About
Get to know me and my style
My primary occupations (things that occupy my time) include being outdoors, moving my body, connecting with friends, reading, listening, playing ultimate frisbee, getting into bodies of water, contact improvisation, and growing food.
Elana Cohen, MOT, OTR/L
Child Development Expert
I am a neurodiversity affirming* and strengths-based** therapist who supports children and their families through their developmental journeys. I have been honored to work with children of all abilities for the past 20 years. My work is informed by many approaches and modalities including trauma sensitivity and a relationship-based focus with attachment and connection at the root of all development.
*Neurodiversity affirming
Being neurodivergent is a valid way to be a human. There are many neurotypes, just like there are cultures and languages. I will not try to change the way your brain works, or the way you use your body to express yourself. Your sensory experiences and ways of seeing the world are a part of you. We will seek to understand them in an attuned way, so that you can do the things you want and need to do.
**Strengths-based
I aim to see people in their strengths all the while holding space for the tough parts. We will build on innate skills and address challenges, all while celebrating each win, no matter how small.
For example: “The baby was able to enjoy playing with blocks while sitting upright against their parent's torso” — instead of “The baby can't sit up on their own yet, so they needed to lean on their parent's torso to play with the blocks.”
Formal education
- Masters of Occupational Therapy: Colorado State University (2014)
- Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Study, concentration on expressive therapies for children: New York University (2010)
Post-grad continuing education (2015–2023)
- DIR/Floortime
- Sensory processing
- Reflex integration
- Bobath neurodevelopmental movement
- Infant development 0–12 months
- Social thinking
- Therapeutic listening
- Attachment and its role in development
- Trauma-sensitive care
- Psychodrama
- Visual rehabilitation
- Adventure therapy
- Craniosacral Therapy
- Hakomi Somatic Psychotherapy
Registration & licensure
- New Zealand Registered Occupational Therapist
- National Board Certified Occupational Therapist (USA)
- Oregon Occupational Therapist License #334742
