What Happens in Occupational Therapy?
At Peak Therapy Services, we often meet parents who are unsure of what to expect when starting occupational therapy for their child. If you’re asking, “What happens in occupational therapy?”, you’re not alone. This blog will walk you through the process, goals, and structure of OT sessions, so you know what’s ahead and how we support your child’s development.
Understanding Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) helps individuals—especially children—develop the skills needed to perform everyday tasks and participate fully in daily life. For kids, these “occupations” might include playing, dressing, writing, feeding themselves, or staying calm in a noisy environment.
OT is especially beneficial for children facing challenges with:
Fine motor skills (e.g., holding a pencil or using scissors)
Sensory processing
Feeding difficulties
Delays in developmental milestones
Emotional regulation
Attention and organization
What to Expect at Peak Therapy Services
At Peak Therapy Services, we begin with a comprehensive evaluation. This includes:
A parent interview to learn your child’s strengths, challenges, and daily routines
Standardized assessments tailored to your child’s needs
Observations of how your child interacts, plays, and moves
From there, we create a customized therapy plan designed to meet your family’s goals.
Key Activities in Occupational Therapy Sessions
So, what actually happens in occupational therapy? Here’s a glimpse of what our sessions may include:
Play-Based Activities: Games and imaginative play that build coordination, attention, and problem-solving.
Fine Motor Exercises: Tasks like threading beads, using tongs, or drawing to improve hand strength and precision.
Sensory Integration: Activities using swings, textures, and movement to help regulate responses to sensory input.
Self-Care Practice: Helping your child learn daily routines such as brushing teeth, buttoning clothes, or using utensils.
Emotional Regulation Tools: Breathing techniques, movement breaks, and calming strategies.
Each session is tailored to your child’s current needs and developmental level. Sessions are fun, engaging, and goal-driven.
Parent Involvement and Collaboration
We believe that parents are essential to success. At Peak Therapy Services:
We provide regular updates and progress reports
We coach you on how to carry over therapy goals at home
We encourage open communication and shared decision-making
Your insight is invaluable—after all, you know your child best.
Why Choose Peak Therapy Services?
Peak Therapy Services is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care with a focus on:
Evidence-based interventions
Child-led, play-focused sessions
Family-centered goal planning
Experienced and licensed occupational therapists
We provide a welcoming, sensory-smart environment where children can thrive—and where parents feel heard and supported.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wondered, “What happens in occupational therapy?”—now you know it’s about so much more than exercises or checklists. It’s about empowering your child to build independence, confidence, and joy in everyday life.
