Hello everyone! My name is Amy (she/her). I am a second year occupational therapy student from University of Toronto. As this is my last fieldwork placement before I graduate I really wanted to end with an exciting placement. So I came here to Larchwood!
Exploring Banff national park
Learning about all the different places therapy can take place has been so exciting, so far we have done therapy in a barn, in a field, on a walk through the forest, beside a pond, and while visiting all sorts of farm animals! All these unique environments offer experiences, stimulus, and challenges that are unique to the outdoors. Teaching about the senses by picking flowers and herbs to smell, or learning about self regulation strategies to handle frustration when the minnows are hard to catch are two examples of nature based occupational therapy occurring out at the farm.
I’ve always wanted to work with children and youth. I learned a lot of my skills about play and building therapeutic relationships during my undergraduate degree in Child and Youth Care at Vancouver Island University. It was there that I first learned about the therapeutic applications of nature when I took a wilderness therapy course that included an 11 day canoe trip in the backcountry.
Me and my dog Milly at lake Helen Mackenzie on Mount Washington
Growing up on Vancouver Island meant I was always surrounded by nature. My family loves going on hikes, having campfires, going to the waterfall park nearby our family home, camping, and kayaking. My partner and I love going on road trips around the Island and exploring all the different trails and beaches. I’ve enjoyed checking out some of the waterfalls and beaches that the Durham region has to offer during this placement with my fellow OT students here on placement. I am looking forward to all the exploring and experiences this placement has to offer over the rest of the summer!