Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Hansen
Hi Katie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always had a passion for working with children, and simultaneously, have always valued the holistic power of the outdoors and what nature has to offer. After working in the outpatient setting for a few years, I began noticing a pattern; all of my clients were coming in targeting goals surrounding self-regulation and social-emotional growth, however, the environment they were entering seemed to offset their progress. A busy gym space, echoing walls, and equipment that parents weren’t able to access for carryover at home limited their progress. I learned about nature-based therapy from a mentor of mine, and went through two levels of certification in the process to fully learn about its impact. Once I learned that this was even a rhealm of occupational therapy, I became engulfed in learning everything about it! I took the leap to start a small practice, and began working with children in the outdoors. I cannot even tell you how night and day the experience has been! The kids come to me and are more regulated, more engaged in our sessions, and are meeting their goals at a much quicker rate.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think anything is ever a smooth road; anything worth having is achieved with a whole lot of effort and a whole lot of grit. It was scary leaving my outpatient job where I loved my team. It was scary to take a risk on something that was only an idea in my brain, not something being done yet in South Carolina. It was scary to hear people tell me I would fail, and believing it! Leaning into my faith and the relationships of those who believe in me has been key in my journey. Charleston is truly the most welcoming city; practitioners and families alike have been so gracious in helping me pave my path, connecting me to others and cheering me on as I go!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Playful Palms Therapy?
Playful Palms Therapy is a nature-based occupational therapy practice serving children ages 3-12 in the Charleston area. Our mission is to help children become more calm, coordinated, confident, and connected through exploration of the outdoor environment and with the support of evidence-based OT strategies. We provide nature based social-emotional groups as well as 1:1 services. We primarily see kids with diagnoses of Autism I/II, ADHD, Anxiety, motor coordination delays, sensory processing difficulties, or emotional regulation + behavioral challenges.
At PPT, we believe in a holistic, individualized approach to therapy that brings out the best in every child. We prioritize a relationship-led approach with our kids, meaning we provide them with cues of safety, sensory supports, and connection to their therapist and group members to bring out the best in them!
Playful Palms Therapy believes being neurodivergent is a part of a person’s identity and is a different way of thinking, learning, and doing! Rather than encouraging kids to fit into a mold, we teach them skills to complement their differences and provide them with tools to integrate into their future for long term success and independence.
We are proud to be the first and only practice in Charleston certified in ConTiGO— which stands for Connection and Transformation in the Great Outdoors. This unique, evidence-based approach allows us to provide your child with a one-of-a-kind learning experience. By blending outdoor environments with evidence-based OT strategies, we foster deep connection and transformation that supports meaningful growth.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have had so many people guiding me and encouraging me on my business journey. Dr. Laura Park Figueroa has been an incredible mentor for me in terms of learning all the ins and outs of running a nature-based practice. My fiance, Patrick, and our friends have been some of my biggest cheerleaders! I also have to give a nod to many practitioners in the area who have connected me to families looking for the services we offer. Charleston has an incredible team of pediatricians, psychologists, counselors, SLPs, and everything in between to support the children here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.playfulpalmstherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playfulpalmstherapy.sc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Playful-Palms-Therapy-61561486745069/
