Occupational therapy helps individuals adapt, grow, and thrive by providing personalized strategies for daily life, distance learning, self-regulation, and family support.
April is National Occupational Therapy Month. As we celebrate this profession we love, we are also reflecting on the theme of Embracing Challenges, Enhancing Lives. It is so relevant during this time of adjusting to social distancing, school closures and enormous disruption to daily life.
In the past month, so much has changed for all of us! Undoubtedly, people everywhere are attempting to make the most of their daily routines and Occupational Therapy (OT) is here to contribute to their success.
Our occupational therapy team has made many adjustments to meet the needs of our clients. In the past several weeks, we have set up resources and intervention plans to be able to provide telehealth services. Currently we are completing teletherapy treatment sessions and evaluation visits. Most families are using computers, smartphones and tablets to do sessions while at home.
Appointment times will continue to be scheduled through our front office, just like they are for regularly scheduled office sessions.
Top 10 Things We Did with Our Clients Last Week
Curious about our Occupational Therapy telehealth? Here’s the top 10 list of the things that we did with our clients last week:
1. Helped to set up homework space for distance learning for a child with limited attention and concentration. Click on this link for some of our previously shared ideas OT tips for homework success.
2. Created a daily schedule with a client that balances work, self care and free time.
3. Taught a sensory based exercise program, for use before and during distance learning, to support a “just right” level of alertness and focus.
4. Supported a child in identifying emotions related to the current situation. Then we rated them on a 5 Point Scale for self regulation. Next, we taught parents how to support their child using sensory inputs to help with self regulation.
5. Shared handouts and resources for clients to refer to until their next session.
6. Led scavenger hunts for kids to look through their houses and find tools that can be used in therapy sessions.
7. Played games that help to build motor skills and teach social skills.
8. Read a story about worrying and helped the client to identify self calming strategies.
9. Taught a caregiver how to structure play time to help the client to be able to make transitions without becoming overwhelmed.
10. We had fun! While we worked through some hard times, we also laughed and smiled.
While many places are providing links for resources, we are focusing on clients’ individual needs. Teachers, school administrators and government leaders are posting resource ideas to help families. We are continuing to provide services. Many of our clients are saying, “I don’t need another link to go and research things. I need help to figure out what to do.” We are listening and will continue to provide the support you need.
Occupational therapy practitioners get excited about helping clients be able to do the little things that are important to them every day. To learn more about what OT is, visit our past blog What is OT?
Have Questions? Contact Us!
As we reflect on National Occupational Therapy Month and the theme of Embracing Challenges, Enhancing Lives, it’s clear that occupational therapy continues to play a vital role in helping people adapt, grow, and thrive—even in times of uncertainty. Whether it’s creating structure for distance learning, teaching self-regulation strategies, or supporting families through telehealth sessions, our commitment remains the same: to meet each client where they are and provide practical, personalized solutions.
While the world may be filled with new challenges, occupational therapy reminds us that with the right support, every individual has the potential to build resilience and find success in daily life. Together, we can continue enhancing lives—one small victory at a time.
At New Horizons Wellness Services, our team is here to provide the specialized care and guidance you and your family may need:
● Counseling Services – Supporting mental health and emotional well-being, especially during times of stress and adjustment.
● Occupational Therapy Services – Helping individuals of all ages build essential life skills and overcome barriers to daily activities.
● Occupational Therapy for Adults – Tailored strategies to improve independence, manage transitions, and enhance quality of life.
●Pediatric Occupational Therapy – Engaging and child-focused interventions to support development, learning, and self-regulation.
● Social Skills Group – Providing a supportive environment where children and teens can practice and strengthen communication and interaction skills.
Contact us today to learn how we can support you or your loved ones in embracing challenges and enhancing everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of occupational therapy through telehealth?
Telehealth makes occupational therapy accessible from the comfort of your home. It allows clients to continue their progress without interruption, provides flexibility in scheduling, and helps therapists tailor strategies directly to the client’s daily environment.
How can occupational therapy support children learning from home?
Occupational therapy can help children adapt to distance learning by setting up organized homework spaces, creating structured daily schedules, and teaching strategies for focus, attention, and self-regulation.
What role does occupational therapy play in supporting families during challenging times?
OTs not only work with clients but also provide parents and caregivers with strategies, resources, and coaching. This empowers families to create supportive routines, manage transitions, and encourage independence at home.
How do social skills groups help children and teens?
Social skills groups provide a safe and guided setting where young people can practice communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills. These sessions help improve confidence, emotional regulation, and positive peer interactions.
Yours in Health,
New Horizons Wellness Services8880 SW Nimbus Ave Suite C.,
Beaverton, OR 97008
- https://g.page/newhws
New Horizons Wellness Services provides a true multidisciplinary approach to mental & physical health treatments for children, adults and families.