At Home Therapy Nook: Coach Emily Lepski’s Tips
Coach Emily in her Therapy Nook, with her dog Ranger. 🐶
It is important to remember that we can still come together despite being physically apart, which is why Coach Emily, Speech-Language Pathologist with Qi Creative, took time to create a space that was engaging, inviting, and ready to serve.
Coach Emily Lepski grew up in New York and knows a thing or two on how to stay creative, stay positive, and still have fun even when you’re at home all day.
Before working for Qi Creative, Emily worked for a telepractice company that virtually taught English to children abroad.
She has brought this experience to recreate a Therapy Nook in her home that allows her to continue an engaging and creative practice no matter where her clients may be.
“I have seen the impact that fear has on a community, but I have also seen how it can bring a community together. I want my clients and families to know that I am committed to providing them with services in a creative and engaging way despite not being physically present.”
Coach Emily created her Therapy Nook using objects she found around her house, and of course her “go-to” therapy materials. When transitioning from a face-to-face practice to a virtual one, Emily retrieved all her tools and resources, and categorized them in new locations for easy access. Off-camera, her collection of tools, toys, assessments and resources are nearby when she needs them.
Her most used therapy tools are displayed nearby and provide a visually appealing background for her clients to see, wonder, and visually explore. It also creates an opportunity for conversation and some “show and tell”.
When delivering services and resources that are appropriate to a video conference format, she over-exaggerates her facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, as it can be harder for clients to read these cues over video. This also helps to engage her clients and to keep their attention.
Although she will temporarily miss being with her clients in the comfort of their home, she will continue to enjoy the joy and laughter in a new light. Emily is also hopeful that this will allow clients to see a different piece of her tool-kit and skill set; one that can be just as valuable.
Who knows, maybe even her furry friend Ranger will make an appearance or two!
Some key (Qi) items above: Emotion cards (hanging on a string), My Name is Trauma book to help clients understand trauma and the impact of a traumatizing experience, animal finger puppets, Glitter Creatures Pop-Up book, stickers, a whiteboard, a crab puppet, and a big green dice. The best tool of all: Creativity!
Now more than ever, Qi Creative is committed to being creative with our services and helping clients to overcome challenges and create success, in new ways.
WOOSH!