theintentionalot

theintentionalot Virtual and Mobile Holistic Occupational and Sound Therapy for the emotional, physical and social development of your child and self.

About last night.At the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce Gala, I was surprised and genuinely honored to receive Ambassador ...
01/23/2026

About last night.

At the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce Gala, I was surprised and genuinely honored to receive Ambassador of the Year.

I moved to this community almost five years ago and joined the Whitefish Chamber shortly after opening my private practice. From the beginning, I noticed how supportive, connected, and genuinely invested this group was. It did not take long before I asked to become an ambassador. I was already telling everyone how much the Chamber had supported me, so it felt like the right way to show up and give back.

For the past two years, I have tried to do exactly that. Showing up. Supporting other businesses in Whitefish, whether they are small like mine or well established. Building real connections and rooting for the people doing the work.

What surprised me most is the company I keep. Our ambassador crew is top notch. These are people who consistently show up for each other and for the wider community. Being recognized among them means more than I can say.

I’d also like to recognize the friends and family I have that cheer for me louder than I cheer for myself. It is a gift.

Is your child struggling with being told “no” or “stop”? I encourage you to teach them a strategy instead.Harsh words ca...
01/23/2026

Is your child struggling with being told “no” or “stop”? I encourage you to teach them a strategy instead.

Harsh words can make your child feel like they’re doing something wrong.

Instead, try to encourage them to pause and think. This can help your child’s nervous system feel less stressed out and it can teach them a strategy.

For example, if your child is doing something that usually activates a “No” or “Stop” response from you, like they’re having a meltdown because they’re ready to go and you have asked them to wait… instead of saying “Stop”, tell them “Let’s pause” and “think” instead. Have them ask themself, “Is Mom ready to go?” or “What can I do while I’m waiting for Mom to finish getting ready.

This will also improve their ability to listen to what you’re saying.

Give it a try next time a similar scenario comes up for you and let me know how it went.

Join us for an evening of Restorative Yoga & a Sound Bath.This Sunday, January 25th from 5:00–6:30 pmDowntown Kalispell ...
01/21/2026

Join us for an evening of Restorative Yoga & a Sound Bath.

This Sunday, January 25th from 5:00–6:30 pm
Downtown Kalispell | Flourish Yoga & Massage

This evening begins with a gentle 45-minute restorative yoga class led by Karina Ek, followed by a 45-minute sound bath designed for deep rest and reset.

This class is beginner-friendly and welcoming to all bodies.

90 minutes | $35
Space is limited and RSVP is required.

To register for this event:
Please sign up directly through Flourish Yoga & Massage at
www.flourish-yoga.com

We hope to see you there.

2016, professionally, was a year of firsts for me. It was a massive year that taught me so much about myself and my limi...
01/20/2026

2016, professionally, was a year of firsts for me.

It was a massive year that taught me so much about myself and my limits. I stepped out of my comfort zone, faced fears, and took huge risks.

My nervous system was all over the place, dealing with non-stop travel and giving my all to every pursuit. Despite the chaos, I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything. I've learned from them and grown.

I've spent years trying to prove myself, but I'm slowly realizing that I'm enough just as I am. I'm really proud of my journey so far.

Seeking support from an OT doesn’t mean there’s something “wrong” with you. Sometimes it comes down to you wanting to do...
01/16/2026

Seeking support from an OT doesn’t mean there’s something “wrong” with you. Sometimes it comes down to you wanting to do something that you’re not able to do.

As a Holistic Practitioner, I help come up with different strategies tailored to your unique situation so we can get you to where you want to be in your nervous system.

I work with individuals ranging from ages 1-99 using custom strategies to help with motor and sensory development, Torticollis, ADHD, Autism, auditory processing, sleep routines, and so much more.

Essentially, I’m here to help you learn how to do the hard things well.

Reach out or leave me a comment below if you’re looking to learn more about working with an OT.

Winter is a time to slow down, relax your nervous system, and find rest in a supported space.Join us Sunday, January 18t...
01/13/2026

Winter is a time to slow down, relax your nervous system, and find rest in a supported space.

Join us Sunday, January 18th, at 4pm for a relaxing guided sound bath with crystal bowls, chimes, and gentle Reiki.

This is a time for you to rest, regulate, and reconnect with your body in a low-demand, nervous system friendly experience.

During the 75-minutes of relaxation, you may find space to breathe deeper and become more in tune with your body’s needs.

Bring a blanket and a mug for tea as we will have a selection of tea available to create a cozy atmosphere for deeper relaxation.

If you would like to attend, send me an email to reserve your spot.

Heidi@TheIntentionalOT.org

He might not ever know how much that meant to me. I am intentional because bodies do not heal, regulate, or change by ac...
01/12/2026

He might not ever know how much that meant to me.

I am intentional because bodies do not heal, regulate, or change by accident.

I do not throw random exercises at people.
I do not chase behaviors without understanding the nervous system underneath them.
I do not rush past cues, patterns, or the quiet stuff that actually matters.

Intention means I am watching how someone breathes before I ask them to move. I’m noticing how their body responds when I ask them about their thoughts and feelings.
It means I notice when regulation shifts before words show up.
It means sessions are built around what a nervous system can tolerate, not what looks productive on paper.
It means I think about where I’m sitting in a space, how my body is moving, and the volume in which I’m speaking.

For kids, intention creates safety.
For adults, it creates trust.
For older clients, it creates dignity.

I’m The Intentional OT because safety, trust and dignity are what create movement toward being able to do hard things well.

This work is about helping bodies feel safe enough to stay.Safe enough to regulate.Safe enough to problem-solve.Safe eno...
01/09/2026

This work is about helping bodies feel safe enough to stay.

Safe enough to regulate.
Safe enough to problem-solve.
Safe enough to try again.

I’m a holistic occupational therapist who believes our nervous system tells the story before our words ever do. Sensory needs show up in movement, sound, texture, tone, and rhythm. When we learn to listen, things begin to shift.

I work across the lifespan, supporting babies, kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing, regulation, development, and function… always with the understanding that nothing happens in isolation.

Language matters.
Being intentional matters.

Welcome to The Intentional OT.

Balance, coordination, sensory input, and strength  work together, constantly shaping how we move through and make sense...
01/06/2026

Balance, coordination, sensory input, and strength work together, constantly shaping how we move through and make sense of the world.

When a child struggles with movement, you might see it show up as running in circles, being loud, or having a hard time sitting still.

That’s often a sign the body is working overtime to organize itself. Movement and physical input can be a need, not a behavior problem.

Balance systems, body awareness, vision, and strength all have to communicate clearly for movement to feel purposeful instead of exhausting. When one piece is out of sync, the body lets you know. Sometimes that looks like extra movement. Sometimes it looks like avoidance, fatigue, or frustration.

The work is helping the nervous system organize information so movement becomes more efficient, regulated, and meaningful. Through safety.

Book a consultation with me to learn more about your child’s behaviors today. I’m here to support you and your child.

heidi@theintentionalot.org

I’m Heidi, the OT behind this space.I’m an occupational therapist who does things a little differently, because I’m neur...
12/30/2025

I’m Heidi, the OT behind this space.

I’m an occupational therapist who does things a little differently, because I’m neurodivergent, like a lot of my clients.

Bodies regulate when they feel safe, understood, and met where they actually are. My mission is to understand you through your behaviors and explore strategies to help you make the right adjustments for you.

Authenticity matters to me. I care deeply about how things feel in the body.

Words.
Touch.
Movement.
Sound.
The environment around you.
All of it shapes nervous system regulation, and regulation is the foundation for everything else.

My work spans sensory processing, nervous system regulation, motor development, environmental strategies and hands-on support. I work with humans from birth to 99 because everyone has a nervous system. I have a soft spot for babies and kids, and for the adults who grew up being told they were too much or too sensitive, when really they were just dysregulated and doing their best.

I’m here to understand what your behavior is communicating, then help you find strategies that actually fit your real life.

If you’ve ever thought you can do hard things but don’t want to fall apart doing them, you’re in the right place.

12/22/2025

Happy Holidays!

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535 4th Avenue W. Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls, MT

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