OT/PT/SLP
As an occupational, physical, or speech therapist, your work bridges the gap between ability and independence. But supporting clients with cognitive, communication, or physical challenges often requires navigating unseen emotional layers. Trauma and stress can shape every interaction, making your expertise even more critical. Discover resources tailored to your role, offering strategies to build trust, foster progress, and create meaningful outcomes for your clients.
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Checklist: Incorporating Trauma-Informed Care into Therapy Sessions – Quick tips.
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Guide: "Communication Strategies for Trauma Survivors" – Speech-specific tools.
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Case Study: Trauma-Informed Interventions in OT/PT/ST – Real-life applications.
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Infographic: Understanding Trauma’s Effect on Therapy Progress – Visual insights.
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Free Download: "Building Trust in Therapeutic Relationships" – Essential strategies.
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Journal Prompts: Reflecting on Your Role as a Therapist – For self-awareness.
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Article: "The Link Between Physical Healing and Emotional Safety" – Key concepts.
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Podcast Episode: "Trauma-Informed Practices in Therapy" – Insights from experts.
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Resource Guide: Modifying Treatment for Trauma-Affected Clients – Detailed strategies.
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Video: "Grounding Techniques for Therapy Sessions" – Tools to use with clients.
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American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – Free resources for SLPs.
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Occupational Therapy PDFs – Many OT associations provide free handouts on client care.
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Physical Therapy Stretching Videos – Accessible on YouTube or through healthcare sites.
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Trauma-Informed Therapy Articles – Available on sites like AOTA or the Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Resource Center.
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Podcasts for Therapists – Examples: The OT Flourish Podcast or SLP Happy Hour.
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Free Therapy Tools – Canva has printable therapy materials.
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Case Studies for Therapists – PubMed or ASHA provide some free examples.
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Infographics on Trauma and Therapy – Available on Canva or Pinterest.
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Webinars on Trauma-Informed Therapy – Many are free on Eventbrite.
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Free Client Handouts – Available on the websites of professional associations.
Think
Cognitive
Understanding, retaining
and using information.
Cognition
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Cognitive skills are needed to process information. In order to learn, retain and use our knowledge, we need to be able to use the following skills effectively:
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Attend to incoming information (sustained, selective and divided attention).
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Quickly process details (processing speed).
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Remember what we hear, see or read (working, short-term and long-term memory).
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Decide what to do with the information (reasoning and problem solving skills).
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More info
Talk
Linguistic
Using language to communicate.
Linguistics
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Linguistics is the study of language. In order to communicate effectively we need to have a good command of these language skills:
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Form: the sounds, words, and sentences (language) we use to convey information (phonology, morphology and syntax).
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Content: putting sounds, words, and sentences together in a way that has meaning (semantics).
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Use: following the socially driven rules to utilize language for a purpose (pragmatics).
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More info​
Do
Function
Planning, initiating and completing tasks.
Executive Functions
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Executive functions are higher level cognitive functions that continue to develop into early
adulthood. These skills are essential to:
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Organize/Set Goals
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Plan/Prioritize
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Initiate/Implement
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Following through
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Evaluate/Make changes
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Self-monitor
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Control emotions
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More info
Putting It All Together
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Successful functioning is dependent on effective communication.
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Effective communication relies on fluid cognition.
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Cognitive stress makes thinking and reasoning more difficult.
