Foundations to Function
About
Deborah Brown
I've been an OT for nearly 10 years and it's far more than a job to me - it's a passion that I'm grateful for every day. I'm passionate about helping others achieve their goals and more fully engage in their daily lives in the way they want. I value each client and his/her family, and I am committed to being fully present during every appointment and ensuring clients get value from each visit. Learning about fascia and its role in the body set me in motion to learn how to help others who may be experiencing pain or dysfunction due to fascial restrictions. I also have a special interest in nervous system regulation and seek to add value to my clients by providing education about how to incorporate simple strategies during their day to promote increased resilience to stress. When I'm not working, I love to spend time with my family, spend time outdoors, cook, kayak, travel, and read.
"Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do. Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health and prevent- or live more optimally with-injury, illness, or disability."
Experience
As an OT, I have experience in acute care, inpatient rehab, schools, and teletherapy. I've always felt torn between wanting to work with children and adults. In 2023, I opened Foundations to Function and love that I get to work with all ages! There are many approaches to fascial therapy and my gentle nature was drawn to Craniosacral Fascial Therapy and John Barnes Myofascial Release, which do not involve any force. I've heard numerous times in recent years that the body responds best to gentle input that doesn't cause any bracing or tensing of the body, and I see this in my practice as well. I'm a lifelong learner and strive to complete continuing education and read literature that will add value for my clients.
What to Expect When Working with Me
The therapy I provide tends to have benefits within a few sessions, so I encourage clients to try fascial therapy with me for 3 sessions. If no benefits are noticed, I recommend clients use their time and resources exploring other options. If I'm not the best fit for an individual, I'm always glad to provide appropriate referrals to other practitioners who have skillsets that align with his/her needs. When working with me, I will check in with you following the first few visits to ensure close communication and to be available to answer any questions. I provide resources for self treatment at home as well. When working with children, my experience in pediatrics helps me understand the importance of therapy being child-led and meeting children where they're at. Some children love the treatment table right from the start, and others may prefer to sit with a caregiver or play on a mat during the therapy. Younger children may also benefit from frequent breaks.