Occupational Therapy with Counselling & Psychotherapy
The combination of occupational therapy and psychotherapy can have several benefits for children as both disciplines work together for a more holistic approach. More specifically:
1. Development of Motor and Cognitive skills
Occupational therapy helps children to develop delicate motor skills needed in everyday life such as writing, dressing up or playing. When combined with psychological support, children can deal more effectively with stress or disappointment related to those difficulties.
2. Emotional Empowerment
Counselling and psychotherapy assist children in dealing with their emotions, in developing self-confidence and acquiring skills in dealing with challenges. This aids in progress in occupational therapy since children feel safer and more confident for their effort.
3. Better Social Skills
Occupational therapy often includes activities which reinforce cooperation, communication and interaction with others. On the other hand, counselling and psychotherapy can help children understand and moderate their social relationships emphasising on dealing with their emotions such as disappointment or anger.
4. Holistic Treatment of Learning Difficulties
Children with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia or attention deficit disorder, can be benefited essentially when occupational therapy techniques (for empowerment of attention, coordination and organisation) are combined with the aid of counseling and psychotherapy, which helps in dealing with stress and low self-esteem.
5. Management of Behavioural Challenges
Children with behavioural challenges, such as intense disobedience or anger management issues, can be aided essentially by counselling and psychotherapeutic interventions while occupational therapy can offer practical tools for the regulation of energy and self-organisation.
6. Coordination of Interventions
The combination of occupational therapy and psychological support offers a structured and coordinated plan of intervention. Both disciplines work together to detect the real needs of children adjusting their strategies for maximum efficacy.
7. Family Support
Counselling and Psychotherapy can help parents understand the behaviour of their children and offers practical advise to support them while occupational therapy can offer ways to reinforce the skills of children at home.
The psychologist of our centre has a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Psychology and a Master of Science in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Integrative psychotherapy is a holistic and individualised therapeutic approach which merges ideas, theories and techniques from different types of psychotherapy according to the unique needs of each beneficiary. The combination of elements of different therapeutic approaches provides a much more comprehensive and flexible approach to treatment compared to separate therapeutic types of psychotherapy practiced alone.
Integration in psychotherapy has a holistic value as it aims to deal with the mental, emotional and physical health of a beneficiary in a united manner. Beneficiary and therapist work together to explore and comprehend the roots of the beneficiary’s dysfunctional and unhealthy behavioural patterns, anxiety, unhappiness, physical discomfort and others.
Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy can be beneficial for children, adolescents, and adults, whether it is short-term or long-term and whether it is in one-on-one, couples, family, or group settings. It can be used to treat a variety of psychological issues such as social skills difficulties, emotional discomfort due to physical trauma or disability, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, PTSD, grief, sexual challenges, relationship issues, sleeping difficulties, substance use disorders, eating disorders, self-harm and others.
The psychologist of our centre has a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Psychology and a Master of Science in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Occupational therapy counseling for parents
Occupational therapy counseling for parents is a very important aspect of the support provided to children with developmental, sensory, or motor difficulties. Collaboration with parents ensures that therapy goals are reinforced at home and in the child's daily life. Below are key points of occupational therapy counseling for parents:
1. Information and Understanding
- Explanation of the nature and importance of occupational therapy.
- Information about the child’s needs and specific characteristics (e.g., sensory sensitivities, motor difficulties, social skills).
- Provision of knowledge regarding how daily activities impact the child's development and independence.
2. Participation in the intervention
- Training in strategies: Parents learn techniques and activities that can be applied at home, such as: -Improving sensory regulation. -Developing fine and gross motor skills. -Enhancing independence in daily activities (dressing, eating, personal hygiene).
- Collaboration in goal setting: Parents are encouraged to actively participate in the selection of therapeutic goals.
3. Enhancement of Communication Skills
- Suggestions for strengthening interaction with the child.
- Understanding non-verbal messages.