Why choose Grounded OT?
Neurodiversity-affirming holistic support
At Grounded OT we respect differences and work together to understand what motivates participation and behaviour. Our focus is first on felt-safety, and then on engaging in meaningful experiences embedded in playful activity. We value the lived experiences and voices of neurodivergent folks.
Partnering with you to empower your whānau
We understand that each child is nested in the context of their whānau. We make space for both your insight and your questions as a caregiver/parent, and encourage you to explore your own expertise. We also support you to understand your own needs and capacity to co-regulate and advocate for your child.
17 years experience in whānau-focused care
Your Occupational Therapist, Julie, has served families for 17+ years in multi-disciplinary teams across public and private settings, including 10 years at The Champion Centre, as well as the Child Development Service, the Seabrook McKenzie Centre and Helios Integrative Medical Centre.
Our services
Support for children and their families
Occupational therapy (OT) can support your child's development of social-emotional and regulatory capacities, gross and fine motor skills, sensory processing and integration, interoceptive awareness, visual-motor integration, and executive functioning skills. In turn, we support your child's participation and engagement in day-to-day activities they need and want to take part in.
At Grounded OT we support children to do what is meaningful to them, to find ease in their own way of being, to understand who they are becoming, and to belong in their relationships to self, others and with the world around them.
Your therapist
Meet Julie Frew
Julie has over 17 years experience working alongside tamariki and their whānau, specialising in strengths-based practise for neurodivergent folks.
Julie has a bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy (with Honours) and has completed additional post-graduate study in the use of Sensory Processing Principles for Diverse Populations. She holds a Certificate of Mastery in the DIRFloortime approach, is Safe and Sound Protocol certified and has undergone extensive professional development in the application of trauma-informed care—including additional training in Attachment, Psycho-Sensory Interventions for Trauma, Neurobiology, Polyvagal theory and study accessed through the Child Trauma Academy.
We're here to help
We welcome the opportunity to partner with you in supporting your child's journey.
Please note we are currently at capacity and unable to accept new referrals.
Our hours:
Monday afternoons
Tuesday and Wednesday (during school hours)
Te Ara Sophia Centre
275 Fifield Terrace, Opawa, Christchurch