In this episode of In Session, we’re exploring pediatric occupational therapy for older children and how OT supports the skills kids need to succeed at school, at home, and in everyday life. Join Westside’s Director of Occupational Therapy, Alyssa Sanders, OTR/L, and Director of Occupational Therapy, Ali McCarrell, MOT, OTR/L, as they discuss how OT helps children strengthen executive functioning, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and independence.

From improving handwriting and classroom participation to managing sensory challenges, daily routines, and social demands, this episode breaks down what occupational therapy looks like for school-age kids—and how it adapts as children grow.

Learn how occupational therapy empowers older kids to build confidence, navigate challenges, and engage more fully in their environments as expectations increase and independence becomes key.

In this episode of In Session, we’re diving into counseling for older kids and teens — what it looks like, how it works, and why support during these years is so important. Join Westside’s Sr. Director of Counseling, Joyce Kraus, DSW, LCSW, ACSW, and Director of Counseling Kevin Stromberg, M.S. Ed., LCPC, LMHC, LPC, NCC, ACS, as they break down how therapy helps young people manage stress, anxiety, friendships, school pressures, and the challenges that come with growing up.
From evidence-based approaches to building coping skills, to strengthening communication, to supporting healthy identity development, this episode explores how counseling empowers older kids and teens to feel understood, build resilience, and thrive emotionally and socially.

In Part 2 of our “All About ABA” series on In Session, Westside’s Chief Clinical Officer, Sarah Trautman, M.A., BCBA, returns for a deeper conversation—this time focused entirely on family dynamics. We explore how the relationships, routines, communication patterns, and overall rhythm of a household directly shape a child’s ABA experience. Sarah breaks down the ways ABA supports not just the child, but the entire family system—helping caregivers build consistency, reduce stress, and create a home environment where everyone can thrive together.