Blog Post: Rooted in Rhythm – A Nature-Based Framework for Supporting the Whole Child

At Rainbow Tree Therapies, we see each child as a beautifully unique tree, rooted in their own story, shaped by experience, and filled with an innate strength and spirit waiting to be nurtured. The tree draws strength from the inner core known as the pith. The pith of a tree serves as a vital channel, transporting nutrients and supporting internal growth. In many ways, this mirrors the human nervous system and emotional core, our own inner channels that support development, regulation, and connection. Our nature-based occupational therapy work is guided by a practice framework we call Rooted in Rhythm.

This framework isn’t just a set of strategies. It’s a way of being. It helps us support the whole child while honoring their inner core—what we call the "pith," the sacred essence of who they are. While we hold that pith with reverence, we gently "bump the edges" through sensory-rich, relationship-based, nature-infused play to build capacity, resilience, and skillfulness.

🌱 The Pith: Honoring the Child's Core

In nature, the pith of a tree is its life center. It is a vital channel for growth and strength. We use this metaphor to represent the child's spirit, interests, temperament, and gifts. As therapists, we don’t try to change this essence. We protect it, nourish it, and help it thrive.

🌿 The 6 R’s of the Rooted in Rhythm Framework

Each "R" represents a key component of our therapy model—like the strong branches of a tree, they work together to support the whole child:

1. Roots – Grounded Understanding

Our work begins by deeply understanding the child. We do this through parent interviews, observations, assessment, and insight into the family system. We seek to know what grounds them, what nourishes them, and what challenges their growth. This coming to understand the roots of the child is continuous process as we get to know then in the therapy process.
Rootedness creates stability in understanding.

2. Resonance – Safety Through Connection

We establish emotional safety through attuned, relational presence. This is how children feel seen, heard, and co-regulated. Resonance builds the foundation of first safety and then trust and connection. I think of the underground network that connects trees and plants in a forest ecosystem, most commonly called the "Wood Wide Web." There is this silent communication among trees underground that is relational.
Resonance builds trust and attunement.

3. Rhythm – Sensory Modulation for Participation

Through rhythmic, sensory-rich experiences in nature (like swinging, climbing, crawling, or water play), we support regulation and readiness for participation. Rhythm is how the body and brain learn to work together in harmony so that a child can engage with motor responses, attention, respond emotionally, manage stress, and have the just right amount of energy to do all the things throughout the day. When we see a child who is out of sync or out of rhythm, they struggle with engagement and participation.
Rhythm through sensory modulation organizes the nervous system and invites participation.

4. Restoration – Nature and Play Heal

Nature restores. Play heals. Backed by research like Attention Restoration Theory, we know that unstructured time outdoors can refuel attention, calm the nervous system, and spark imagination. OT's bring playful engagement into these moments to gently facilitate growth.
Restoration allows integration and joy.

5. Realization – Awareness & Empowerment

As regulation and connection deepen, so does self-awareness. Children begin to recognize their feelings, their abilities, and their relationships: "Here I am. I see you. I can do this." Realization brings awareness and belonging.
Realization awakens identity and belonging.

6. Resilience – Strength Through Flexibility

Life is full of wind and weather. We help children build resilience through daily strategies and therapeutic intervention that support adaptability. We do this by bumping the edges in therapy sessions to increase capacity, creating sensory lifestyles, establishing wellness practices, and identifying accessible community spaces and support systems. Resilience is the capacity to bend without breaking.
Resilience is the bending, not breaking, in life’s storms.

🌈 Our Role: Guardians and Gardeners

As occupational therapists and parents, we are both guardians of a child's sacred center and gardeners gently encouraging growth. We never aim to "fix" a child. Instead, we offer relational, rhythmic, nature-connected experiences that build capacity while holding their essence with deep respect.

In the shelter of the forest and the rhythm of the seasons, children grow not only stronger, but more connected to themselves, to others, and to the world.

At Rainbow Tree Therapies, we believe that every child deserves to be deeply known, lovingly supported, and free to grow with ease, joy, and belonging.

See you down the road,

Lisa 🌈 🌲

Our work at Rainbow Tree Therapies: www.rainbowtreetherapies.com

For professionals: Want to learn more about Rooted in Rhythm? CLICK HERE. to get grounded.