What to except in a 1:1 Coaching Session

What to Expect in a 1:1 Occupational Therapy and Coaching Session

August 26, 20254 min read

When your child is experiencing daily meltdowns, sensory overload, or emotional regulation challenges, it can feel overwhelming to know where to turn. Maybe you've been referred to occupational therapy (OT) or heard about parent coaching, but you're not exactly sure what either of those really look like in action.

If you're here, you’re likely searching for support that’s effective, personalized, and actually doable in the real world. You’re in the right place.

This blog will walk you through what a 1:1 session looks like with me, so you can feel more confident and comfortable before we even meet.

First: Why Combine OT and Coaching?

As a pediatric occupational therapist with over 24 years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of children and families navigate the unique challenges that come with sensory processing differences, autism, ADHD, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation.

Over time, I realized that working with the child alone wasn’t enough. Parents needed practical tools, consistent support, and a space to be coached through tough moments too.

That’s why I created a hybrid model:
A 1:1 coaching and OT approach that supports you, so you can better support your child.

What Happens Before the Session

Once you book your session, you’ll receive a quick intake form to help me understand your goals, your child’s current challenges, and any relevant background info. You don’t need to have all the answers, just a willingness to share what you’re seeing day to day.

You’ll also get access to our coaching platform, which includes resources, handouts, and space to track progress between sessions.


What to Expect During Your Session

Each session is tailored to you and your child’s needs, but here’s a general breakdown of what we might cover:

Step 1: Grounding + Check-In

We’ll start with a quick check-in. How’s the week been? What felt hard? What small wins happened (yes, we celebrate those!)?

This is your space to feel heard… no judgment, just support.

Step 2: Observation + Behavior Breakdown

Next, we’ll walk through a recent challenge or meltdown. I’ll help you decode the behaviour using my No Meltdown Framework, so we can figure out why it’s happening and what your child is truly trying to communicate.

You might hear me ask things like:

  • What was happening right before the meltdown?

  • How did your child react to transitions?

  • What sensory factors might have been at play?

This helps us identify patterns, triggers, and nervous system states that influence your child’s behaviour.

Step 3: Tools + Strategies You Can Actually Use

This is where the magic happens. We’ll co-create real-world strategies that fit your routines, environment, and family dynamics. Some examples include:

  • Creating a sensory-friendly morning routine

  • Using visual schedules to reduce overwhelm

  • Prepping for public outings with a custom sensory toolkit

  • Building calming strategies that work before the meltdown starts

You’ll leave with 1–3 clear, doable action steps to try before our next session.


Step 4: Space to Ask Questions + Receive Coaching

You’re not just getting a therapist, you’re getting a coach who walks alongside you. I’ll answer your questions, share feedback on what’s working, and help you troubleshoot anything that feels stuck.

What to except during your session

What Happens After the Session

You’ll receive a recap of your personalized strategies, plus access to follow-up resources inside the coaching platform. You can also reach out via voice notes (Voxer access available in some programs) if you need in-the-moment support between sessions.

What Makes These Sessions Different?

Personalized – No cookie-cutter advice. Every child is different, and so is every family.
Parent-Focused – We focus on empowering you, not just managing your child.
Regulation-Informed – Based on sensory integration and nervous system science.
Judgment-Free – You don’t need to “have it all together.” Come as you are.


Who These Sessions Are For

  • Moms of neurodivergent children (ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, etc.)

  • Parents dealing with daily meltdowns or emotional outbursts

  • Families who’ve tried “all the parenting tips” and still feel stuck

  • Anyone wanting more peace, confidence, and connection in their home

Let’s Make Life Easier, Together

You don’t have to navigate meltdowns, sensory overload, and emotional chaos alone. A 1:1 session with me is a safe space to figure it all out, with support, compassion, and tools that actually help.

Ready to take the first step?
Book a 1:1 session here or reach out with your questions.

Together, we’ll create a calm, connected, and supportive environment for your child and for you, too.

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