Life is unpredictable, and so is the journey of parenting. In my practice, I help families tackle both everyday hurdles and more complex challenges.
Whether it's adapting to new routines, handling behavioral issues, or navigating social dynamics, I offer practical advice and emotional support. By facing these challenges together, we turn obstacles into opportunities for growth and learning.
“Spa days are nice, but what’s better is taking charge of your emotions and responses to stimuli so that you can live in the moment and make these precious years count! ”
Potential Benefits of Having a Parent Coach for Overstimulated Parents
Some think parent coaching is about telling you how to parent. Far from it. It's about empowering you with strategies and insights to support your child’s growth and your own needs as a parent and human. You're not being judged; you're being supported.
Here is a list of benefits parents can expect from working with a parent coach:
Personalized Support
Working one-on-one with me as your parent coach, I can provide tailored advice and strategies based on the unique needs and challenges of individual parents and families.
If you prefer to work through your needs independently, in my courses, Sensing Your Needs in Parenthood and Parenting with P.E.A.C.E., I share more general strategies that can be applied to a variety of situations.
Stress Reduction
Coaches can help parents manage stress and overwhelm by providing coping mechanisms and stress-reduction techniques.
The techniques I provide are backed by science and come from a sensory perspective and my experience as an occupational therapist working with individuals with sensory processing disorders.
Skill Development
Parent coaches can assist in developing parenting skills, such as communication, discipline, and problem-solving, to navigate challenging situations more effectively.
Confidence Building
Coaching can boost a parent's confidence by helping them recognize and build on their strengths as a caregiver.
I know you are an AMAZING parent- and it helps to hear it once in a while!
Objective Perspective
Coaches offer an outside perspective, free from emotional involvement, helping parents see situations more objectively and make more informed decisions.
Goal Setting
Coaches can assist in setting realistic and achievable parenting goals, providing a roadmap for positive change.
Accountability
Having a coach provides a sense of accountability, motivating parents to follow through with strategies and commitments.
Empowerment
Parent coaching empowers parents to take an active role in their own self-care and to be proactive! You don’t have to wait until you are filled with rage and shame to start taking care of your own needs!
Improved Parent-Child Relationship
Through guidance and support, coaching can contribute to fostering a healthier and more positive relationship between parents and their children.
Working with an occupational therapist/parent coach offers many benefits. The journey is about more than therapy, from personalized strategies and family involvement to holistic care and life skills development. It's about building a foundation for lifelong learning and growth for the child and the entire family.
Working with a parent coach with experience in occupational therapy is an investment worth making! Here’s what a few of my past clients have said:
“Before, I would have shamed myself for being so anxious in a place that is supposed to be relaxing. But I was able to recognize that it was completely overstimulating and why. I ended up really enjoying myself.”
“I can set myself up for success by planning ahead with sensory calming techniques!”
Looking for an occupational therapist/parental coach that can transform your life and strengthen your family bond? Contact Larissa now!
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