Child-led Therapy: Misconceptions|Expectations

Child-led occupational therapy is an approach where the therapist follows the child's interests, motivations, and strengths to guide therapeutic activities.

The key idea is to engage the child in meaningful and enjoyable activities that promote skill development and functional independence in daily tasks. Following the child's lead is not the same as following the child around. It doesn't means that the therapist has no say and the child can do whatever they want, however they want.

Let's look at the reasons why child-led therapy sessions does not mean the child "calls the shots":

1. Guided Framework: The therapist structures the sessions within a therapeutic framework, ensuring that activities are goal-oriented and developmentally appropriate.

2. Professional Expertise: Therapists use their expertise to choose activities that are both engaging and therapeutic, addressing the child's specific needs.

3. Balanced Choices: While the child's preferences are considered, the therapist balances these with necessary therapeutic goals and outcomes.

4. Safety and Appropriateness: The therapist ensures all activities are safe and suitable for the child's abilities and developmental level.

Different therapists have different approaches and one example of a what happens in a child-led therapy session may be that the therapist has a goal in mind and now it's upto the child to choose how to get there.

Most of the time, the therapist goes into the session keeping in mind the areas the child needs to work on. Once they choose an activity or task, therapist can now add something to it or align it in a way that supports the end goal. Suppose the child wants to play with the ball, the therapist has set a goal to improve the child's balance and coordination, so now they've arranged for the child to hit a target, by throwing the ball overhead while standing on a specified space in certain position. Child gets to play with the ball and the therapist gets to align it in a way that supports the end goal. In essence, the child's interests shape the activities, but the therapist directs the therapy to ensure it meets the child's developmental and therapeutic needs.

"It looks like free play" As a Pediatric Occupational Therapist I come across this statement every now and then. And although I don't mind the word "play" because there's a ton of research on different types of play and their impact on child development, but I do believe in clarifying that it takes a specific skill set to make it look like play and it's never easy. Child led therapy sessions often look like a game or just play but it is always made up of goal-directed activities.

Benefits of child-led therapy sessions:

? Empowerment: Children feel a sense of control and empowerment, enhancing their self-esteem and confidence. OT advocates for this sense of empowerment at every stage of life.

? Natural Expression: It allows children to express themselves naturally through play and conversation, making therapy less intimidating. This reduces their anxiety about coming and performing tasks.

? Individual Pace: Children can explore their thoughts and feelings at their own pace, reducing pressure and promoting comfort.

? Strengthens Autonomy: Encourages decision-making and problem-solving skills, promoting independence; which is at the heart of all occupational therapy interventions.

? Builds Trust: Enhances the therapeutic relationship by respecting the child's autonomy and choices, building trust between the child and therapist.

? Encourages Communication: Helps children who may struggle with direct communication to express themselves through play and creative activities.

? Reduces Resistance: Children are more likely to engage and participate willingly, reducing resistance to therapy.

In conclusion, Child-led therapy creates a supportive and nurturing environment that respects the child's individuality and promotes growth, it does not mean that the child calls all shots. Feel free to talk to your child's therapist about the sessions, get their feedback, ask questions if you have any doubts, parents and caregivers play a crucial role when it comes to providing an environment where children can be themselves. Let us join our hands and help children reach their full potential.