The Empowering Steps Movement Therapy Program (ESMT) is a 1:1 motor intervention program that focuses on function rather than diagnosis, treating all children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. ESMT promotes physical literacy and self efficacy by providing an emotionally safe and nurturing environment.
The ESMT process focuses on three main components:
• Motor Development
• Emotional State
• Attachment
The motor activities act as a medium allowing the therapist to focus on affecting a change to the child’s emotional state and ability to develop attachment. Therapists are trained to adapt to the child’s needs on a daily basis in order to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress levels while building a trusting relationship. This results in the child becoming more emotionally regulated, trusting, cooperative and physically capable. At this point the therapist encourages social interaction with other ESMT children and therapists attending at the same time. The ultimate goal is to fully integrate ESMT children into neurotypical classes or specialized ESMT groups which focus primarily on social development.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a fun, inclusive environment rich in sensory motor activities to allow neuro diverse children to feel like they belong and are welcomed.
The Empowering Steps programs offers a wide range of services including one-on-one therapy, camp experience, drop in sessions, group classes, and special events.
Empowering Steps is a research based program incorporating structured assessments of each child's development.
Currently we are sponsored by CKNW Orphans' Fund, Coquitlam Foundation (Symington Endowment Fund), and our not-for-profit society, the Tri-City Movement Therapy Society. We've also received research funding from the Provincial Government's 2010 Legacies Now program. To support this program donations are accepted through the Symington Endowment Fund.
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