Occupational Therapy: Healing Through Play and Movement

When people think of therapy after trauma, they often picture talk therapy, quiet offices, emotional conversations, and structured sessions. But for many children, especially those who have endured early trauma or abuse, healing doesn’t begin with words.

Sometimes, it starts with movement.

We’re a few weeks into our son's occupational therapy journey, and already, we’re witnessing something powerful. We didn’t fully realize the depth of what OT (Occupational Therapy) could offer until we saw it in motion.

There’s no traditional therapy couch. There’s no direct conversation about trauma. Instead, there are swings. Trampolines. Obstacle courses. Balance boards. Playdough. Sand trays. Everything in the room is intentionally designed not just for fun, but for healing.

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What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy helps children develop, improve, or restore the skills they need for everyday life. That could mean anything from fine motor coordination to emotional regulation, sensory integration, and even confidence in their own bodies.

For children who have experienced sexual trauma or complex PTSD, the body can become a place of confusion, fear, or shutdown. OT provides a safe and structured space to rebuild trust in their surroundings, in their routines, and within themselves.

And unlike traditional therapy, which often starts with talking, OT allows kids to communicate through movement. Their brains and nervous systems begin to feel safe again, without the pressure of naming everything they’ve experienced.

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💛 Where We’ve Found Hope

In our own journey, we’ve been incredibly blessed to work with the amazing team at Caya Therapies. Their trauma-informed occupational therapists don’t just help kids build motor skills; they help them rebuild connection, confidence, and safety in their everyday world.

The environment is warm and inviting, and fun! It’s not just therapy, it’s a safe haven where kids get to be kids again. If you’re a parent wondering where to begin, Caya Therapies is a beautiful and compassionate place to start.

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How OT Is Helping Our Family

There’s been a subtle, but deeply meaningful shift in our son. His body holds itself differently. His movements are more coordinated. His regulation and his ability to handle big feelings have improved slowly but surely. And yes, at times, it also stirs up memories. Sometimes he shuts down a little after a session. Other times, he wants to play out certain scenes with his toys, symbolic ones.

But that’s the point. Healing is not linear, and occupational therapy gives him tools and experiences to process that journey at his own pace.

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You’re Not Alone

We know how overwhelming this path can be. Navigating the justice system, watching your child relive things you wish never happened, and trying to hold it all together as a parent.

Project Light exists to walk with you through that. To give voice to the hard stuff when we dont have the words. To share what’s working. To remind you that you don’t have to do this alone.

And if you’re wondering whether OT might help your child, we hope our experience encourages you to look into it. There is hope. There is help. And there are places like Caya Therapies making healing possible.

With hope,

The Project Light Team