If you’ve worked with an occupational therapist before, you might notice we do things a little differently. We don’t just focus on what your child finds hard — we start with what they enjoy, what they’re good at, and what motivates them.
This isn’t just about making therapy fun (though that helps!). Research shows children learn best when they’re interested, confident, and engaged.
What Is Strengths-Based Practice?
A strengths-based approach starts with what your child can do and uses these strengths to support areas that feel harder.
We don’t ignore challenges — we build skills through confidence and success:
“How can we use what this child already does well to help them grow?”
Why This Works
Children make better progress when therapy feels meaningful and motivating. Strengths-based therapy:
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Increases motivation and participation
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Helps new skills “stick”
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Builds confidence and willingness to try
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Supports emotional regulation
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Improves long-term outcomes
When therapy connects to what your child loves, progress is faster and more lasting.
Why Your Child’s Interests Matter
Your child’s interests — dinosaurs, art, Minecraft, trucks — are powerful tools for learning.
They help your child:
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Want to take part
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Feel calm and regulated
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Stay focused for longer
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Practise skills in a natural way
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Use new skills in everyday life
What Therapy Might Look Like
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Fine motor: Sorting Pokémon cards, building models
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Movement: Obstacle courses, animal walks
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Social skills: Turn-taking games, cooperative play
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Handwriting: Writing about favourite topics
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Sensory support: Play-based sensory activities
Building Confidence and Identity
Many children hear a lot about what they struggle with. Strengths-based therapy helps children see what they can do.
Over time, children begin to believe:
“I can learn.”
“I am capable.”
This supports confidence, wellbeing, and healthy self-esteem — especially for neurodivergent children.
When Your Child’s Interests Feel Very Narrow
Even very specific interests are valuable. A deep interest shows focus, persistence, and curiosity. We use these strengths to build wider skills, from learning and communication to creativity and problem-solving.
No interest is “too small” to build on.
How We Balance Strengths and Challenges
We still work on hard things — we just do it in ways that feel meaningful and achievable.
We:
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Build challenge into motivating activities
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Use small successes to build confidence
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Set goals that matter to your child
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Celebrate progress in all forms
How You Can Support This at Home
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Notice and name your child’s strengths
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Follow their interests
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Connect interests to everyday skills
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Share what motivates your child with teachers
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Reframe challenges through a strengths lens
The Big Picture
When children’s strengths and interests are valued, they’re more likely to:
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Feel confident and capable
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Keep trying when things are hard
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Advocate for themselves
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Grow into happy, resilient young people
Final Thought
Your child is more than their challenges. They are a whole person with strengths, interests, and potential.
When we start with what your child loves, we’re not just supporting skills — we’re supporting confidence, wellbeing, and long-term growth.