Explore Therapy

20/01/2026

Just some of the things I say NO to as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist 🛑

Not because parents are doing anything wrong, but because kids need support before skills.

When we skip regulation and preparation, children aren’t choosing to struggle. Their nervous systems are communicating that they are overwhelmed and need to stop, regulate and start again with different supports.

Regulation before play.

Preparation before busy places.

Practice before big emotions.

The slow, everyday moments matter more than we realise.

DM or comment REGULATION and work with me 1:1 or complete Calm The Meltdowns online course. Support your child's nervous system, regulate their big emotions, manage challenges and develop their independence.

16/01/2026

Feeling ready for 2026 Term 1!

Nothing beats going back to mahi, feeling like you have some things organized. Of course, I'll be creating different resources and games to suit the kiddos I work with. But having my favourite 3 go to resources prepared, is the best feeling!

Over the years I have tried so many different resources, games and strategies. But these three I always weave throughout my sessions and recommendations.

Support your child with their emotions, impulse control, focus, memory, motor skills, play, and independence!

DM or comment READY and we can chat about how I can support you and your little one!

💗 Kate OT

14/01/2026

Organized OT here.... 😏

I'm making all my favourite resources and games. So that I can have ready to-go bags. Saving time and paper! Sorry.. if I sound smug, because I am 🤣

Organizing all my games and visuals for Term 1 today.

Update on face to face therapy: Term 1 is all booked up. I have a wait-list, so if you are looking for support please contact me and I'll let you know the approximate timeframe and plan from here.

Online support / parent coaching: I have some availability for this. Contact me to discuss what this will look like for you and your little one!

2026 goals 💗

Kura workshops for Sensory Processing and Emotional Regulation in the classroom.

Toileting! What parents are interested in a Toileting masterclass? Strategies and support from an OT to help your little one with their toileting.

DM or comment 2026 Masterclass to learn more.

31/12/2025

Happy 2nd Birthday to the #1 Explorer and ultimate Sensory Seeker, Mango! 🥳

Love you my big furry baby!

Thank you for showing me the beauty in slowing down and enjoying the simple things in life.

💗

10/12/2025

Regulating yourself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary 🧠 ✨

It’s the first step, especially when your little one is in full swing of a meltdown or tantrum!

When our kids lose control, it’s not the time to jump in with logic or fixes, it’s the time to ground. To slow your breathing. To soften your body. To remember that their nervous system needs yours to be calm and steady.

🌬️ Tap out if you need to.
🤍 Take a breath. Reset.
👯‍♀️ Then come back with connection.

Try this when your child is overwhelmed:
• Get low. Be present.
• Narrate what you see - “Your face is scrunched up. I see your fists.”
• Gently name what they might be feeling - “It looks like you're feeling really frustrated.”
• Stay with them, regulate with them.

Co-regulation isn’t just about calming them down, it’s about regulating with them and helping them to feel safe in these moments.

Start with YOU.
Start with connection.
The rest will follow.

If your want ideas on ways to co-regulate with your child. Message or DM REGULATION to learn how I can support your 1:1 online or through our online course for parents.

P.S. Your nervous system and your child says thank you!

02/12/2025

🎄☀️ Meri Kirihimete + Summer Update!

We’re wrapping up an amazing year of supporting tamariki and whānau across the Bay. I’ve loved seeing children grow in confidence, connection and regulation. 💛

✨ Last day of Occupational Therapy: Thurs 19 December
✨ Reopening: Tues 26 January
✨ 2026 OT days: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

If you’d like to keep your OT spot (or change your time), please get in touch by 19 December. After that, any remaining places will go to whānau on the waitlist.

What’s continuing in 2026:
• Mobile OT around the Bay of Plenty region
• Telehealth (for near and far whānau)
• Online + parent support
• School + home visits
• Autistic + PDA burnout support
• Calm the Meltdowns online course available now
• Workshops and professional development for schools
• More online courses to come (Toileting is next 👀)

Thank you for being part of Explore this year.
Wishing you a safe, happy summer with your whānau.

Ngā mihi nui, Kate x

⚡ Our Explore Superheroes are all about confidence, courage and celebrating strengths. I am so excited to continue that in 2026.

05/11/2025

Recently, I spent time with a group of teachers and teacher support assistants, exploring how sensory processing shapes behaviour, learning, and regulation.

Their reflections said it all 👇

💬 “Learning about the different sensory systems and how children all sit differently in their sensory diet.”
💬 “Knowing I’m not alone with diverse needs in my class and that there are multiple ways to help my students.”
💬 “Looking at under the hood + terrain.”

“Under the hood” is what’s happening inside a child’s body, their sensory and emotional state.
“The terrain” is everything around them, the classroom, home life, community, and the wider conditions they’re growing up in.

For a lot of our tamariki, that terrain includes socioeconomic stress, limited access to services, or environments that don’t meet their sensory needs.

When teachers understand both what’s inside the child and the world they’re moving through, everything changes.

💗 Sensory Processing & Emotional Regulation Workshops
💻 Practical · Hands-on support
👥 Ideal for staff meetings, after-school PD, or staff-only days

📅 2026 bookings now open
📩 DM or email to enquire

23/10/2025

23/09/2025

You may have seen headlines or heard people say: “Autism is caused by…” vaccines, medicines, or even parenting.

❌ This is not true.
✅ Research is clear: autism is a neurodevelopmental difference. Genetics plays the biggest role, and large studies confirm vaccines do not cause autism.

I know how comments like these can land. They stir up guilt, fear, and blame. But parents, please hear this: you did not cause your child’s autism.

I work with autistic children every single day. What I see is their individuality, their creativity, their strengths. What they need most is safety, love, and to be understood.

💛 Your child is whole and worthy exactly as they are. And you are doing an incredible job!