Professional route, or go it alone?

At what point do you think professional guidance is needed? If your child needs therapy, can you do it all alone? If you needed therapy, can you read a book, watch a few videos, or go to Google and be better? In reality, some people can, and I don’t judge those who think they can manage on their own……to a point. Hear me out.

Many years ago, I was recapping a session with a parent and explaining that we used play doh and what we did. I suggested to the parent to play with play doh at home, and she looked at me and said “but how?” It was an eye opener for me because the thought of not knowing what to do with play doh had never crossed my mind. That was one core memory that helped shape me into a more collaborative therapist, and showed me that it’s not enough to simply say what we did; I need to ensure that parents feel comfortable and competent enough to translate therapy life to home life. It also made me realise that even though there is so much information out there, it can still feel overwhelming for parents.

During the pandemic when parents became chief cook and bottle washer, I started making short online videos and doing webinars because it helped that parents had a deeper understanding of what we do. I have found that over the course of my career, I have seen parents have a greater thirst for knowledge and a greater desire to be involved. This can easily be encouraged, supported and celebrated, while making it clear that the therapist still has an important role in overseeing the process. The therapist has the knowledge and expertise of the inner workings of the body or the child’s neurotype, plus the know-how to put together a comprehensive plan that aims for progress in a way that works with a child and the family. We don’t expect parents to be the therapist; we want the parent to be a well-informed parent so that they can have the additional tools for their role. One hand doh clap and all that jazz :)

Outside of my wonderful OT life, I am a triathlon coach and a triathlete. I’ve been a triathlete for just about as long as I’ve been a therapist - almost eighteen years - and I’ve been a coach for 8.5 years. I would not be the athlete I am today without coaching, and even without being a coach myself. I have a realllyyyyy deep understanding of the sport because of my coaching knowledge, and use that information to guide my training sessions and races; however I still rely on my coach (who claims he doesn’t coach me) because he knows more than I do, can offer a different perspective, and can knock some sense into me when I want to do something stupid! I know the importance of a coach, and not just because I am one. Having a coach goes way beyond simply following a plan, and even with that, I see firsthand what happens when people try to train themselves. I have been able to use myself as an example to see my improvement as an athlete based on the knowledge both my coach and I have gained as we have become more credentialed in the coaching field. Knowledge truly is power!

Yesterday in a Facebook group, someone asked a question about training plans, and a guy replied saying to use chatGPT, and that he can’t understand why anyone would pay money to have a coach in this day and age. I didn’t reply of course, because I don’t need to change the mind of someone who isn’t willing to listen. Plus I try not to respond to things when I’m annoyed! I know this is how many people think about triathlon coaching - find a free plan online and follow it, or just wing it. Yes, there are some people who can do this, and excel, but what works for one doesn’t work for all.

It got me thinking that in the therapy world, I see similar scenarios on a regular basis, especially with more information at our disposal. People see therapy and they might see us playing with their child, or observing, where it looks like we’re not doing much. They might think “but I can do this home! Why am I paying this money for somebody to play with my child?!” (real comments, btw.) It’s even worse when there are different expectations for progress. Similar to triathlon, there may be some families and some children who can watch videos, read some books and do it on their own and see progress! This is an exception, not a norm.

Someone who thinks that all we do is play with a child may not understand the VALUE of that play. Play is inherently amazing and when we play in our therapy sessions, we’re building skills one developmental block at a time. When we’re observing and not doing anything, we may be giving space, allowing that child to feel safe in an unfamiliar space or with an unfamiliar person. When we do the same activity over and over, or allow the child to lead, we’re learning through repetition, and scaffolding skills by using their existing strengths and making small adjustments. When we play with your child, it IS fun and games, but there is a lot happening in the process.

Someone who doesn’t understand that may not willingly engage in therapy, and as much as I want everyone to see the benefits of therapy and early intervention, I have to remember that everyone is on a different path and their perceptions and experiences may be different. This is why it continues to be important to me to keep putting out free and accessible content, because it gives EVERYONE easy access, and they can still have some useful information. If they want to take it further, the option is available. Added to that, it is extremely important that we have more CARIBBEAN resources where the content reflects our unique cultures, values and languages.

In closing, each family has to do what works best for them. If you think that the DIY method with no guidance is where you are right now, then please ensure that your information sources will guide you in the right direction (and hello, we have RELL RESOURCES fuh yuh! YouTube, Facebook, IG, free advice group…..all kinda ting! If you want more information, we have some really affordable options too like webinars and parent courses. Check out the rest of the website!) If you’re on a therapy pathway now and you still want more information, you know where to find it! Please also follow other local and Caribbean therapists and professionals!

(Pic of me early on when I was green green, and one from 2022, much less green!)