Taking occupational therapy into the outdoors to help your child build the skills they need to live their best life.
Are you concerned about your child’s ability to thrive in their daily life?
In a world designed for neurotypical minds, children with diverse ways of thinking and processing often face unnecessary barriers. We believe in teaching how to adapt environments to embrace neurodiversity while equipping children with practical skills to navigate daily life. Unlike traditional clinic settings, we bring occupational therapy into the natural world—your backyard, local parks, hiking trails, and water spaces. Why? Because nature provides the perfect sensory-rich environment for children to develop, learn, and grow.
Examples of skills we might work on include:
- self-confidence
- endurance
- strength
- perseverance
- attention
- sensory processing
- problem solving
- flexibility
- body awareness
- safety awareness
- greater connection with the outdoors
What is outdoor therapy?
It’s occupational therapy customized to help kids build different skills depending on their individual needs. We will do an evaluation and collaborate with you to find the best plan for your child and family. The difference at Outdoor Play Therapy is that we will take therapy into natural settings.
When kids learn to love nature early, they develop a deep connection to the world around them that brings both joy and comfort throughout their years. Not only is nature regulating but it also provides ample opportunities for sensory integration. Valuable lessons are learned about perseverance when fighting to get through a difficult hike, building self confidence after they climb that first big rock, and flexibility when something unexpected happens in the great outdoors. Perhaps most importantly, children who grow up loving nature often become adults who find peace and refuge in the outdoor world—a skill that proves invaluable in navigating life’s challenges.
Philosophy
At Outdoor Play Therapy, we believe in the transformative power of outdoor play and meaningful connection. Our approach is rooted in the understanding that children naturally learn and grow through play, especially when surrounded by nature’s rich sensory experience. We partner closely with families, recognizing them as essential members of each child’s therapeutic journey and empowering them with tools to support their child’s development.
We honor each child’s voice and autonomy, celebrating their unique strengths while nurturing areas for growth. Our therapeutic environment fosters vital social-emotional skills, teaching children how to understand their bodies and feelings, regulate their responses, and build meaningful connections within their community. Through respectful, collaborative relationships with both children and their families, we create a supportive space where every child can thrive in their own way.
How do I get started?
- Reach out to your child’s pediatrician and have them refer your child to Outdoor Play Therapy using fax number 541-508-5548
- Click on the button above ‘Contact Outdoor Play Therapy’ to give more details about your concerns
- We will contact you to determine together whether Outdoor Play Therapy is the best fit for your child
- An evaluation will be setup and together we will come up with a plan on how to nurture your child’s development
Insurance
Now accepting: Pacific Source, Medicaid, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield
Out-of-pocket: Sliding scale of $25-$45 per 15 minutes of treatment session and $150-$200 per evaluation.
Questions about insurance: If your insurance is not supported and you feel like this therapy would be the best fit for your child, please fill out the form above explaining this. Outdoor Play Therapy strives to serve all and will look into credentialing with your insurance.
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Outdoor therapy provides a welcoming, safe space where every person’s identity is valued and respected. No matter your faith, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ethnicity – nature’s healing spaces are here for you.
About Michelle Thiessen OTR/L
I’m an licensed occupational therapist and mom to a beautiful daughter. My love of the outdoors has been my peaceful sanctuary through some of the hardest moments in life. I’m thrilled to bring together two of my biggest loves: kids and the outdoors to hopefully share the power this connection can bring.
In my early years, I ran a community supported agriculture (CSA) small scale farm and worked with classrooms of kids to explore the wonders of farming. After graduating in 2018 from Colorado State University, I trained at STAR (Sensory Therapy and Research) institute in Denver, CO and gained a deeper understanding of treating kids with sensory processing differences. Afterwards, I moved back to Oregon and began my work as an occupational therapist in an outpatient clinic. There I began embracing the outdoor spaces at the clinic including the playground, gardening, barn activities, and hippotherapy as tools for therapy. I have also worked in early intervention, early childhood special education, and home pediatric care.
In my leisure time I enjoy hanging out with my husband and daughter, rock climbing, backpacking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, gardening, making crafts, and cooking. Bend is a beautiful place to call home and I feel fortunate to be part of this community.
“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit” -John Muir