Brittany Ferri

The vagus nerve is integral to our health, as this nervous system structure has far-reaching effects on many primary bodily functions. Individuals who have experienced damage to the vagus nerve are likely to notice symptoms such as shortness of breath, bloating, acid reflux, nausea, an irregular heartbeat, emotional dysregulation, and more. A weakened or damaged vagus nerve can also contribute to excessive inflammation, which further impacts digestion, breathing, and mood. [3] [4]
Education i...

Occupational therapy’s holistic approach can expose practitioners to a variety of physical, cognitive, and mental health diagnoses. In addition, occupational therapy service delivery can differ greatly from one client to the next and even across practice settings. Providers often view this in a positive light since it encourages critical thinking, adaptive approaches, on-the-job learning, and greater interest in job roles due to frequent variations. However, this same trait can also serve as a disadvantage for occupational therapists in the realm of medical errors.

Relationships can be difficult, so it’s no surprise that many people seek therapy for problems with their significant other. Some may assume that standard couples therapy is the only way to assist with relationship problems or that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) won’t work for them. The truth is, CBT is an excellent way to address relationship concerns, specifically relationship anxiety or problems stemming from insecurity. In this article, we’ll discuss some ways of thinking that may sab...

It can be difficult to understand why feelings like anxiety creep from brain to body. The vagus nerve is one major reason for this, though there are many evidence-based vagus nerve exercises that can encourage relaxation. A 2022 study found that vagus nerve stimulation exercises can assist with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and anxiety disorders. [1]
At SoundSory, we are well-versed in the nervous system. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to explain the vagus nerve and 11 exercises to hel...

Feeding and swallowing are only generally touched upon in entry-level occupational therapy curricula. However, OT providers in any practice area are likely to encounter clients who experience dysphagia. This makes it essential for therapists to demonstrate competency in the identification, management, and potentially also referral of individuals with dysphagia. Dysfunction in feeding and swallowing can be a major safety concern that places patients at risk of health incidents both during and outside of sessions.

An evaluation is the first step in the pediatric occupational therapy treatment process, so it’s crucial for such encounters to be comprehensive and family-centered. Pediatric evaluations allow therapists to properly start off the plan of care with a child while identifying and working toward optimal outcomes. Pediatric OT evaluations are multifaceted and collaborative due to their ability to determine all of a child’s areas of need and rank them based on priority and safety. In order for an OT evaluation to serve these purposes, a therapist must rely on effective, evidence-based tools.

The CBT triangle is often used to visually depict the connection between someone’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can assist with various internalized beliefs, it is exceedingly common for anxious thoughts (located at the top of the triangle) to serve as the catalyst for someone seeking therapy.
CBT is viewed as the gold-standard treatment for anxiety disorders. In fact, research shows this modality is up to 74% effective for people with anxiety. Evidenc...

When individuals turn to medical devices, they should search for quality products with a strong basis of evidence. This ensures the safety of all users and helps produce the best results. Individuals should do the same when looking for vagus nerve stimulation devices, which activate the vagus nerve to address a variety of mental and physical health concerns.
To make this process easier, we’ve extensively researched vagus nerve stimulation devices. This article is a compilation of our findings...

At its core, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is beneficial for people of all ages. But this modality tends to look a little different when used with younger clients, such as children and teens. There are certain approaches used as part of CBT for teens that helps younger clients understand the connection between their feelings and their actions. This article will explore some of the methods used in CBT for teens and explain how these enable the development of healthier behaviors.
Using vis...

If you’re aware of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy’s purpose, you know this modality aims to address negative thought patterns. This may mean depression is top-of-mind when thinking of mental health conditions that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can treat. There are many reasons CBT is an appropriate treatment for depression and other mood disorders. This article will explore some of the specific beliefs that CBT can be used to modify, as well as the principles of this modality that allow fo...

In a general sense, maternal health refers to the mental, physical, and emotional needs that any woman experiences during the course of a pregnancy, the labor and delivery process, and in the postnatal/postpartum period. Each of these formative periods in a mother’s life is often associated with concerns related to occupational engagement, the assumption of new roles, and occupational balance.

Learn to apply motivational interviewing techniques to foster positive behavior change in patients across various healthcare settings, enhancing engagement and self-efficacy.

While people are encouraged to turn to experts for mental health advice and services, we are aware of how common it is to get recommendations from friends and family, online forums, and the media. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as you remain open-minded and take the reliability of all sources into account.
When learning about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and deciding whether or not it’s right for you, it’s important to properly understand what this approach involves. Anothe...

Think back to a time when you’ve felt down, had a friend suggest an activity you can do together, and felt better after doing so. That is proof of the power behavioral activation holds. This concept is one of several methods embedded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and involves the use of enjoyable activities to enhance mood while promoting positive behaviors and habits.
When difficult life circumstances arise, people may have a hard time participating the way they used to – whether in...

For many newly-graduated occupational therapy providers, the NBCOT® exam is the last big hurdle to clear before starting work as an occupational therapy clinician. This board certification exam is quite an undertaking, though many candidates do well by preparing themselves properly beforehand. Preparation is important at all points during the test-taking journey – whether you’re attempting the NBCOT® exam for the first time or you are retaking the exam for any reason. Program directors also b...