Hidden Gems: Meet Katrin Bastos of Mindful Family Occupational Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrin Bastos.

Hi Katrin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Picture a little me, born and raised in the charming landscapes of Germany. My story starts at an inclusive horse riding stable. As a child, I found myself drawn to the world of horses, but little did I know this would be the spark that ignited my passion for helping others.

The sense of inclusivity and the powerful bond between horses and individuals with varying abilities left an indelible mark on my heart. One of my friends at the horse stable introduced me to the world of occupational therapy (OT). It was like discovering a hidden treasure chest of opportunities. The idea of working with children, helping them unlock their potential, and embracing their unique abilities while using creative materials, was too alluring to resist.

My journey continued with vocational school training in Germany, where I delved into the world of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy was created after WWI to rehabilitate war veterans back into society. The focus was on engaging the client in meaningful activities that improve their quality of life and enhance their function. This approach was then expanded to clients of all ages, including children, who experience limitations to their functioning in everyday life activities. My training emphasized creative techniques such as molding clay, working with wood, and painting to enhance clients’ emotional, physical, and overall well-being.

I was exposed to an array of artistic techniques that would later become a cornerstone of my approach to therapy, with my intuitive painting classes. To deepen my academic knowledge I went off to the Netherlands, where I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy that grounded me in evidence-based approaches to OT. Then came a pivotal moment – a 3-month volunteering adventure in Mongolia. I joined an organization that supported children with disabilities. The experience was eye-opening and left an imprint on my desire to work with children. At the same time, I became drawn to the practice of mindfulness and meditation. This practice helped me to re-focus on my growth and self-care.

Back in Germany, I began working with the elderly as an OT in a retirement home. It was a meaningful role, but my heart yearned for the laughter and energy of children. So, I ventured into early intervention practice, which focuses on providing occupational therapy services to children ages 3-6.

But the big leap was yet to come – I crossed the ocean to the USA to Tufts University, where I pursued a Master’s in OT. Four vibrant years in Boston, Massachusetts, allowed me to learn from an exceptionally knowledgeable team and unravel the intricate web of early childhood development. I also learned to apply a coaching approach to work with parents and caregivers around the developmental challenges their children face.

Through my journey, I realized a fundamental truth: supporting children involves supporting the ones who are with them 24/7 – the parents and caregivers. With mindfulness and creative techniques, I aim to guide parents in becoming aware, fostering their unique parenting style, and breaking free from patterns they never wished to repeat.

Now, the next chapter begins as I embark on a new adventure, a mission to bring a scientifically proven coaching model for early childhood to the vibrant city of Nashville. As my story unfolds, I look forward to every twist and turn that lies ahead, sharing the joy of learning and growing with those I have the privilege to serve.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As my journey so far might have already shown, I am always yearning to learn and am open to new experiences. And, like everything worthwhile, this path hasn’t come without its costs.

One of the most significant costs has been leaving my family behind in Germany as I ventured across the Atlantic to make my home in the United States. The separation from loved ones has been an ongoing challenge. But life is full of surprises, and it blessed me with two wonderful daughters who light up my day and inspire my work, informing how I approach families in my profession.

Yet, life in a different culture, while enlightening, has its share of humorous and perplexing moments. The collision of German, American, and Brazilian cultures under our roof, thanks to my Brazilian-American husband, provides a wealth of learning experiences. It’s a delightful blend of perspectives and insights, sometimes leading to misunderstanding. Sharing traditions, languages, and ways of life creates a beautiful mosaic in our household.

So, my journey continues, marked by struggles, memorable moments, and the power of embracing change. As I stand at this crossroads, I’m excited to see what the next chapters will bring, guided by the laughter, love, and lessons learned from my delightful family and the families I’m fortunate to work with.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m a dedicated, licensed, and registered occupational therapist (OT) with a holistic perspective. I specialize in the early years of childhood. My expertise lies in supporting families dealing with children with developmental delays across the areas of motor development, social-emotional development, and feeding. What makes my approach unique is my utilization of a coaching model within OT. At Mindful Family Occupational Therapy, LLC, we prioritize both the child and their parents, recognizing the family as the fundamental unit for a child’s growth.

We empower parents with knowledge and strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into their daily lives, ensuring the physical and environmental conditions are aligned with the child’s abilities and goals. Whether it’s addressing feeding concerns, tantrums, or sensory issues, our approach is unique, focusing on the child’s development.

In the critical first five years when 80% of the brain develops, we emphasize the significance of parents’ responses in nurturing their child’s growth. We provide in-home support whenever it’s a safe and suitable environment, ensuring that learning and consistency extend to the child’s daily routines.

Our comprehensive approach covers child development from well visits, and baby massage to feeding therapy, including the transition to solids, addressing picky eating, and supporting children with developmental delays. Our services extend to parents as well, offering mindfulness classes and intuitive painting classes, which serve as a means to restore balance and provide a community of support.

At Mindful Family Occupational Therapy, LLC, we understand that holistic support is essential for the well-being of both the child and their parents. Our mission is to empower families with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the crucial early years with confidence and success.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I would like to add that mindfulness practice is such a powerful tool for me. Mindfulness is the awareness we bring to the present moment, with a non-judgemental attitude. I learned firsthand how it can influence family life.

It empowers parents to be fully present with their children, fostering deeper connections and understanding. It encourages parents to tune into the needs and emotions of their children and themselves, creating a nurturing and responsive environment. By practicing mindfulness, parents can manage stress, model emotional regulation, and cultivate a peaceful, harmonious atmosphere for their family.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mindfulfamilyot.com
• Instagram: @mindfulfamilyot
• Facebook: mindfulfamilyot