Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Drummond
Kate, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It was my mother who first introduced me to the field of occupational therapy; she had been a speech therapist. I was a very sensitive (sensory sensitive “plus”) child with attention issues, so when I began my studies as an occupational therapist, I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to specialize in pediatrics. Occupational therapists focus on sensory integration therapy, or, addressing sensory processing issues (think picky eating, clothing sensitivity, meltdowns, emotional dysregulation, coordination issues, and more). We also look at primitive reflexes that can influence behavior (including sensory processing), physical abilities, and emotional regulation. In 2003 I started AboutPlay. About 8 years into my work as an OT, I became a mother of twins. This completely shifted my perspective as a therapist. Around this time, and before I had my third child, my intuition and intuitive abilities picked up. So much so, that I started remembering things about my own childhood–and that I was not just “sensory sensitive” but also open to picking up things that others did not. I had my very own “aha moment” at this time, which was the thought, “What if some or even all of these sensory sensitive children that I work with are like me–that they are also perceiving things intuitively and empathically?” It was at this time that I began to layer in training to support these children energetically, and help them become aligned to their own gifts in an empowered way. Around 2017, I began extending the practice to working with adults as “The Energetic Heart”. In 2023, I moved my practice to the SE Atlanta neighborhood of Woodland Hills/Ormewood Park in the new Halidom Building (home of the Halidom Eatery), and opened both AboutPlay and The Energetic Heart in this location. Today, my vision is extended to wrap around support for the whole family. We see children at AboutPlay for holistic OT services focusing on nervous system regulation, and now offer many services to parents as well, through The Energetic Heart. We have 1:1 sessions for energetic support, massage, reflexology, yoga, grief support, and are expanding to include breathwork, meditation, and more. AboutPlay and The Energetic Heart can be seen as standalone practices, and the opportunity for overlap to support all family members is thrilling to me at this time. It’s literally a dream come true.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey to realizing my dream did not come easy to me. I had to take several leaps of faith, and repeatedly. I had to honor the needs of my family and make very hard decisions. I had to lean on my husband, as many of the steps were frightening. I think that being a small business owner challenges you to become an adept problem solver. It certainly gives you grit. I have learned, over the years, to look at challenges differently. Instead of the old conditioning of falling into reflexive and reactive patterns (think fight/flight/freeze), I have learned to pause. Assess situations. Breathe deeply (and often). And to follow what is resonant for me, for where I want to take these practices. I have been really fortunate to have had the means (emotional support, resources) to overcome some of these reactive patterns in order to thrive in business. It is my true passion to help others overcome reactive patterns so that they, too, can find their creative spark and follow their hearts.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
AboutPlay is an occupational therapy practice. We use the work of Dr. A. Jean Ayres and her pioneering Sensory Integration Therapy. We also specialize in Rhythmic Movement Training for primitive reflex integration. These are “bottom up” approaches in improving nervous system regulation. We are known for our positive and holistic whole-family approach to therapy. We believe that the children who come to us, with labels (diagnoses) or not, have an amazing set of abilities, many of which the world may see as hinderances, or things to be corrected. Our goal is to help children feel more comfortable and confident in their environments, across all of their “occupations” (play, school, clubs, sports, etc.) through our “bottom up” (nervous system) and “top down” (cognitive) approaches.
The Energetic Heart is an practice that houses different practitioners using different modalities (energetics/intuitive support, massage, yoga, reflexology, sound healing, meditation, breathwork). We love to support adults (and in some case older children/teens) in unlocking their highest potential for self discovery, and connecting them with their own intuitive abilities for self discovery and empowerment. We have practitioners certified in sound, breathwork, yoga, massage, Reiki, and much more.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the diversity of Atlanta. I moved here in 1997 (1996 for Fieldwork) and was drawn to the size, diversity, and creativity. I fell in love with the southeast neighborhoods of East Atlanta Village, Grant Park, Ormewood Park, and have lived in this area since 2003. I love seeing the growth of the city, the amazing art murals everywhere, and the creativity that exudes from metro Atlanta.
I’d say that the intense summer heat is a struggle for me here, originally. being from upstate NY. The summer is a good time to travel, in my opinion! Also, we can certainly use a public transportation overhaul with our growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aboutplaytherapy.com and www.theenergeticheart.com
- Instagram: @aboutplaytherapy @theenergeticheart
- Facebook: AboutPlay Therapy/The Energetic Heart
Image Credits
Lily Shannon (exec. assistant) for taking photos of The Energetic Heart classes and studio.
