What does outside the box look like?
Collaboration
I have access to the amazing resources at the RDA (Riding for the Disability) in Coleraine. It is a breath of fresh air to collaborate with like-minded people who truly put people at the centre of their work. Through this facility I offer Animal Assisted Therapy, identified by goal-driven therapeutic interventions on a 1:1 bases and group setting.
These programmes can be great for all ages including corporate wellness initiatives.
Evidence Based
I am very enthusiastic about service development, I believe we need to move with the time, the challenges facing our young people today do not reflect the challenges presented 20 years ago. For this reason we must look to the emerging research. Aren’t we so lucking to have the advancements in research at our fingertips with articles and training accessible online?
I relay on this heavily, weather it is a network through a Facebook group with global connections or a university accredited training course they can be equally valuable. The ultimate goal is to bring the most up to date practices to the young people of Northern Ireland, the deserve nothing less.
What is Evidence based?
As an OT I will use a variety of strategies in the therapeutic process that have been proven in research or tested by expert therapists to be effective with my client group. I believe ethically this is the highest standard, you can be sure your child is safe in therapy. I have personal invested time and money in training myself to offer the variety of approaches that I do.
As a parent you should expect to invest in an OT that uses proven and effective techniques in therapy sessions. I will not hesitate to refer you to another professional to meet any other identified needs of your child.
Alternative
As well as Animal Assisted Therapy I provide Nature Based Therapy. Again this is goal-driven and person centred. We chose an occupation involving the great outdoors and we get to it. This provides time for reflection, problem solving and sensory diversity. Not to mention to health benefits of connection to nature.
So What do I do?
As a Paediatric Occupational Therapist I assess and treat children’s underlying, root cause, challenges that are the foundational building blocks for efficient learning and participation in daily life. I help children to build their mind-body connection, in a way that they enjoy, to help their brains work more effectively for learning, socialising and achieving their goals. I take a holistic approach, selecting specific tools from my OT tool box to help your family achieve your goals.
Registered with HCPC and RCOT
