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Tuning Into Focus: How Music Therapy Supports Children with Autism

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How Music Stimulates the Brain in Children with Autism

When music is played, the brain is stimulated by recognizing pitch, tone, and rhythm. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often excel at pitch processing and respond emotionally to sound. This makes music a powerful tool to support behavioral regulation and improve focus during therapeutic sessions. Autism Speaks recognizes music therapy as a key intervention to enhance communication and emotional awareness in children with autism.

The Power of Music Therapy for Sensory Regulation

Children with ASD frequently struggle with sensory processing, which can result in increased anxiety and difficulty concentrating. New research, including findings from the National Institutes of Health, supports that music therapy can reduce anxiety, improve social-emotional engagement, and increase communication skills. Additionally, music is a valuable aid in learning and maintaining daily routines.

What is 8D Audio, and Why is it Effective for Autism?

8D music, also known as three-dimensional audio, uses binaural beats and sound wave manipulation to create a surround-sound effect. This type of music helps stimulate the senses and create a calming experience for individuals with ASD. The repetitive rhythms and tranquil tones help reduce stress and improve focus.

Emerging studies, such as those published in Frontiers in Psychology, suggest that 8D music may also help reduce sensory overload and improve mood regulation, making it a useful tool in autism therapy.

How Carolina Therapy Connection Integrates Music Into Autism Treatment

At Carolina Therapy Connection (CTC), we incorporate music—including 8D audio—into comprehensive treatment plans. Whether paired with occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, or mental wellness services, music serves as a supportive modality to improve attention, regulate behavior, and build daily living skills.

Our therapists are trained to adapt therapeutic sessions to each child’s sensory needs, and we offer personalized strategies—including music therapy techniques—to help your child thrive.

Why is Vestibular Input So Crucial?

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The Power of Movement: Why Vestibular Input is Essential for Your Child’s Development

The vestibular system is responsible for detecting motion and changes in position in space. It helps us maintain balance, stabilize our gaze, and coordinate our movements. The vestibular system can be over-responsive or under-responsive, leading to difficulties in managing sensory input related to balance and movement. Whether it’s seeking constant motion or avoiding certain activities, the way the brain interprets vestibular input can deeply affect everyday functioning.

How Vestibular Input Affects Our Sensory System

  1. Balance and Coordination: Vestibular input plays a key role in physical coordination. When the vestibular system is under-responsive, kiddos may seek out activities that provide more movement or stimulation, such as swinging, jumping, or spinning. On the other hand, kiddos with an over-responsive vestibular system may become easily disoriented, dizzy, or upset by even small changes in movement. 
  2. Emotional Regulation: The vestibular system isn’t just responsible for physical movement; it also affects emotional regulation. Movement helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body after stress. For some kiddos, vestibular input can either help calm an anxious or overstimulated state or heighten feelings of discomfort. For example, slow, rhythmic movements like rocking or swinging can be soothing, while more intense or unpredictable motion can lead to sensory overload and anxiety. On the other hand, for some kiddos, light touch may be offputting, but a rigorous spin on the platform swing is enjoyable.
  3. Attention and Focus: Proper vestibular input can support better attention and focus, particularly in the classroom setting. Kiddos who are under-responsive to vestibular input may have trouble staying seated or paying attention for long periods. On the flip side, those who are over-responsive may become distracted or overwhelmed by movement in their environment. Finding the right level of vestibular stimulation can help maintain attention and improve cognitive function.

How to Support Vestibular Input in Your Child

Supporting vestibular input for  your child is crucial for promoting better sensory regulation. Occupational therapists (OTs) often use vestibular activities as part of their therapeutic interventions. Here are some ways to provide beneficial vestibular input:

  1. Slow, Rhythmic Movement: Kiddos who need calming input, gentle rocking, swinging, or using a therapy ball can provide the right kind of stimulation. These types of activities help to regulate the nervous system and support emotional regulation.
  2. Varied Movement: Kiddos who seek more intense vestibular input, activities like jumping on a trampoline, spinning in a chair, or fast-paced swinging can help. However, it’s important to introduce these activities gradually and monitor the individual’s response to prevent overstimulation.
  3. Balance Activities: Balancing exercises, like standing on one foot or using balance boards, can help kiddos improve their proprioception and vestibular awareness. These activities also promote motor coordination and body awareness.
  4. Environmental Modifications: The environment can greatly impact how a kiddo processes vestibular input. Using furniture that allows for movement, incorporating standing desks, or offering fidget tools can help them stay engaged without becoming overstimulated.

How Can Carolina Therapy Connection Help?

By tailoring sensory experiences to a kiddo’s needs, we can help them achieve better regulation, improve their motor skills, and enhance their overall quality of life. Whether through therapeutic exercises, environmental adjustments, or careful attention to their sensory needs, ensuring that vestibular input is appropriately addressed can make a world of difference in your kiddo’s life!

 

By Shelby Godwin, COTA/L, AC

 

 

6 Real-Life Mental Health Tips That Actually Work: Simple Tools for Everyday Wellness

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Taking Care of Your Mental Health: Tips, Tools, and Resources That Help

By: Qiana Jones, COTA/L

As a pediatric occupational therapist assistant, I spend my days helping kiddos find meaning, balance, and function in their lives. I get to walk alongside kids and their families through their obstacles, uncertain moments and major milestones. But sometimes it’s easy to get lost in it all. It’s very fast paced and we push through stress, downplay anxiety, or tell ourselves we’ll “deal with it later.” But mental health is just as important as physical health—neglecting it can affect every part of our lives: work, relationships, sleep, and even our physical well-being.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or simply want to build healthier habits, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out alone either. Here are some trustworthy mental health tips to help you support your mental well-being.

Take Charge of Your Mental Health: Real Tips, Honest Insights, and Trusted Resources

1. Acknowledge What You’re Feeling

It’s okay to feel anxious, sad, exhausted, or irritable. Ignoring or judging your emotions only increases the pressure. Practice noticing what you’re feeling with curiosity instead of criticism.

Try this: Pause for a moment during the day and ask, “What am I feeling right now—and what might I need?”

2. Create Small, Steady Routines

You don’t need an elaborate wellness plan. Often, it’s the simple, consistent habits that help most—like making your bed, drinking water, or going for a short walk.

Tip: Pick one small thing you can do daily. It might feel minor, but it builds structure and control when life feels chaotic. My thing I do EVERY night is a 15 minute power clean! It gives me something to look forward to and calms my body down after a long day.

3. Limit Overstimulation

Constant notifications, endless scrolling, or doom-scrolling news feeds can worsen anxiety and disrupt your focus.

Tip: Schedule short “digital detox” periods—maybe 30 minutes in the morning or evening—to recharge without screens.

4. Talk to Someone You Trust

Mental health thrives in connection. Sharing your thoughts with a friend, therapist, or support group can help you feel seen and supported. I personally speak with a therapist once a month just to help process major life transitions, anxiety and depression!

Reminder: You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis to reach out. Talking early can prevent issues from escalating.

5. Move Your Body—Gently

Exercise doesn’t have to mean intense workouts. A short walk, gentle stretching, or dancing in your living room can release stress-reducing chemicals like endorphins. I love walking the local trails in Greenville for 10-20 minutes!

Movement helps shift mental energy—and it’s a form of self-respect, not a form of punishment.

6. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

Rest is productive. Your brain and body need time to recover, reflect, and process. Try not to confuse rest with laziness. 

Try: Scheduling downtime like you would a meeting—your nervous system will thank you.

How Carolina Therapy Connection Can Help

You don’t have to navigate your mental health journey alone—Carolina Therapy Connection is here to support you every step of the way. Our licensed therapists offer personalized mental wellness services for children, teens, and adults, whether you’re navigating anxiety, burnout, life transitions, or simply seeking to establish healthier routines. We take a compassionate, whole-person approach to therapy because mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all.

From individual counseling to family support and caregiver resources, our team helps you create realistic goals and lasting strategies for well-being. We also offer complimentary 15-minute screenings to help you determine if therapy is right for you. In-person and teletherapy options are available for your convenience, because caring for your mental health should fit into real life.

 

Maternal Mental Health Awareness

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You’re Not Alone, Mama: Supporting Maternal Mental Health During Every Step of Your Journey

Motherhood is often described as magical, but moms know it can also be messy, overwhelming, and emotionally exhausting, whether you’re preparing for your first child or navigating postpartum with a newborn in your arms, your mental health matters just as much as your baby’s.

At Carolina Therapy Connection, supporting moms goes beyond baby check-ups and diaper tips. Our team of compassionate, trained therapists—many of whom are moms themselves—are here to walk beside you during this transformative time.

What is Maternal Mental Health?

Maternal mental health refers to the emotional and psychological well-being of women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. According to the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA), up to 1 in 5 women experience significant mental health symptoms during this time, but many go untreated.

Why? Stigma, lack of awareness, and difficulty accessing care.

At CTC, we’re committed to changing that narrative by offering a safe, judgment-free space where moms can be heard, understood, and supported.

What Does Maternal Mental Health Look Like?

Maternal mental health conditions come in many forms, including:

  • Perinatal Depression (during or after pregnancy)
  • Perinatal Anxiety
  • Postpartum OCD or intrusive thoughts
  • Birth Trauma
  • Postpartum PTSD
  • Emotional struggles related to NICU stays, feeding difficulties, or loss

It’s not just “baby blues.” These are serious, but treatable, conditions that can affect any mom, regardless of age, background, or birth experience.

 

Signs You (or Someone You Love) Might Need Help:

  • Persistent sadness, irritability, or emotional numbness
  • Racing thoughts or constant worry
  • Difficulty bonding with your baby
  • Feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, or out of control
  • Withdrawing from friends or family
  • Trouble sleeping (even when the baby sleeps)
  • Thoughts of self-harm 
  • Feelings of inadequacy, or fear of “not being a good enough mom”

If any of this feels familiar, please know: it’s not your fault, and you don’t have to suffer in silence.

 

How Carolina Therapy Connection Supports Moms

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we recognize that maternal mental health is just as important as physical recovery after childbirth. That’s why we offer:

  • Individual Counseling – customized sessions with trained mental health therapists who understand the unique emotional needs of moms.
  • Teletherapy Options – ideal for busy moms or those who prefer to talk from the comfort of their own home.
  • Therapists Who Are Moms Too—Many of our clinicians have walked the path of motherhood themselves and offer genuine empathy and guidance.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Techniques – These approaches help moms become more aware of negative thought patterns and teach practical tools for reframing those thoughts and making healthier choices.
  • Interpersonal Support-Based Therapy – This focuses on navigating relationship challenges, building stronger communication skills, and finding confidence in seeking emotional support from others.

We serve families across Eastern North Carolina with both in-person and virtual care, and no referral is needed to get started.

Why This Week Matters

Maternal Mental Health Week is more than a moment of awareness—it’s a call to action. According to MMHLA, untreated maternal mental health conditions are the most common complication of pregnancy, yet 75% of affected women go without treatment. That’s not okay.

Let’s normalize mental health conversations around motherhood, advocate for better access to care, and check in with the moms in our lives—not just about the baby but about them.

Take the First Step—You Deserve It

You deserve to feel heard, supported, and emotionally well, not just as a mom, but as a person. At Carolina Therapy Connection, we’re here to help you through every wave of motherhood—from the joyful highs to the difficult days.

Book your complimentary consultation today to speak with a therapist who truly understands you.
Learn more about maternal mental health at www.mmhla.org and share this blog with a fellow mom to spread the message: you are not alone.

Shocking Truth: Why Kids Can’t Hold Pencils Anymore!

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Fine motor skills are getting worse in kids today. More and more children struggle to hold pencils, use scissors, or even tie their shoes. According to a recent report from Art-K, 77% of teachers say that fine motor skills are harder for students now than just a few years ago. So, what’s causing this decline? And more importantly, what can parents do to help?

Carolina Therapy Connection specializes in helping children in Greenville, New Bern, Morehead City, and Goldsboro, NC, develop the skills they need to succeed. Our occupational therapy (OT) services focus on fine motor development, handwriting, coordination, and self-care skills to give kids confidence and independence.

Why Are Kids Losing Fine Motor Skills?

Experts point to several key reasons why fine motor skills are declining:

1. Too Much Screen Time

Instead of playing with toys, coloring, or building with blocks, many children spend hours swiping and tapping on screens. This doesn’t give their hands the same strength-building practice as traditional play.

2. Less Hands-On Learning

Many children aren’t getting enough time to practice holding crayons, cutting with scissors, or playing with small objects. Fewer opportunities for these activities can make school tasks much harder.

3. Not Enough Outdoor Play

Running, climbing, digging, and playing outside help strengthen a child’s hands and improve coordination. But many kids today spend less time outdoors, limiting natural muscle development.

4. Clothing and Snack Changes

Modern clothing and food packaging have made life easier but have also reduced everyday fine motor practice. Elastic waistbands replace buttons and zippers, Velcro shoes replace laces, and pre-packaged snacks mean kids don’t open containers or use utensils as much as before.

Simple Ways Parents Can Help at Home

The good news? You can help your child strengthen their fine motor skills with easy, fun activities at home! Here are simple, practical steps to get started:

1. Encourage Daily Fine Motor Play

Fine motor skills develop best through play. Try these activities:

  • Play-Doh and Clay – Let kids roll, pinch, and shape clay to build hand strength.
  • Puzzles and Bead Threading – These boost coordination and dexterity.
  • Lacing Cards or Sewing Projects – Great for developing control and finger strength.
  • Scissor Skills – Have kids cut paper, old magazines, or even straws for fun crafts.

2. Get Kids Involved in Everyday Tasks

Let your child help with activities that naturally build fine motor skills, such as:

  • Cooking Together – Stirring, pouring, kneading dough, and peeling fruit strengthen hands.
  • Self-Care Tasks – Encourage kids to button shirts, zip jackets, and tie shoelaces.
  • Household Chores – Folding laundry, wiping tables, and opening containers all help build fine motor strength.

3. Limit Screen Time and Increase Hands-On Activities

Try implementing screen-free times, especially before and after school. Instead, encourage activities like:

  • Drawing and Coloring – A fun way to develop pencil grip and hand control.
  • Playing with Blocks and LEGOs – Helps strengthen little fingers and improve problem-solving skills.
  • Outdoor Play – Let kids dig in the dirt, climb, and collect small objects like acorns or leaves.

4. Make Handwriting Practice Fun

If your child struggles with handwriting, avoid frustration by making it engaging and low-pressure:

  • Use a Sand or Rice Tray – Have kids practice letters by tracing them with their fingers.
  • Write on a Chalkboard or Whiteboard – This builds wrist and hand strength.
  • Try Special Handwriting Tools – Use thicker pencils, grips, or markers for better control.
  • Turn Writing into a Game – Write letters in shaving cream or use sidewalk chalk outside.
  • Use Fun Sensory Feedback– Using all of your senses increases learning. Think smell, sounds, and textures.

How Carolina Therapy Connection Can Help

At Carolina Therapy Connection, our occupational therapists use fun, play-based techniques to improve fine motor skills. We help kids in Greenville, New Bern, Morehead City, and Goldsboro, NC with:

  • Hand Strength Training – Using squeeze toys, tweezers, and resistance exercises.
  • Coordination Development – Working on scissor use, handwriting, and using both hands together.
  • Self-Care Skills – Teaching kids to tie shoes, button clothes, and use utensils confidently.
  • Handwriting Support – Helping kids develop a firm pencil grip and letter formation skills.

When Should You Seek Help?

If your child:

  • Struggles with holding a pencil or writing legibly
  • Has trouble using scissors or fastening buttons
  • Avoids activities that require hand coordination
  • Seems behind peers in self-care tasks

… they may benefit from occupational therapy.

Contact us today at Carolina Therapy Connection to learn how our team can help your child build stronger hands and gain confidence in everyday tasks!

 

 

Understanding Child-Centered Play Therapy

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Understanding Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)

Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) is an evidence-based approach that helps children explore their emotions, resolve conflicts, and build overall well-being—through the power of play. In this blog, we’ll break down the core principles of CCPT, its benefits, and why it’s such a powerful tool for helping children navigate emotional challenges.

What Is Child-Centered Play Therapy?

CCPT is a nondirective, child-led approach to therapy. Instead of asking children to talk directly about their problems, it gives them a safe space to express themselves naturally through play. In this supportive environment, children can use toys, art, and imagination to work through their feelings. The therapist follows the child’s lead with empathy and acceptance, helping them build trust, emotional awareness, and healthy coping strategies.

Benefits of Child-Centered Play Therapy

  1. Encourages Emotional Expression
    Children often struggle to express emotions like grief, anger, anxiety, or fear with words. CCPT gives them a way to “speak” through play. For example, a child might act out a scary experience with dolls or role-play different ways to handle conflict. This symbolic expression can lead to powerful emotional healing over time.
  2.  Helps Process Trauma and Loss
    For children who have experienced trauma, loss, or big life changes—like a death in the family, divorce, or abuse—CCPT can be especially effective. Play becomes a safe outlet for overwhelming emotions, allowing them to make sense of what happened and begin to heal.
  3. Builds Self-Regulation and Coping Skills
    Through play and connection with the therapist, children learn how to handle frustration, anxiety, and disappointment in healthier ways. These emotional regulation skills carry over into everyday situations at home, school, and in social settings.
  4. Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem
    When children are accepted without judgment and given control over their play, they feel valued. Over time, this builds self-confidence and teaches them that their feelings matter—and that they have the ability to solve problems on their own.
  5. Strengthens Social Skills
    Whether it’s learning to take turns, share, or resolve conflicts, CCPT provides opportunities to practice real-life social skills through play. These lessons help children form stronger, more positive relationships with peers and adults.
  6. Offers a Safe Space for Exploration
    CCPT gives children the freedom to explore who they are, what they feel, and how they relate to the world around them. With a supportive therapist by their side, they gain insight, build self-awareness, and grow emotionally.

Who Can Benefit from Child-Center Play Therapy?

Child-Centered Play Therapy is effective for a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges, including:

  • Anxiety, depression, or frequent anger

  • Trauma or abuse

  • Grief and loss

  • Difficulty with family transitions (e.g., divorce or parental conflict)

  • Social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties

  • Developmental delays or disabilities

CCPT is typically used with children ages 3 and up, and its flexible, child-led nature makes it adaptable to many different needs.

How Carolina Therapy Connection Can Help

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we’re passionate about supporting children and families through a variety of therapeutic approaches—including Child-Centered Play Therapy.

If you think CCPT could benefit your child, we’d love to help. Contact our mental wellness team today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation and see how we can support your family’s journey.

Understanding Autism Awareness Month 

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April is a time of vibrant colors and fresh beginnings, but it holds a deeper significance for many families. It’s Autism Awareness Month, a month dedicated to shedding light on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), celebrating neurodiversity, and fostering understanding and acceptance.

What is Autism Awareness Month?

Autism Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals with autism and their families. It aims to educate the public, dispel misconceptions, and encourage inclusive practices across communities.

Understanding Autism: A Spectrum of Strengths & Challenges

Autism is a complex developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It manifests in various ways, reinforcing the saying, “When you have met one child with autism, you’ve only met one child with autism.” The autism spectrum is broad, encompassing individuals with profound challenges as well as those with exceptional abilities. Each person with autism is unique, possessing their own strengths, interests, and challenges.

Dispelling Myths: The Importance of Awareness & Acceptance

One of the central goals of Autism Awareness Month is to break down myths and misconceptions about autism. Awareness fosters understanding, empathy, and inclusion. It’s about recognizing that different ways of thinking and experiencing the world are not deficiencies but rather valuable contributions to society.

The Role of Education in Autism Inclusion

Education plays a pivotal role in promoting acceptance and inclusion. By learning about autism’s characteristics and how it manifests, we can create environments that support individuals on the spectrum. From classrooms to workplaces, inclusivity starts with knowledge and compassion from all of us.

Celebrating the Strengths & Talents of Individuals with Autism

Autism Awareness Month is also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and talents of individuals with autism. Many excel in areas such as art, music, mathematics, and technology. By highlighting these talents, we challenge stereotypes and showcase the diverse strengths within the autism community.

Advocacy & Action: Moving Beyond Awareness

Awareness alone isn’t enough—it must translate into meaningful action. Advocating for policies and practices that prioritize the needs of individuals with autism is crucial. This includes access to healthcare, therapy resources, educational support, employment opportunities, and accommodations that help individuals with autism and their families thrive.

How You Can Support Autism Awareness Month

There are many ways to get involved and make a difference:

  1. Educate yourself: Learn about autism from reputable sources to understand the diversity within the spectrum and the challenges individuals may face.
  2. Spread awareness: Share information about autism with your friends, family, and community.
  3. Support autism organizations: Donate to or volunteer with reputable organizations that provide advocacy and support.
  4. Foster inclusion: Advocate for accommodations in workplaces, schools, and communities that promote accessibility for individuals with autism.
  5. Practice empathy and acceptance: Treat individuals with autism with kindness, respect, and understanding. Embrace neurodiversity and celebrate each person’s unique strengths.

Carolina Therapy Connection’s Commitment to Autism Support

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we are dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families. As an Autism Certified Clinic, our therapists hold specialized certifications and training to provide high-quality care tailored to the unique needs of children with autism. We continually update our treatment strategies in occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech therapy (ST) to ensure we are utilizing the latest research-based approaches.

By fostering awareness, acceptance, and advocacy, we can work together to create a world where individuals with autism are valued, respected, and allowed to thrive.

By:

Shelby Godwin, COTA/L, AC 

Sweet Dreams: Sleep Strategies for a Well-Rested Child

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Why Sleep Matters: Sleep Strategies Key to a Well-Rested Child

Parenting can be a rollercoaster ride filled with joy, challenges, and sleepless nights. Nights without sleep might seem normal in the newborn phase, but they don’t have to be a permanent part of parenting! Do you know some simple sleep strategies that can help the family sleep better? This blog post will explore tips to make bedtime a breeze for you and your kids!

The Power of Routine: Sticking to a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Consistency is key when it comes to sleep! Using a regular sleep schedule helps create a clock inside your child’s body. It also helps to create a predictable routine for your child. Try to get to bed and wake up simultaneously every day. That includes weekends! This will help the body create a regular sleep pattern and make falling asleep easier. 

Create a Nightly Routine

Ensuring a good night’s sleep starts before your child’s head hits the pillow. Create a consistent bedtime routine. Before bed, try taking a warm, calming bath. Read a book in bed or try relaxation strategies like listening to calming music or stretching. Limit snacks, drinks, and screen time before bed. 

Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment for Your Child

Turn your child’s bedroom into a space that encourages sleep. Keep the space quiet and dark. You can use blackout curtains to block light and a white noise machine to drown out any noise. Temperature is also critical. Make sure your child is not too hot or too cold. The actual place of sleep can make or break a good night of sleep. Ensure your child’s mattress and pillows provide good support for a restful sleep. You can also try stretchy lycra sheets to provide compression during sleep, making your child feel as if they are getting a comfy hug all night long. If your child displays fear of the dark, use a night light to provide a comforting light while sleeping. 

The Role of Screen Time in Your Child’s Sleep Quality

The light from screens like phones, tablets, or TVs can interfere with sleep. Try to avoid using screens for at least an hour before bedtime. It may also be helpful to remove screens from the bedroom. Instead, read a book, draw, or play a quiet game to help when winding down before bed.

Daytime Activities That Promote Better Sleep at Night

Did you know that being active during the day can help you sleep better at night? Please encourage your child to get outside to play or do some fun movement activities to help their body feel tired when it’s time to lay their heads down.

Nutrition and Sleep: What to Eat and Avoid Before Bedtime

Some foods and drinks make it harder for your child to fall asleep. Avoid eating large meals or spicy foods before bed, as they can cause discomfort during sleep. Try not to have snacks or drinks with caffeine or sugar before bedtime. Instead, stick to a light, healthy snack that won’t disrupt their sleep. 

Follow these simple tips to become a sleep superstar and have sweet dreams every night! Remember, getting enough sleep is essential for staying healthy, so prioritize a good night’s sleep.

How Carolina Therapy Connection Can Support Better Sleep? 

In addition to utilizing the tips above at home, we know that sometimes families may need extra support. At ***@***********************on.com","type":"person"}”>Carolina Therapy Connection, our Occupational Therapists work to address any barriers that affect someone’s physical, mental, or emotional well-being. Occupational therapists at CTC can help determine if your child’s sleep difficulties are related to underlying sensory or environmental issues. They can help establish a sensory diet (a personalized, organized plan that provides sensory input activities that a person needs to regulate their body throughout the day) to address potential underlying sensory issues that may impact sleep. They can also provide additional strategies for your child’s specific sleep needs. Our goals are to improve your child’s sleep quality to increase participation in meaningful activities throughout the day. Additionally, check out our Amazon storefront for items that can help achieve a good night’s sleep! 

 

By: Caroline Zissette, MS, OTR/L

 

 

What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy? | Benefits & How It Works

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What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a type of psychotherapy that prioritizes finding solutions to current problems rather than focusing on the problem itself or its underlying causes. Developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg in the 1980s, this approach is grounded in the belief that clients have the inherent resources and strengths needed to overcome their challenges.

SFBT is a modern approach designed to bring about meaningful change in a relatively short period. Unlike traditional therapy models that delve deeply into problems and their origins, SFBT is centered on solutions and future possibilities.

9 Benefits of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

1. Focus on Solutions, Not Problems

SFBT emphasizes identifying and developing solutions to current issues rather than analyzing the problem’s origins. This approach encourages clients to envision a future in which the problem is resolved and explore practical steps to achieve that vision.

2. Strengths and Resources

Rather than focusing on deficits, SFBT highlights clients’ strengths, resources, and past successes. By recognizing and utilizing these assets, clients can build upon what already works for them.

3. Goal-Oriented Approach

The clients’ clear, achievable goals specific, and guide therapy. These goals provide direction and help maintain focus throughout the therapeutic process. The emphasis is on achieving tangible outcomes and making measurable progress.

4. Collaborative Process

The therapeutic relationship in SFBT is highly collaborative. The therapist and client work together as partners to define goals, explore solutions, and develop strategies. The therapist acts as a facilitator, guiding the client rather than dictating solutions.

5. Brief and Time-Limited

SFBT is designed to be brief and efficient. The overall SFBT therapy process often spans only a few sessions to several months. This time-limited approach helps maintain focus, momentum, and efficiency in addressing the client’s concerns.

6. Exception Finding

This principle involves identifying times when the client’s problem was less severe or absent. By understanding and analyzing these exceptions, clients can discover strategies that worked in the past and apply them to their current situation.

7. Scaling Questions

Scaling questions help clients assess their progress and evaluate the severity of their issues or the effectiveness of solutions. Clients rate their experiences on a scale (e.g., 1 to 10), which improvements and adjustments help them track strategies as needed.

8. Positive Reinforcement

SFBT focuses on acknowledging and celebrating small successes and progress. This positive reinforcement helps boost clients’ confidence and motivation, encouraging them to continue pursuing their goals and implementing solutions.

9. Future-Oriented

The therapy emphasizes building a vision of the future in which the problem is resolved. Clients are encouraged to imagine how their lives will be different once their goals are achieved and to work towards making that vision a reality.

By adhering to these core principles, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy helps clients shift from problem-saturated thinking to a focus on solutions, fostering a more positive and action-oriented approach to personal growth and problem-solving.

Who Would Benefit from Solution-Focused Brief Therapy?

  • Individuals Seeking Short-Term Therapy:

    • Time Constraints: Those who need a brief intervention due to time constraints or personal preferences will find SFBT’s short-term nature appealing.

    • Immediate Needs: Individuals who want quick solutions to specific problems or challenges benefit from the efficiency of SFBT.

  • Clients with Specific, Well-Defined Issues:

    • Targeted Concerns: SFBT is particularly effective for clients dealing with specific, clearly defined issues such as anxiety, stress, relationship problems, or life transitions.

    • Practical Goals: SFBT’s approach will benefit those who can articulate their goals and work towards actionable solutions.

  • People Looking for Empowerment and Positive Change:

    • Strengths and Resources: SFBT will benefit clients who prefer a therapy approach that emphasizes their strengths and resources rather than delving into past problems.

    • Motivation and Self-Efficacy: Individuals who are motivated and ready to take actionable steps towards change are well-suited to the solution-focused methodology.

  • Individuals Open to a Collaborative Approach:

    • Partnership: Clients who are comfortable with a collaborative therapeutic relationship and are open to actively participating in setting and achieving goals will thrive in SFBT.

    • Interactive Process: Those who appreciate a more interactive and client-driven approach to therapy will find SFBT’s methods engaging and effective.

  • Clients Seeking a Positive Therapeutic Experience:

    • Optimism and Hope: Individuals who respond well to a positive, forward-looking therapeutic approach will appreciate SFBT’s emphasis on envisioning a better future and celebrating small successes.

How Carolina Therapy Connection Can Help:

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we strive to provide a variety of modalities to promote positive change and growth. If SFBT sounds like something that would fit your or a loved one’s needs, contact our mental wellness team to set up your free 15-minute consultation with one of our therapists.

Moving to Learn: How Movement-Based Activities Boost Speech and Language Development

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We Like to Move It, Move It with Movement-Base Activities!

When you think of movement-based therapy, you may immediately think of physical or occupational therapy. Turns out, speech and language skills can and should be targeted through gross motor activities as well! How does movement help children develop speech and language skills? Incorporating movement into speech therapy sessions promotes attention, self-regulation, and learning. 

Movement-Base Activities can set the stage for Learning

Effective speech therapy doesn’t require that a child stays seated in their chair! When kids can move around (e.g., stand, bounce, jump, swing, dance), they are often more motivated to participate in therapy activities. Allowing for movement can increase a child’s attention towards the task at hand, contributing to more significant learning. Movement can also have a calming effect on the body! Think about the soothing impact of rocking a baby and how it feels to swing in a hammock or go on a walk after a long day. Engaging in movement can help a child maintain control over their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, thus freeing up cognitive resources needed to focus on learning.  

Fun, Movement-Based Activities 

  • Create an Obstacle Course
    • Collaborate to create an obstacle course! Slides, swings, cones, bean bags, scooter boards, and balance beams can all be used to create an exciting obstacle course. Target following directions, understanding spatial concepts, and using verbs while designing and completing the course. For kids working on speech sounds, each station can include an opportunity to practice 5-10 words containing target sounds before moving on to the next station.
  • Go on a Scavenger Hunt Around the Room
    • Take turns hiding objects, puzzle pieces, or pictures around the room. To make it even more fun, use a flashlight or binoculars as you search for the hidden items. As your child finds the secret item, have them describe what they saw and where they found it to encourage expressive language skills.
  • Sing and Dance to Music
    • Music’s repetitive and melodic element makes it a meaningful way to experience language. For younger kids, sing familiar nursery rhymes and songs to encourage early communication skills such as imitating actions (e.g., clapping hands, stomping feet). Music tends to be repetitive, which provides many opportunities to hear words and phrases. Using a sing-song voice often makes language more memorable for children as they acquire words. Older kids may enjoy taking a dance break while practicing their speech and language goals or choose songs containing a child’s target speech sounds to make repetitive practice more fun!

How can Carolina Therapy Connection Help?

Ask your child’s speech-language pathologist for more ideas for using movement to foster the development of speech and language skills. If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s communication skills, a Speech-Language Pathologist at Carolina Therapy Connection can help!