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Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services, Montevideo, MN (2025)

11/19/2025

Fall Fun: Chasing Joy and Developing Skills! 🍂🐿️

Annika at Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services absolutely loves bringing kids out to experience the pure magic of Fall weather!

Watch our latest reel to see some serious sensory exploration in action. From the satisfying crunch of leaves to the thrill of a good squirrel chase—this little adventurer was determined to make a new friend! 😂 (Maybe next time, buddy!)

These moments aren't just fun; they're packed with opportunities for growth:
• Sensory Input: Feeling the texture of leaves, hearing the wind, and smelling the crisp autumn air.
• Gross Motor Skills: Running, jumping, and navigating uneven ground around the park.
• Persistence & Play: Learning to try, try, and try again (even when that squirrel is too fast!).

Ready to see how we discover the Sisu (inner strength) in your child through joyful, meaningful play? Send us a message to learn more!

11/19/2025

Fall Fun: Chasing Joy and Developing Skills! 🍂🐿️

Annika at Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services absolutely loves bringing kids out to experience the pure magic of Fall weather!

Watch our latest reel to see some serious sensory exploration in action. From the satisfying crunch of leaves to the thrill of a good squirrel chase—this little adventurer was determined to make a new friend! 😂 (Maybe next time, buddy!)

These moments aren't just fun; they're packed with opportunities for growth:
• Sensory Input: Feeling the texture of leaves, hearing the wind, and smelling the crisp autumn air.
• Gross Motor Skills: Running, jumping, and navigating uneven ground at the park.
• Persistence & Play: Learning to try, try, and try again (even when that squirrel is too fast!).

Ready to see how we discover the Sisu (inner strength) in your child through joyful, meaningful play? Send us a message to learn more!

11/14/2025

We are absolutely bursting with pride over this incredible testimonial! 🤩

It is the highest compliment when a former client shares how much their experience with Annika and Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services has changed their life. To know our work helped this high school student not only manage their ADHD stressors but also inspire them to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy—that’s the true definition of Sisu!

Annika's approach goes beyond simple coping; it's about building foundational skills and inner strength that last a lifetime. Thank you for sharing your journey and for planning to pay that help forward! We can't wait to watch your dreams come true!

11/11/2025

🍎 The best therapy happens when you least expect it! 🥧

Today, Annika walked into a spontaneous, high-demand situation: a little one in a princess dress requested to bake an apple pie! We immediately embraced the challenge, making the best pie we could with the ingredients on hand. Even though we had to improvise with ingredients, the biggest benefits were in the process, not the perfect product.

Meal preparation and baking are loaded with developmental advantages:

🍎Measuring & Math: A fun, practical way to learn fractions and volumes.

🍏Sequencing: Breaking the recipe into steps (Executive Functioning) which translates to following classroom routines.

🍎Fine Motor Strength: Using a fork to whisk, a spoon to scoop, and working those small hand muscles needed for future handwriting.

🍏Self-Regulation: Waiting for the timer, dealing with messiness, and managing frustration when a step doesn't go perfectly teaches emotional regulation.

Every stir, measure, and sprinkle is skill-building disguised as fun. Let the kids help! The mess is worth the marvelous progress!

Has your child mastered a new kitchen skill lately? Tell us about it!

11/05/2025

Does this sound familiar? You wake up feeling on edge, and the list of things to do is absolutely overwhelming:
• Seven reports and three evaluations for school.
• Twelve claims to submit to insurance.
• Two long phone calls I know I have to make time for.
• The ever-present mountain of laundry and a demanding to-do list at home.

The stress can be crushing. Lately, I’ve been practicing what I preach and really focusing on being more mindful of myself.

This meant realizing I needed uninterrupted time to myself today. I kept my kid at daycare until closing, and I allowed myself to not feel guilty about it.

My self-care wasn't complicated, but it was essential:
• I needed to feel the cold river beneath my feet.
• I needed to touch the leaves and take in the beauty of nature.
• I needed to hear the crunching fall leaves underfoot and in my hand.
• I needed to walk for 30 minutes without checking my phone.

And you know what? I felt better.

Work can wait. The toilets and laundry will still be there tomorrow. Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is give yourself permission to step away and recharge.

Allow yourself to be kind to yourself. That's the core of discovering your Sisu—the extraordinary determination, grit, and courage that helps you take care of you first.

What small act of self-kindness did you allow yourself today? Share it in the comments!

10/28/2025

Good morning! Annika Swenson, OTR/L of Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services is dedicated to advancing the quality of care for rural communities.

Today, Annika is attending the Primewest Health Providers & Partners Rural Healthcare Fall Conference to engage with the latest research, policy updates, and innovative strategies impacting rural health.

We are committed to continuous professional growth to ensure our Occupational Therapy services remain evidence-based, effective, and tailored to the unique needs of our clients.

10/27/2025

It's ADHD Awareness Month! 🧠

This October, let's talk about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to clear up misconceptions and show support. ADHD isn't a lack of effort; it's a difference in how the brain works, often affecting the ability to plan, focus, and manage emotions.

Why is it Hard to Just "Focus"?
People with ADHD often struggle with Executive Functions—the brain's CEO skills. This means everyday tasks can be tough because of challenges with:

• Time Management: Feeling like time is always slipping away, making deadlines a struggle.
• Organization: Keeping up with belongings, papers, and to-do lists can feel overwhelming.
• Impulse Control: Reacting quickly or interrupting others before fully thinking things through.

Meet the Therapist: Annika Swenson
We're proud to feature Annika Swenson, an Occupational Therapist (OT) and ADHD-Certified Rehabilitation Services Provider (ADHD-RSP) at Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services.

As an Occupational Therapist, Annika focuses on practical, real-world solutions. She doesn't just treat the label; she gives her clients tools and personalized strategies to turn challenges into strengths. Her work helps people with ADHD learn how to build systems for:
• Getting Started on tasks (Initiation).
• Staying Organized (Planning & Structure).
• Calming Down when overwhelmed (Regulation).

Annika helps people find their "sisu"—that deep, determined spirit—to thrive in school, work, and life.

Quick Question: Is it ADD or ADHD?
You might still hear ADD, but the official term is now ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).
The difference is in the presentation:
• If a person only struggles with focus (no hyperactivity), it’s called ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (which is what people often mean when they say ADD).
• ADHD is the umbrella term for all three types: Inattentive, Hyperactive/Impulsive, and Combined.

This month, let's spread understanding and recognize the determination it takes to live with ADHD. Support awareness and the work of amazing professionals like Annika!

10/16/2025

That moment when a parent's words leave you speechless—and teary-eyed. 🥹

Annika, Occupational Therapist, received this beautiful message from a parent recently, and it perfectly captures the heart of what we do at Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services.

We were so touched, we had to share:

“I just wanted to truly thank Annika for everything she did for my child and myself. She was such a blessing in my child’s life, and in mine too. The patience, care, and warmth she showed my child meant more than words can express. Annika helped her grow in ways that went far beyond just her sessions. Annika gave her confidence, comfort, and joy in learning and trying new things. Annika made such a positive impact.

Watching how much she blossomed under Annika’s care is something I’ll never forget. It was clear how much Annika genuinely cared for her, and that kind of love and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Thank you, Annika, for pouring so much of your heart into what you do — it made a lasting difference for her and for our family.”

Thank you to this parent for sharing your Sisu journey with us. It's an honor to partner with families and see these amazing transformations. 💙

10/06/2025

Phil the Robot and the Power of Play!

If you know Annika, you know her car is essentially a mobile Occupational Therapy office—she always has toys ready to go! 🚗 Tonight, we broke out the Magnatiles and came up with this amazing creation: Phil the Robot! 👋🤖

Phil has a big personality. He likes to "eat chicken, ride tractors, and is excited for Halloween." I think we all need a little more Phil in our lives!

Why is this more than just fun?

Magnatiles and imaginative play are fantastic tools in OT, supporting a child’s development in so many ways:

• Fine Motor Skills: Clicking the tiles together and manipulating them helps strengthen little hands and improve bilateral coordination (using both hands together).

• Spatial Awareness and Problem-Solving: Figuring out how to build a 3D structure from 2D shapes enhances visual-spatial reasoning and introduces foundational concepts in geometry, engineering, and physics.

• Imaginative and Narrative Play: Creating a character like Phil and giving him a story is how kids practice language skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction. They can process the world around them by creating their own safe, fantasy world.

At Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services, we know that play is a child's most important work. It's the engine that drives learning and growth!
Now, it's your turn! What are you or your child going to do this week to imagine, dream, and create? Let us know in the comments! 👇

09/30/2025

🌟 Occupational Therapist (OT) Spotlight: Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services! 🌟

Meet the OT Behind the Practice!

At Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services, our core belief is rooted in personal experience and deep passion. We know that the best care comes from OTs who genuinely understand the journey, which is why we're kicking off our new series to reintroduce the heart of our practice!

We asked the founder, Annika Swenson, OTR/L five essential questions to uncover the "Sisu" (a Finnish term for grit, determination, and resilience) that drives our services.

1. What inspired you to become an Occupational Therapist?

"My journey is deeply personal. In the 6th grade, my brother was undergoing cancer treatments and received Occupational Therapy. I was further inspired when my father was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome and West Nile Virus as I entered college. These experiences showed me the profound impact OT has on navigating life's biggest challenges."

2. How would you describe Occupational Therapy in one sentence?

"I help people to do the things they want to do, need to do, and are expected to do in a day."

3. What's your favorite part about being an OT?

"Each case is so unique! There is no 'one-size fits all.' I love getting to meet clients and their families, and then coming up with personalized treatment plans to support their individual goals."

4. What is the most common misconception people have about OT?

"You have no idea how often I hear the phrases, 'Occupational Therapy must be like Physical Therapy but for hands,' or 'Occupational Therapy—do you help people get jobs?!' It happens all the time!"

5. What's one thing you wish everyone knew about Occupational Therapy?

"The core of OT is to help people overcome physical, cognitive, developmental, mental health, or any other challenges to maximize independence in daily activities. OT is literally about anything that is important to a person and gives their life a purpose!"

Now, it's your turn to ask!

You've read about Annika’s personal journey and passion for OT. We want to hear what you're most curious about!

Do you have a question for Annika about:
• Annika’s OT work?
• The business?
• Anything else!

Post your question below! 👇

Annika is committed to answering every single one of your questions in the comments throughout the week!

09/03/2025

September is Su***de Prevention Month. At Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services, we believe in the power of finding your inner strength, or "sisu," even in the darkest moments. It's a month to raise awareness, break down stigma, and remind everyone that help is available and that you are not alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. There is hope, and healing is possible.

National Resources:
* 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime, 24/7.

* Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.

* The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 (for LGBTQ+ youth).

Minnesota-Specific Resources:
* NAMI Minnesota: A great resource for support groups and education. Call 1-888-626-4483 or visit namimn.org.

* Minnesota Department of Health: Provides a comprehensive list of resources and information at health.state.mn.us/communities/suicide.

You are valuable. Your life has meaning. Let's work together to create a world where everyone feels safe, heard, and supported.

***dePreventionMonth

08/06/2025

Hey there, friends of Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services! We've been having a blast with one of our awesome kids lately. He's motivated to learn how to fish, so we've been using this interest to practice some great skills on the river.

Fishing is about more than just catching a fish; it's a fantastic way to build a variety of skills. On the river, we've been working on:

* Fine Motor Skills: We're practicing tasks like baiting the hook and casting the line, which require precision and coordination.

* Social Skills: He's learning how to take turns, communicate with others, and share the space on the riverbank.

* Emotional Regulation: We're working on staying patient while waiting for a bite and managing big feelings when a fish gets away.

* Sequencing and Planning: We're breaking down the steps of getting ready to fish, from setting up the gear to packing up at the end of the day.

It's been so rewarding to see him grow and build confidence, all while doing something he loves!

Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services

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