"If we want our children to move mountains,
we first have to let them get out of their chairs."
-Nicolette Sowder
What We Do
Our Values
Compassion: Children learn best when met with gentle acceptance. All behavior is a form of communication, and look for the message being expressed. Each family is doing the best they can with the resources they have, and we are here to partner with you.
Creativity: No two therapy sessions are identical. We embrace the learning process over the product of specific behaviors. We create a safe learning environment through predictable routines and expectations, while intentionally allowing room for choices, problem solving, and flexibility.
Connection: Children are wired for meaningful connections. Before trying to shape a child’s behaviors, we first build trust by taking an interest in their world.
Collaboration: Our team consists of the occupational therapist, caregivers, and child. Caregivers are treated as an equal part of the therapy team and are expected to actively participate in the growth process by using discussed strategies between sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
Joyful Therapy comes to you! Appointments are held in the home, in the natural environment. This way, children feel most comfortable to be themselves, and the therapist can better understand and see a family's unique strengths and needs. With more accurate information than can be gained in a clinic, you receive home programs that fit your lifestyle and are modeled for you with things you have on hand.
What kinds of appointments do you offer?
We initially offer 1:1 therapy and parent coaching calls. After becoming an established patient, small groups of 2-3 children with similar skill sets are offered based on availability, for social skills practice with peers.
When are appointments available?
We offer appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays. Both morning and afternoon sessions are available. An initial evaluation takes 90 minutes. Regular 1:1 or group therapy sessions run for 60 minutes.
How often would my child be seen?
A variety of options are available to fit your family's lifestyle and unique needs. Together, the therapist and family can decide what will be most therapeutic for the child. Typical frequencies include 2x/week, 1x/week, or biweekly. When needed, we offer "off weeks" in routine intervals to allow rest for the family.
My friend's child has been getting OT for years. How long would you predict my child needing services?
The goal of occupational therapy is for families to learn how to implement strategies at home and meet their child's unique needs. Joyful Therapy's mission to empower caregivers with the tools they need to think like an OT means greater caregiver involvement in sessions and less sessions overall. Within the first 3 months, we provide lots of resources to families to support visible progress in their areas of concern. We reassess the child’s needs in order to sustain progress, and begin utilizing coaching calls and check-in visits at intervals agreed upon by the family.
Do caregivers stay for appointments or can they be elsewhere in the house?
In order to support our coaching and empowerment model, caregivers must actively participate in sessions. The appointment time needs to be blocked out in the schedule just as if you were bringing your child to a medical appointment. The only difference is the professional comes to you and saves you the commute!
Do families receive home programs or homework between visits?
Yes. Home programs are uniquely designed with your situation in mind and individualized to fit your capacity and needs. In sessions, big picture concepts are discussed as food for thought, chopped into bite sized pieces, and modeled by the therapist. Caregivers are given opportunities to practice skills with their child in session, with the therapist's feedback to boost effectiveness and confidence. Handouts are given with visuals, to support caregiver learning and for future reference.