Thea’s Growth Through Occupational Therapy

Thea, an imaginative and sweet 4-year-old girl, was always full of life at home, but certain environments seemed to overwhelm her. Her mother had noticed sensory challenges early on—particularly Thea’s fear of the bathroom. The sound of running water, the echoing space, and the different textures all seemed to trigger a fear response. Even at home, Thea would avoid the bathroom, making daily routines stressful for both her and her family.

When Thea’s mom sought help, they were introduced to Maggie, an occupational therapist who specializes in sensory processing challenges. Maggie quickly understood that Thea’s fear of the bathroom was rooted in sensory sensitivities, and she designed a treatment plan to help Thea gradually overcome her fears. The goal was to build her confidence in unfamiliar or uncomfortable environments through playful, non-preferred engagement.

Maggie’s approach was gentle yet structured. She introduced Thea to new sensory experiences in a playful, supportive way. They would engage in fun activities that gradually exposed Thea to different sensations. From playing with sand and water to exploring new textures and sounds, each session was designed to help Thea feel more comfortable with change and sensory input. Maggie also used games to encourage Thea to face her fears in small, manageable steps—starting with simply entering the bathroom and gradually working up to tolerating the sounds and sensations that had once overwhelmed her.

Over time, Thea began to respond. With Maggie’s patient guidance and creative activities, Thea started to come out of her shell. The once-intimidating bathroom became less frightening, and with each visit, she grew more comfortable. Thea’s mom noticed a significant shift in her daughter’s confidence—not only in the bathroom but in other new environments as well. She became more willing to explore and less hesitant to engage in activities that had once caused her anxiety.

The breakthrough moment came when Thea, for the first time, went into the bathroom at home without fear. She was able to tolerate the environment that had once seemed impossible, marking a huge step forward for her and her family.

Thanks to Maggie’s thoughtful and playful approach, Thea has made incredible progress. She is now more confident in herself and her ability to handle new environments. Thea’s journey shows that with patience, creativity, and support, even the most overwhelming challenges can be met and overcome. Today, Thea continues to grow, and her family celebrates every small victory along the way.