Tell me if you've been here before:
only to have the child not want to do anything you planned.
And then what? Instead of adapting, I find that most therapists spiral into a state of dysregulation themselves. They panic that the parent is watching. They look at the clock wondering how to fill the next 30 minutes. They start wondering if they are even a good therapist.
The perfectly planned session doesn't exist when working with kids.
We have to be flexible.
We have to adapt.
We have to be child-led.
Being child-led means the therapist is able to make a child's preferred play therapeutic. They can follow the child's direction while incorporating the child's goals.
This isn't easy. This may not feel natural immediately.
But in my opinion, is the best way to work on goals while connecting with the child during activities that are motivating and child-driven.
The 3C process breaks down how to use a child-led approach effectively.
Step 1: Create. This is what we do before our session that helps us prepare a safe environment where the child can explore and gain skills...all while having fun and making choices.
Step 2: Collaborate. This is what we do during our session with the client to work on their goals, without having pre-planned each activity.
Step 3: Critique. What we do after the session to analyze and support the child's goal achievement, our role in the session, and identify any elements that need problem-solving.
A 1-hour on-demand webinar
4 months of access
Opportunity to submit questions
Certificate of Completion for 1 hour
This will be provided after the completion of the quiz and survey
It will count for 1.25 PDUs for NBCOT
.1 CEU. Please check with your state as requirements may differ.
Resources
3C Process Handout
Critique Form
Identify the responsibilities of the therapist and client in a child-led session
Identify 6 skills that are addressed through facilitating a child-led session
Learn how to set up the environment to foster safety, exploration, and skill attainment
Will identify 5 signs of dysregulation through non-verbal communication
Review cues vs. prompts to support a child-led session
Identify 6 questions for self analysis to improve child-led sessions
Pediatric OTPs or therapy students who:
Want to spend less time and effort meticulously planning their pediatric sessions
Want to feel more confident letting a child lead
Feel like child-led sessions are frequently chaotic
want to expand their treatment approaches to meet the needs of their clients
This is a great course that gives the basics of child-led play. I think this is the most up to date knowledge to support best practice for our clients, especially the neurodiverse population.
Great examples of how to put this in practice. It made me think about how I need to brainstorm all of the activities I could do with a few items in the room to help me feel more prepared.
You can if you're looking for ways to promote a more child-led structure to your play sessions at home, or in other therapy practices.
The information provided will still be valuable and applicable to other professions and parents!
Yes! There is a question box under the webinar video where you can post any questions you may have and Katie will respond.
At this time I do not offer refunds
They really are the same thing - both are units towards your license/certification, but they are different units of measurement.
1 contact hour = 1 PDU or .1 CEU
1 contact hour with an assessment = 1.25 PDUs for NBCOT
1 PDU = .1 CEU
These units can be applied to your state license and NBCOT. If you are not an OT please check your professional requirements.
For this course, you will earn 1.25 PDUS for NBCOT (because there is an assessment), or .1 CEU
You'll have access for a lifetime
I'm Katie, a pediatric Occupational Therapist and founder of The Well-Balanced OT, an educational platform for therapists and anyone else who wants to support the children in their lives.
I offer mentorship groups and individual sessions, printable resources, and educational webinars to expand your confidence, knowledge, and therapeutic skills.
You can learn more about my experience and education here.
I currently live in Massachusetts with my husband, a ton of plants, and a closet full of crafts.