Vital KC

Summer is special. But having the kids out of school can create a challenge for parents. That’s why we asked two University Health pros- who are focused on problem solving- to offer solutions.

Louis Brunetti, OTD and Savannah Workman, OTD make up a small, but mighty team. They’re occupational therapists who work exclusively with University Health Behavioral Health patients.

Occupational therapist Savannah Workman works with children. She knows she must not only earn the trust of her young patients, but also of their parents or guardians. Workman only provides services to patients with a mental health diagnosis. “A lot of my patients have had some sort of trauma that requires me to come in and make it a safe space so they can get through their school day, summer camp or daily lives,” says Workman.

She said that like adults, children are motivated by what she calls intrinsic motivation. “People like to be complimented,” she explains. But motivation also comes from being able to do well in school, having friends, making memories with family or simply enjoying a favorite meal.

Even parents of children without a mental health diagnosis know that summer can magnify challenging behaviors, “I would say, keep them busy, keep them involved,” offers Workman. She knows that’s a tall task for working parents, especially if they have limited resources. “That’s a cool thing about this community,” she said, “there are programs available through Operation Breakthrough and some low or no cost summer camps.”

She said if summer programs aren’t part of your plan, parents should try to offer a different opportunity to learn each day, especially if it means getting outside. “To keep a child regulated, it’s important to be outdoors. And it can benefit the parents too. I feel like as adults, we underestimate the importance of being outside.”

And finally, she recommend that parents give themselves grace. “It’s okay to be bored sometimes. My dad used to say ‘It’s good to be bored or do chores,’ she jokes.

Occupational Therapist Louis Brunetti works with adults with a mental health diagnosis. “So maybe we have an individual with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. I come in and figure out how that diagnosis is impacting their daily living skills,” said Brunetti. His care differs from a traditional therapist because as an OT Brunetti is there to ‘prescribe’ solutions to help a patient achieve his or her goals. For example, if poor hygiene is hindering the patient’s job search- and being employed is the patient’s goal- Brunetti might offer steps that makes the patient more comfortable showering. For example, playing music to relax or if they’re anxious about being hurt while showing, asking a trusted friend to be at their home. “An occupational therapists’ role is about adjusting activities and providing education, skills and emotional regulation,” said Brunetti.

We asked Brunetti for suggestions to help adults cope with loneliness, which health professionals can negatively impact many aspects of your overall health. “One of the things I always try to encourage people is to ‘lean back’ into those things that you enjoy,” he said. “So whatever you find pleasure and enjoyment in, even if you’re doing it by yourself, try to get back into it.” Then consider if there are opportunities to do that activity with peers in the community.

While technology is blamed for isolation, Brunetti said it can be beneficial if you find a group of people online with similar interests as yours. For example, if you love to read join a virtual book club. It offers the potential to make friends and develop relationships.

“Really getting back into the enjoyment of our lives and finding pleasure in it could lead to the encouragement of wanting to get out and do more.”

Think you could benefit from an Occupational Therapist? Brunetti recommends asking your primary care physician. He also recommends checking with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) for resources, including those for people with limited income.