Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy in Victoria BC

We Offer Occupational Therapy in Greater Victoria and the Gulf Islands

Pediatric occupational therapists evaluate and treat children who are having difficulty participating in meaningful activities, “occupations,” relevant to their daily lives.

Occupational therapists are dedicated to helping children develop all of the abilities they need for the many occupations of childhood, including playing with friends, being a student, helping at home, eating, getting dressed, and participating in hobbies and sports. Through play, occupational therapists develop fine motor, gross motor, visual motor and sensory processing skills.

We offer Occupational Therapy in Victoria, BC.

LITTLE STEPS’ TEAM OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS:

Alison Mead

Alison began working with Little Steps as an Occupational Therapist in 2006. She has been working with children with disabilities since she was a teenager through respite and camp work. Ali enjoys being able to spend her days playing with children and is continuously inspired by the kids and families she works with. Ali plans to pursue further education in the area of Feeding Therapy.

Renee Rathwell

Renee is passionate about building strong, trusting relationships with children and their families to help them achieve their goals. She values working alongside a supportive team where everyone is dedicated to helping children thrive and reach their full potential. When she’s not working, Renee enjoys exploring local hiking trails with her dog. Renee looks forward to continuing her growth in pediatric occupational therapy and contributing to the great work done at Little Steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Occupational Therapy?

Pediatric occupational therapy helps children develop the skills they need for everyday activities such as playing, learning, self-care, and social interaction.

What ages do you work with?

We work with children from infancy through adolescence, depending on their needs

What can Occupational Therapy help with?

We support children with:

Fine motor skills (e.g., writing, using scissors)
Sensory processing differences
Emotional regulation
Attention and focus
Self-care skills (e.g., dressing, feeding)
Motor coordination and planning

How do I know if my child needs Occupational Therapy?

If your child is struggling with daily tasks compared to peers, avoiding certain activities, or showing frustration with routine skills, an assessment can help determine if support is beneficial.

What is sensory processing and how does OT help?

Sensory processing refers to how the brain interprets sensory information. We help children regulate responses so they can better engage in daily activities.

Can you help with picky eating?

Yes, we a use gentle, step-by-step approach to expand food acceptance and reduce mealtime stress. Please see https://sosapproachtofeeding.com/ for more information.

What happens in an initial assessment?

The assessment includes parent discussion, observation, and structured activities to understand your child’s strengths and areas of need. You’ll receive feedback and recommendations afterward.

How long are the therapy sessions?

Consultative sessions, those where the OT is overseeing the work of a Behaviour Interventionist, typically run 30-45 minutes. One-on-one therapy with an OT is usually 45-60 minutes. The duration and frequency of the sessions depends on the needs of each child.

What does a typical therapy session look like?

Therapy is engaging and play-based, especially for younger children. Sessions may include:

Games and toys
Books and storytelling
Structured activities targeting specific goals
Parent coaching and strategies

Will therapy be play-based?

Yes. Play is a powerful way for children to learn. Therapy at Little Steps is designed to be engaging, motivating, and appropriate for your child’s developmental level.