Connecting , engaging and supporting children
Throughout the last decade , I have taken several Special Yoga courses , and these have all led to the integration of teachings into my occupational therapy and parental offerings ; the combination of which have expanded my ability to connect with , engage and support my own children and the children that come to me for therapy .
I have also found that my service is much more fluid than it was before and I am open to adapting what I am doing to suit the individual , physical , social , psychological and occupational needs of the children at any present time .
One of the most exciting discoveries that I have made along the way is that the children who come to me are always showing me how to best support them if I can take the time to really listen . Even if that simply means breathing with them or joining them in their own world .
The child as the teacher
To really observe a child engaged in their meaningful occupation can lead to insights about what their body , mind and soul truly needs . Supporting staff around the child to step into their world , instead of attempting to pull them into ours , has at times been the most beneficial input that I have been able to provide .
Sessions in which I stop trying to ‘ follow my plan ’ and simply watch and listen to what is unfolding right in front of me are always the most therapeutic for the child . Letting go of my need to ‘ stick to the plan ’ was a big learning curve for me and one that I continue to work on .
I have found that using my skills of activity analysis to really focus on what the child is trying to communicate is much more helpful than working through items on a list . This approach always leads me to exciting discoveries and surprise experiences that can range from playing piano , to blowing on a party blower , to talking and acting out Pokémon , to name but a few .
Seeing the child not the behaviour
This has been a powerful tool for me and allowed me to support children that are very adept at pushing people away ; seeing beyond any aggression that might take hold of the child to the special child within . Scared , lonely and often with a lack of self-compassion that forces them into a place of conflict with themselves and others around them .
Opening my heart at difficult times has meant that I have been able to stay present with a child in their pain and show them that I can see the light within them . Their attempts to prove to me that they are not good enough subsiding to reveal their true desire for acceptance and love .
Creating this relationship with children has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life and I will continue to work on keeping my heart open with my own children – which somehow seems to be the hardest .
Sensory processing
On a very practical level , Special Yoga has provided me with a tool to share my sensory integration knowledge with the
May 2023 OTnews 19