Course Notes: The Whole-Brain Child Approach, Pt. 2

In our last Whole-Brain post, we talked about the first two Whole-Brain Approach strategies. A quick recap:

  • The brain is shaped through genetics and experience.
  • The brainโ€™s two polar opposite hemispheres and how they must work together to achieve balance and well-being, away from chaos and rigidity.
  • The first two strategies on how to integrate both hemispheres when your child is experiencing emotional moments

On to the next segment and Strategies 3-5!

Continue reading

Course Notes: The Whole-Brain Child Approach, Pt. 1

Every two years, OTs must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education to maintain their licensure. I love this requirement because I can learn new techniques, get a grasp of the new research that is currently out there, and apply it to practice.

My course this month is on the Whole-Brain Child Approach and how we can incorporate it into our pediatric work. I found this course to be super helpful in understanding a childโ€™s maturing brain and why it is so important to connect with them from a place of compassion and kindness. This is something that all parents can practice, not just therapists. Here are some facts and strategies Iโ€™ve learned in the first section of the course.

Continue reading

Inside Out: How Memories are Made

When we think back on our childhood, a flood of picture reels can come into our heads. Some are warm and heartfelt, while others we prefer not to recall. All of those experiences shape who we become and, in many aspects, how we parent.

Although memory is an instinctive and complex function that involves various parts of the brain, weโ€™re going to talk about episodic memory; memories that feel like you are reliving it as you recall it.

Continue reading