Naturally Gathered | Professional service
Naturally Gathered
Reviews
to load big map
25.01.2022 Our director and lead therapist, Brad Williams, jumped on The Shifting Ape podcast to chat about his journey in creating Naturally Gathered. We chat about where the idea and approach grew from, challenges that were required to overcome in the process and some of the theory that sits behind the work we do at Naturally Gathered. Id love to hear any thoughts and reflections.
24.01.2022 Wow Slide to see the temp A very cold Friday finished where all 7 of our families attended their sessions showing both their resilience as well as how much they value our service! Well be back at it tomorrow.
24.01.2022 If only it was actually this quick to put up a tent! And it felt less stressful knowing we had a bed in a house if all failed. * We gave our toddler jobs along the way that he loved getting involved in such as hammering and attaching the clips (also note him bringing his chair in and taking a load off at one point). * Wed love to hear what you have got planned for Easter? An egg hunt? Baking? Other activities?... * #campingcovidstyle #campingathome #campingwithtoddler See more
24.01.2022 I will be jumping online tomorrow to chat about the Guided by Values workshop. Add any questions that you have in the comments or join tomorrow to ask anything you have been wondering.
23.01.2022 Always was, always will be. The connection that Aboriginal people have to their land is something that white people can only try to understand and make sense of. As white folk, we can listen and learn to understand but our understanding won't ever come close to the deep understanding that comes with thousands of years of generations of aboriginal people loving, relying on and beimg a part of the land. We strive to, together, be custodians of the land into the future alongside... all that live here by taking care of it and respecting it but always knowing and acknowledging the connection, history and knowing that the Aboriginal people hold. We are grateful to do our work on beautiful Kaurna land and respect the elders past, present and future- to you we say 'thank you' #NAIDOC #naidocweek
22.01.2022 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN NATURE GROUPS - 2021 VACANCIES! Are you on the wait list for occupational therapy services? Is your child not currently engaging traditional indoor therapy services? Join our nature based occupational therapy services. Our strength-based approach in a beautiful natural environment supports children to to work towards their goals that may include motor skills, social skills, emotional regulation, building and maintaining friendships, building confidence and self-worth. Rare vacancy for Term 1 group at Upper Sturt (Adelaide Hills), Saturday 10:30 - 12:00 starting March for children between 9 and 11 years. Get in touch to secure you place now!
22.01.2022 This week Im sharing our family values in lead up to our Parents Guided by Values workshop next week. The second is curiosity. Curiosity opens up our mind to new opportunities. It ensures that we continue to grow. It creates space for relationships with people of all walks. Curiosity discovered gravity, created the Mona Lisa and showed joy in that little bug in the back corner of the back garden. Curiosity can make us vulnerable as it means we accept that we dont know as mu...ch as could. At the same time curiosity can make us feel alive. Curiosity is where real learning happens. In our family, we I wonder ... a lot because wondering is the gateway to curiosity. Stay tuned for our third value later this week - this is one has challenged me the most.
21.01.2022 We recently made the decision to finish up seeing clients, in light of COVID-19 (this should go without saying). It was a hard decision to take particularly as we were midway through groups, where children were building positive relationships and developing new skills. We also felt as though we were beginning to find our groove. * Since then, we have been wondering what is next for us in the current environment and what value can we offer to our community that would help dur...ing this challenging time. The online space offers great value and opportunity but we wanted to be cautious not to add more noise than there already is with so much happening there already. We also wanted be conscious to make sure that we stood by our values and mission. * So... we have decided to offer an online workshop for parents around parenting from your values. It is not full of advice, ideas or information - we know you dont need more of that. It will be a guide to help you and your family find your own centre in these times of chaos. * If interested throw a comment below with yes or emoji and Ill make sure you stay in the loop. * Stay tuned. More information to come soon. See more
21.01.2022 We are planning to make some A4 infograph flyers real soon. Which would you choose? = 5 Nature-based activities that are calming for busy children = 5 Nature-based activities that support nature connection with children = Why Occupational Therapy in Nature is for my child (and when it isnt)... Have an idea or something you want to know that isnt listed, then wed love to hear from you in the comments.
21.01.2022 Making things in nature out of nature. Any idea what this could be? And at the end, it’s back to nature for the sticks, rocks and leaves to provide a home for something, breakdown or be used to create something else!
20.01.2022 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN NATURE GROUPS - T2 OPPORTUNITIES! Therapy without walls and clinical environment! Are you on the wait list for occupational therapy services? Is your child not currently engaging traditional indoor therapy services? Join our nature based occupational therapy services. Our strength-based approach in a beautiful natural environment supports children to to work towards their goals that may include motor skills, social skills, emotional regulation, bu...ilding and maintaining friendships, building confidence and self-worth. Upper Sturt vacancies term 2: 10am - 11:30am (8 - 11 years) 1:00pm - 2:30pm (5 - 7 years) Head to the website to get started.
20.01.2022 Feeling so grateful and excited. We can announce that we will doing our work at the beautiful site of Upper Sturt Primary School during 2020. Thanks for both the work that you do and generosity in supporting us to do our work. Cant wait to get started
19.01.2022 Why groups for therapy? Groups offer a powerful opportunity to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. It provides space to practice skills that involve interacting with others (such as teamwork, empathy and resilience) and opportunities to see how others do things differently. Its here that children can practice cooperating to work towards something and also feel a sense of belonging.
19.01.2022 We are doing school holidays sessions! Yay! They are longer and more intensive that the term long groups but still offer the goodness of a nature-based strength focussed service aimed at supporting children to meet their goals and know their value in the world. Sessions will be at Humbug Scrub site on Thursday 16th and 23rd from 9:30am to 12:30pm. P.S The sessions are one service (e.g. if you register then you are attending both sessions). Interested? DM or email me for further information.
19.01.2022 Here it is, our offering for anyone who wants to get connected with the most important thing in your life. Your values. And because they are yours you need to know them and be connected with them. Start (or continue) your journey in being guided by your values. We are offering a 1 hour pay-what-you-can (aka free if you choose) workshop focussed on you and your family. This isnt about tips and tricks. Its about doing and acting. Reflecting, deciding and putting supports in p...lace to begin with the end in mind Im so passionate about living and parenting consciously and with intention. And I aim to help you to do the same. Come along virtually, bring a friend so you can help keep each other accountable. Head to the website for more details https://www.naturallygathered.com.au/workshops Got questions? Get in touch.
19.01.2022 We love following kids lead in nature but every now and again some structure is helpful. Here is a beautiful book full of wonderful ideas (and its written and photographed by Adelaide folk!). Grab a pre-order to save some dollars!
17.01.2022 Our team is growing and we are so excited for a big year! Yesterday, we bought open minds and an excited energy into a day of learning and team work with Grey Wolf Adventure. At Naturally Gathered, we are all about learning new knowledge and building new skills and we did a tonne of that together at our training in the bush yesterday. We learnt a bunch of new skills in bushcraft, survival and knot tying that will level up our groups another rung. Oh and speaking of rungs, check our ladder we made together
16.01.2022 Would you rather read or run (or hike or ride or swim )? (Comment below ) We love playing ‘would you rather?’ in our sessions to support kids to get to know each other and think about their own preferences. To celebrate OT week I’ll be throwing a ‘would you rather’ question out each day about different occupations or environments - I’d love you to contemplate and share in the comments
15.01.2022 Next Wednesday, April 29th, I will be hosting our Parents Guided by Values workshop via Zoom. This week, I am going personal and sharing the values that are important to us as a family. During the workshop you will be encouraged to decide on 3 values that are most important to your family, so I thought Id go first a share ours. First up, kindness. Kindness can be the foundation to a better world. It creates hope. It creates opportunities. When we practice kindness it fills ...up your emotional cup and mine. Kindness has unbelievable power beyond the simple act that it often is. Kindness is a value that we hold strong in our family and we keep each other accountable to this. Kindness is the first value that Im sharing this week. How do you practice kindness? Would this make your top 3 values?
15.01.2022 This week I have been sharing our family values in lead up to our Parents Guided by Values workshop next week. The third is courage. Courage has tested me, personally the most. It is to stand up for what you beleive in and to move forwards even when feeling discomfort. Courage is to lean into the discomfort, sit with uncomfortable feelings. Courage means knowing what is difficult and still doing it anyway. Courage is doing new things and stepping out of your comfort zone. Op...portunities for courage seem to come up less than kindness and curiosity however they can be so powerful when they do. As I have honed in on courage, personally and as a family, I have been able to achieve more things whether it be start a business, choose to work a little less for more family time or run an online workshop. It has also allowed me to lift up the courage of others in the family (including my 2 year old) rather than focus on the achievement itself. Knowing he has access to courage is far more powerful than an affirming good job. I look forward to what courage, kindness and curiosity bring to our family over the coming years. I also look forwards to helping you discover and own the values that will guide you and your family through the coming days, months and year. What are the most important values for you and your family? Want to discover your values or explore them further? Hit the sign up button to head to website for more details.
15.01.2022 It's OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY WEEK SO what better time to ask the questions "What does ‘occupation’ have to do with it?" "Is it to do with getting people back to work?" "Wait, so you help kids get back to work?" The inevitable confusions and types of questions that I am often asked after telling someone I work as an occupational therapist. But of course it is confusing, the word 'occupation', in the mainstream is synonymous with paid work, but 'occupation’ is not just paid ...work. Occupation is in fact everything we do (the term was hijacked by the 'work' world well after we were started as a profession!) - these are the fun things, the necessary things, the cultural things, the boring things, the naughty things, the sedentary things, the active things etc. All the things we do... Within our occupational therapy services at Naturally Gathered, we incorporate a range of carefully selected occupations (the things we do, remember?!?), such as climbing, playing, building, creating, swinging, sawing, hammering, painting and hiking. And we support the children we work with to be able to DO things that are important or expected of them. So why are these important? It is through participating in these ‘occupations’ (that word again...), with support from skilled therapists, that children get to practice all sorts of skills (working together, balance, communicating with others, problem solving, finishing a task, staying focussed etc.). Perhaps most importantly for many of the children we work with at Naturally Gathered it is through participation in these occupations that we support them make shifts in their own identity (that is, how they see themselves in the world). By offering the right ‘occupations’ with the right support at the right time, we can support children to try new things, express their feelings to others, feel valued in an often disconnected world and build resilience to support them to overcome the challenges that come their way. It will support them to be more successful in doing what they want, need and are expected to do Occupational Therapy Australia
14.01.2022 Would you rather be gardening or cooking ? (Comment below ) We love playing ‘would you rather?’ in our sessions to support kids to get to know each other and think about their own preferences. To celebrate OT week I’ll be throwing a ‘would you rather’ question out each day about different occupations or environments - I’d love you to contemplate and share in the comments
14.01.2022 This is the last of our videos to share with you. We felt it was important for us to do this as our service is unique within the allied health world and can therefore be difficult to understand what it looks like and how it works. We are very grateful for the families came along, gave permission and supported us to create the videos. We are also very grateful to Matt from Syndi Studios for the time and thought he put into creating the amazing videos. We couldnt be happier.
14.01.2022 Yep, we do walking interviews in nature. Daring to be different.
13.01.2022 Would you rather have tea or coffee ? (Comment below ) Sometimes you might like one or the other but here whatever you decide, is what you have forever. The stakes are high We love playing ‘would you rather?’ in our sessions to support kids to get to know each other and think about their own preferences. To celebrate OT week I’ll be throwing a ‘would you rather’ question out each day about different occupations or environments - I’d love you to contemplate and share in the comments
12.01.2022 SENSORY SENSORY SENSORY Every now and again a buzz word comes around. A word or phrase that connects with people and goes viral, but in its journey its meaning often gets chopped, changed and diluted. It becomes simplified and used out of context. I think this has been the story for the term sensory. Sensory is defined as "related to sensation...perceived by the senses". It is basically, how we perceive the world around us...because everything we experience goes through our...Continue reading
11.01.2022 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, IN NATURE, ON SATURDAYS! Limited availability in TERM 3 at our UPPER STURT (SOUTHERN ADELAIDE) location for group sessions (9 - 12 year olds) and individual therapy sessions (3 - 12 year olds). You may have noticed that your child is at their best in the outdoors, well perhaps this is the best place for therapy too. A place to build skills, strategies and a sense of self-worth in a supportive environment that ineveteably ripples out into other ar...eas of their lives. Head to our website for more details or get in touch to book a free 15 minute phone consult to see if we are a good fit for you.
11.01.2022 "Our occupational therapy in nature groups provide an environment and opportunities where they can perform at their best, and take on new challenges whilst having fun" Contact us to learn more. #therapyinnature #occupationaltherapy #adelaide #adelaidefamilies #ndis #otinnature #otwithadifference #explore #play #connection #belonging #meaningfuloccupation #otinnaturegroups
11.01.2022 Those who are seeing their routine change in front of their eyes and their role move from parent to parent-teacher take solice in this. Play helps children make sense of their world. Now more than ever they need this space to do this.
10.01.2022 Considering Occupational Therapy in Nature groups but just arent sure? Weve got times this coming Thursday and Friday where lead OT and director Brad is free for a chat over the phone to answer your questions and see whether or groups are going to be a good fit for your child. Hit the link below and then Ill look forward to chatting with some of you soon
10.01.2022 Do you want therapy to support achievement of your childs goals whilst continuing to focus on their strengths and self-worth? The places where we do things matter. When we can practice performing at our best, we grow and change for the better. The natural environment provides a great environment for children to be at their best and together we can work towards therapy goals whether they be social, movement, energy, focus or regulation related. Excitingly, we now have spaces at UPPER STURT (South) and HUMBUG SCRUB (North) for individual and group services. Comment with a to get our latest flyer about whats important to us and how we serve you.
10.01.2022 "But sometimes when youre different, you just need a different song" We love reading this book at home. It such a wonderful reminder that just because the human systems that we have created (such as school and work) dont show our strengths that they arent there. Each person has their own genius, their own thing that they can offer the world. We just need to help each other discover it, like the wonderful grasshopper did for the giraffe.
10.01.2022 Language is important. Language can shift the way we think. I thought I'd share some of the common words and phrases you'd hear at sessions and what sits behind them. These were used as we supported a child we were working with who was scared if tunnels yet he slowly (and of his own motivation) worked his way all the way through this natural wood tunnel. He was so pleased that he went back and did it again and again. That time you got a bit further! This provides tangibl...e feedback that they are making progress. You kept on working at that until you did it! This reinforces the act of doing.and trying rather than the achievement. You look really pleased with yourself about that. This lifts up that internal.experienve of being proud of something (vs. the experience of receiving praise) You weren't sure if you could do that but you tried anyway. This tells a story that even if I feel unsure I can give something a go. You showed such creativity/determination/persistence there. This highlights a strength that contributed to success. By lifting strengths in this way we offer children tools and stories they can draw on at other times. What are your 'go to' phrases to support self-worth and growth mindset?
09.01.2022 There are colours all around us. We love this colour searching activity as it encourages exploration and helps children to orientate to their environment. It also hones their ability to follow instructions and reference their environment. And its really mindful (adults should try it too) and its oh so simple.
08.01.2022 Ever wondered why riding a bike, having a bath or a big hug felt so good. Proprioception is contributing factor and can help kids stay in control of their body and mind throughout the day.
08.01.2022 The wonderful and generous team at Nature Play SA have created this guide to support you in this time that is unlike any other. It is beautifully designed and no doubt packed so full of things that there will be something for you here.
07.01.2022 Do you want therapy to support achievement of your child's goals whilst continuing to focus on their strengths and self-worth? The places where we do things matter. When we can practice performing at our best, we grow and change for the better. The natural environment provides a great environment for children to be at their best and together we can work towards therapy goals whether they be social, movement, energy, focus or regulation related. Excitingly, we now have spaces at UPPER STURT (South) and HUMBUG SCRUB (North) for individual and group services. Comment with a to get our latest flyer about what's important to us and how we serve you.
07.01.2022 We stood atop the cliff at the creek behind our house. We see this is an extension of our home, we have named sections and we know many of the nooks. We have spent lots of time out there in the past 18 months but rarely is there anyone else, other than dog walks and runners. However, this past week, as we have continued to explore, it had been filled with more children, families and explorers than we have since we moved in. We have even heard children playing from our garden.... Of course there is so much sadness, distress and chaos that comes with these current times but we have been celebrating the growth of people connecting with local spaces. Fingers crossed people realise how important this is for our well-being and development - pandemic or not. Stay home but get out. Find secluded nature spaces, keep your distance but explore these, be in these places. They will offer you respite and show you the way.
07.01.2022 This is on point... "You CANNOT do it for them." Something we strongly value and believe at Naturally Gathered too.
07.01.2022 They read our mind. We will be seeing up this afternoon for a couple of nights camping, COVID-19 style. What are your Easter plans?
07.01.2022 Snow in spring! These xanthoria we're great little pockets for the snow to stick around as we had an amazing morning exploring for snow, 'being brave', practicing to try (and fail) at building a small snowman then finishing with a fun snowball fight. So many opportunities to work towards this little ones goals whilst enjoying this unique experience. Occupation as therapy in action. This is why we do what we do.
06.01.2022 Would you rather go to the beach or the forest ? (Comment below ) We love playing ‘would you rather?’ in our sessions to support kids to get to know each other and think about their own preferences. To celebrate OT week I’ll be throwing a ‘would you rather’ question out each day about different occupations or environments - I’d love you to contemplate and share in the comments By the way; it’s hands down forest for me
06.01.2022 **NEW BLOG POST** "Here is some food for thought: all therapy services are not the same. This is important to remember when starting a relationship with a new child therapist. Despite similar professional titles, different specialists adopt different approaches, theories and values to their work. ... This is good news because we too operate differently as people! It means you can find a service thats the perfect fit for you and your family. However, it might take some time and involves knowing the right questions to ask a child therapist before starting therapy. Finding a therapist and a therapy provider who fits both your family values and your childs needs is important. There are very few providers who can provide support around all childrens needs. With this in mind be wary of anyone who says yes to seeing everyone! But how do you decide who is going to be the best fit for you? " Follow the link for key questions to ask potential therapist when exploring therapy options.
06.01.2022 Welcome to winter. We love winter. Creeks are running. Gather around fires and toast marshmallows. Rug up and get caught in the rain or watch storms pass behind a big window. Jumping in puddles then warm baths afterwards. Soups and winter stews. Warm desserts. Early nights and getting to see the sunrise. What do you love or remember about winter?
04.01.2022 During our groups we have been using St. Lukes Innovative Resources wonderful Mates Traits cards to help us come up with group norms. On reflection, I felt these particular ones were so appropriate for us all right now with COVID-19 and its impact. 1. We respect each other, by staying home when sick, by keeping our distance, by taking only what we need when at the shops. 2. We struggle together, and boy is it going to be a struggle. We are all in this, lets remember that.... 3. We support each other, by asking what people need, by checking on neighbours, by buying from local businesses. 4. We give each other space, this one doesnt need to be spoken for. How have you been practising these Mates Traits lately?
04.01.2022 We believe... Therapy should support children to grow. Therapy should draw upon strengths. Therapy should build self-worth and confidence... Therapy should be founded on a positive relationship. Therapy doesnt need to feel like therapy. Nature provides the perfect environment for growth and development. What do you believe? Oh and have you seen the monarchs butterflies yet?
04.01.2022 Smile! Its the weekend! Check out this amazing clay tree face made by one of our clients! We love this very hands on activity to explore and reflect on emotions in a way that is little less overwhelming and more exploratory and fun.
03.01.2022 Are you wondering how occupational therapy in nature works? Why we work in nature? Could it be the best place for your children to develop new skills? We know our service is unique and that is why we offer free phone consults to answer any questions and make sure that we are the right fit for you. If not, we help to find you somewhere better suited. And now we have EVENING times available! Fortnightly Wednesday after 7:30pm. ... Lets chat; follow the link to book a time: https://www.halaxy.com//bradle/location/491931/select-time
03.01.2022 Term 4 is sneaking up on us! It's hard to believe that we are halfway through (a very wet) Spring and nearly into the last school holidays before the end of the year! We are super excited to have almost filled all of our groups for term 4 and are raring to go for another term of exploring, playing, connecting and growing in our groups. There is a rare vacancy for our Saturday 8-10 years group at Upper Sturt PS! Flick us an email, head to our website or DM us to find out more.
02.01.2022 Hooray! Our sessions at Humbug Scrub and Upper Sturt are full for the term! We are also excited to announce that we will be running school holiday sessions at Humbug Scrub. Join our email list to be the first in the know.
