What is Family Centered Occupational Therapy?

Children in Motion believes that families are the most important support system in any child’s life.  That is why we use “family centered” occupational therapy services.   

How is family centered therapy different than “traditional” pediatric occupational therapy services?

               Pediatric occupational therapy services were once provided directly to the child, and only to the child.  That meant parents dropped off their child to therapy services and either left the building or sat in the waiting room during the therapy session.  When therapy was over, the therapist would come out, chat with the parent, and send the family on their way.  In this type of setting, the child is the primary focus.  Believing that there is something inherently wrong with the child that the therapist will work to “fix” or “change.” 

               The approach described above does not represent the beliefs of Children in Motion and our staff.  We do not believe there is anything wrong with any child.  We believe that each child and family simply need help to build skills to become more successful in their daily lives. 

Therefore, family centered therapy engages the parents and child, together, in every therapy session.  Therapy goals are set based upon what the family’s concerns are and represent the outcomes the parents, family, and the child wish to see because of occupational therapy interventions. At the end of each session, the therapist provides ideas for supportive strategies, activities, and home programming that will help the family continue to build their skills each and every day.

Why does Children in Motion believe Family Centered Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services are better?

               The problem with traditional occupational therapy services for children is that it leaves some of the most important support people in a child’s life out in the waiting room.  We believe that parents are our greatest ally and are a child’s greatest support advocate.  Without the engagement of parents in pediatric occupational therapy services, there is no follow through at home and parents have no idea what their child is working on back in the therapy room.  This results in slow progress or no progress at all at home.

What makes Children in Motion’s Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services Family Centered?

 We believe the following things are required for occupational therapy services to be considered Family Centered:

1)     Parents and support people are included in the therapy process from evaluation through the end of therapy.

2)     Goals are set for the child based upon the occupations and activities that are important to the family and the child.

3)     A parent or caregiver is engaged in the therapy session each week to learn from the occupational therapist to provide support to the child every day at home.

4)      Home programming is developed in collaboration with the family and is designed around the family’s schedule, values, and beliefs.

5)     A family’s habits, routines, values, and beliefs are the center around which occupational therapy services are provided.

Is the “traditional” method of therapy “bad” or “wrong?”

 The short answer to this question is “no!”  Our Family Based approach is not right for every family.  While we believe the family-based method is the most wholistic, inclusive, and ethical approach to therapy services, it does not mean it is a good fit, or the right fit, for every family and child.  Parents, Caregivers, and Guardian’s should research different clinics and providers in their area to determine the best fit for their family and their beliefs.

I have more questions about Children in Motion and Family Centered Occupational Therapy.  What should I do?

Contact Us today to set up a Free, 15-minute phone consultation to determine if Children in Motion and Family Centered Therapy are the right fit for your family!