The tools we use to help youth heal and grow

Every session at OTTP-NorCal is built around a purposeful activity or technique designed to help a young person grow, heal, and build real skills for life. Here's a closer look at the types of support we provide.

Occupational Therapy Psychotherapy Social Work

Occupational therapy

Healing Through Doing

Occupational therapists help people participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. At the core of occupational therapy is a belief in health through doing, whether that means participating in practical activities, leisure pursuits, or more subtle work like cultivating empathy or identifying personal values.

At OTTP, OT sessions are built around each young person's interests and strengths, meeting them where they are developmentally and creating the conditions for real growth

Youth bracelet making intervention at OTTP-NorCal

What OT interventions can help youth achieve

Social skills

Communication skills

Decision-making

Problem-solving

Emotional regulation

Coping strategies

Healthy risk-taking

Attention & focus

Intrinsic motivation

Values identification

Positive self-concept

Time management

Agency & self-efficacy

Core beliefs of occupational therapy

There is a positive relationship between occupation and health — physical and emotional.

All people need to engage in the occupations of their need and choice, to grow through what they do, and to experience independence, equality, participation, security, health, and well-being.

Occupations structure daily life, are central to our identity and sense of competence, and have particular meaning and value to us.

Health and well-being can be affected by environmental barriers to participation.

American Occupational Therapy Association (2002). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 56, 609–639.

OT Domain & Scope of Practice

Areas of Occupation

Activities of Daily Living
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
Rest & Sleep
Education
Work
Play
Leisure
Social Participation

Client Factors

Values, Beliefs & Spirituality
Body Functions
Body Structures

Performance Patterns

Habits
Routines
Roles
Rituals

Performance Skills

Sensory / Perceptual
Motor & Praxis
Emotion Regulation
Cognitive
Communication / Social

Context & Environment

Cultural
Personal
Physical
Social
Temporal
Virtual

Activity Demands

Objects & Properties
Space
Social
Sequencing & Timing
Required Actions
Required Body Structures & Function

American Occupational Therapy Association (2002). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 56, 609–639.

Psychotherapy

Therapy for thoughts, feelings & behaviors

Psychotherapy is a general term for the treatment of a client's mental health challenges by working with a licensed Clinical Social Worker, Marriage & Family Therapist, or other mental health clinician. During psychotherapy, a client learns about their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and how to better cope and respond to life's challenges.

Modalities used by OTTP clinicians

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

TF-CBT addresses the mental health needs of children and adolescents impacted by trauma.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps clients identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Focuses on building skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Explores how unconscious thoughts and past experiences influence current behavior and feelings.

Systems Theory / Therapy

Views the client within the context of their family and social systems, addressing relationships and patterns.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Goal-directed and future-focused, helping clients identify solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

Art Therapy

Uses creative expression as a therapeutic tool for processing emotions and experiences.

Play Therapy

Uses play as a natural medium for children to express themselves and work through challenges.