Additional information:
Responsive Feeding Therapy is utilized to support change for your whole family with a focus on connection, autonomy, and your relationships in order to increase peace and joy at mealtimes. How? Through building TRUST in order to make LASTING changes at mealtimes — without counting bites, bribery, coercion, or pressure. In simple terms: we find find out the root cause for why your child has difficulty eating and then come up with a solution together.
Hana Eichele, MOT, OTR/L is the Founder of Roots Pediatric Therapy and also the co-author of two feeding books published by Skelly Skills in 2021: Beyond a Bite Professional Edition: Practical Approaches to Sensory and Feeding Challenges with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Neurodivergent Clients by Yaffi Lvova and Hana Eichele AND Beyond a Bite Parent Edition: Playful Sensory Food Exploration for ASD and Neurodivergent Kids! by Yaffi Lvova and Hana Eichele.
Call or text us anytime to set up a discovery call to learn more: 480-500-8422. We can’t wait to meet you!
FAQ
Q: What does a feeding therapy session look like? A: It depends on your child! Sometimes we will work with food, but not always. But wait, feeding therapy without the food? Sometimes, yes, if we need to work on coping strategies for anxiety, building connection between you and your child, or building trust with the therapist. We set up the environment, so that we can LET them eat rather than GET them to eat.
Q: Why do you only offer programs and not one-off sessions? A: We have found over the years, that our population needs consistent support — both the child and the parent. We’ve tried traditional models that only allow time with the therapist and child, and it didn’t work as quickly or effectively as working with the child and parent — together and apart.
Q: Where do we complete sessions? A: Telehealth for families across Arizona and in our new office location in Gilbert, Arizona off the 60 and Val Vista! Open Monday through Friday.
Q: What other providers do you work with? A: Quite a range as we LOVE to collaborate and believe it’s essential for the best care. We have a pediatric dietitian (RDN) on our team that works with families virtually to address nutrition concerns beyond the scope of the feeding therapist. In addition, we work with your primary care provider, allergists, GI doctors, speech language pathologists, airway dentists, psychologists, psychiatrists, family therapists, social workers, and more. It’s all based on the needs of your child and family.
Q: What is the feeding therapist like? A: Well, Hi! I’m Hana, the owner and sole therapy provider with Roots. You work with me from beginning to end — no substitute providers needed. I’m passionate, enthusiastic, and eager to help. I focus on serving feeding therapy families and know this is my calling.
Q: What is the investment? A: The time required to make lasting changes can feel significant. We often think of it like chemotherapy – if someone needs this, they have support from their friends and family. Feeding problems are NOT well understood so families come to us and feel very alone and confused. We make sure you feel supported and encourage you to lean into your support system during our programs as well. We work with you to determine the appropriate length program for your family, typically a minimum of three months. Occasionally, we will provide a brief evaluation and a couple follow-up sessions if that’s all a family needs.
Q: Do you take insurance? A: We are considered an out-of-network occupational therapy provider for all major insurance plans. We work with you to submit superbills for possible reimbursement from your insurance company. You can call your insurance plan to see what your coverage would be for out-of-network occupational therapy services. Families can also use their HSA or FSA funds to cover our services.
Q: When can we start? A: Now, if you’re ready! We typically have a few open spots on a rolling basis as families discharge. Contact us to find out what we have now. Text our business line at 480-500-8422 or schedule directly in our Client Portal
Q: Where do I learn more? A: Our website is the best place to learn about Roots at www.rootspediatrictherapy.com. You can follow Hana on Instagram @roots.pediatrictherapy to stay up to date on her offerings!
We can’t wait to meet you!