How to Deal with Setbacks in Therapy

Everyone has dealt with setbacks at some point in their life.

They may have shown up as personal, professional, financial, educational, or even social setbacks. Maybe you missed a promotion, maybe you failed a class. The fact of the matter is, they are a normal part of life.

Setbacks are also a normal part of occupational therapy (OT). They can happen for a variety of reasons, such as missed sessions, plateaus, or regressions.

Missed sessions can happen for any number of reasons, such as illness, travel, or scheduling conflicts. If your child misses a session, it's important to reschedule as soon as possible. If you're unable to reschedule, try to talk to your OT about what happened and how you can make up for the missed session. It can also be helpful to get some ideas from your OT to work on with your child at home.Plateaus are periods of time when your child doesn't seem to be making any progress in OT. This can be frustrating, but it's important to remember that plateaus are normal. They often happen when your child is working on difficult skills or when they're making progress but it's not as noticeable.Regressions are periods of time when your child starts to backslide on the progress they've made in OT. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, illness, or changes in their environment.

Remember, OT is a journey. There will be ups and downs, but it is important to stay positive and motivated. With time and effort, your child will reach their goals. There are some tips to help work through these challenges.

• Focus on the progress your child is making. It is easy to get discouraged when your child is not making as much progress as you would like. However, it is important to focus on the progress they are making, no matter how small. This will help you stay motivated and positive.
• Celebrate your child's successes. When your child achieves a goal, be sure to celebrate their success. This will help them feel good about their accomplishments and keep them motivated to keep working hard.
• Set realistic goals. It is important to set realistic goals for your child. If the goals are too difficult, your child may become discouraged and give up. However, if the goals are too easy, they will not be challenging enough and your child may not make as much progress.
• Find a support system. Talking to other parents who are going through the same thing can be helpful. They can offer support, advice, and encouragement. You can also find support groups online or in your community.
• Take care of yourself. It is important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. This will help you stay strong and motivated to help your child. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. You should also find time for activities that you enjoy.
• Remember why you started. What motivated you to pursue pediatric OT for your child? Keep that reason in mind when you're feeling discouraged.
• Reward yourself and your child. When you and your child reach a goal, celebrate your success! This will help you both stay motivated and on track.
• Be patient. Reaching goals takes time. Don't expect to see results overnight, just keep working at it.

It is important to remember that setbacks are a normal part of life. Everyone experiences setbacks at some point. The important thing is to not let setbacks define you or your child. Instead, use them as an opportunity to learn and grow.