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What Makes A Good OT Session? (It’s Not What You Think)
- Rachel Medlock
- Apr 21
- 2 min read
Have you ever walked out of an OT session and wondered… “Was that even helpful?”
You’re not alone. For parents, caregivers, and even therapists themselves, there is often a quiet pressure to see results right away. To check a box, to “get through” the plan, to come out with progress that looks tangible.
But here’s the truth: A good OT session isn’t about perfect behaviour. It’s not about instant wins or tidy outcomes and it’s definitely not about whether your child followed every direction.
A strong, affirming OT session is not about:
❌ Huge leaps in one hour a fortnight
❌ The child appearing calm the entire time
❌ Avoiding dysregulation at all costs
❌ The therapist “getting through the plan”
❌ Forcing compliance
Instead, let’s reframe what makes a good OT session.
A truly supportive, neurodiversity-affirming OT session is one where:
✔️ The child’s interests and preferences are included—because motivation drives learning
✔️ There’s movement and play that supports their body and sensory system
✔️ The therapist is attuned and connected, not just delivering
✔️ The therapist prepares agile sessions that can change and shift to suit the child's needs
✔️ The parent or caregiver feels seen, included and supported
✔️ Safety, curiosity and co-regulation are prioritised over performance
And most importantly?
✔️ The child leaves feeling good; not just about the activity, but about themselves.
Because regulation, self-esteem, trust and skill development are all intertwined.
Want to know what families are actually looking for in their therapy experience?
We asked them! We surveyed parents and carers across Australia about what made support professionals, like OT's, feel like the right fit—and what made them rethink their choice.
From communication and flexibility to emotional safety and real connection, the results were clear: what makes a good OT session isn't about the flashiest clinic. It’s about how your child feels and how supported you feel during the experience.
You can download our Green Flags Guide for free. It’s packed with insights from real families to help you spot what’s working (and what’s missing) in your support team.
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