Ocean Therapy for Children in Sydney
Our Ocean Therapy is individualised to each child’s needs, supporting meaningful participation and the development of functional skills for life.
The ocean is an environment rich in sensory experiences. It offers children opportunities to:
- Move with meaning
- Feel & express with purpose & meaning
- Connect to self, with others & with nature
Why the ocean?
The ocean provides a window of opportunity to develop foundational skills linked to challenges with social, emotional & behavioural responses, often as a result of trauma.
This integrative approach supports overall health & wellness while diving deep into the foundations of body, mind & spirit.
What Ocean Therapy supports
Ocean Therapy supports growth across four areas of life: mental, physical, emotional and social. Through time in the water, children build:
- Postural activation & stability
- Movement fluency around the body axis
- Shifts & regulation of physiological states (breath & heart rate)
- Security in self
- Resilience
- Sensory & emotional integration
Led by specialist OTs with surf coaching training
All our ocean services were designed and are carried out by our specialist trauma-sensitive paediatric occupational therapists. Every therapist also holds additional surf coaching & ocean safety training, so your child is supported by someone who understands both their needs and the water.
One-on-one sessions & surf camp therapy groups
We offer individual ocean therapy sessions as well as surf camp therapy groups, so children can grow at their own pace or alongside others.
Sharing the ALOHA spirit
Surfing culture values being present in a single moment, sharing time & place with each other, at one with nature. Our service brings this value into every session, supporting each child to break through their barriers and share the ‘ALOHA’ spirit.
Dive in
Want to know if Ocean Therapy is right for your child? Reach out to our team and we’ll talk you through one-on-one and group options.
Healing through connection
Active OT for Kids is at the forefront of providing integrative services, based on current research, including innovative approaches and resources.