The topic I chose to listen to the
podcast over was nature-based therapy. I chose this topic because before
listening to the podcast I did not know anything about what goes into
occupational therapy in a nature setting. The speaker informed that the major
clients she uses nature-based therapy with are children with sensory, attention
deficit, and handwriting problems. The reason she specializes in nature therapy
is because it seems to be very motivating to children.
The
speaker uses nature-based therapy with children with sensory disorders because there
are a variety of activities for the child to play with. Some of the activities
the children do while in nature is play in water, climb in trees, play in the
mud, and hang upside down from objects.
The
children that have problems with their handwriting also benefit from being
outside. The speaker informed that for children with this specific problem, she
looks at fundamental issues like grip strength and going from near point to far
point. Looking at ants is another therapeutic activity because it focuses on
the child’s visual perception.
Lastly, the
speaker uses this therapy on children with attention deficit disorders. The
reason this therapy is beneficial is because it focuses on unstructured play. Children
with attention deficit disorders tend to not like to do activities that have a
structured purpose. Therefore, nature helps prolong their attention span with a
play task.
After listening
to this podcast, I learned a lot about nature-based therapy and I think it has
many beneficial factors. Generally, families are skeptical about this therapy because
there are safety concerns associated with being in nature. However, the speaker
counters those fears by expressing that there are safety concerns of staying indoors
as well. Some of those fears are television, internet, and cyber bullying.
Overall, I feel informed on this topic and would love to experience nature-based
therapy at some point in my occupational therapy career.
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