At-home therapy aimed at improving day-to-day life

Occupational therapy should be intentional and personalized, according to Heidi Fletcher. Through her practice, The Intentional OT, she hopes to offer that type of care. 

Originally from Tacoma, Washington, Fletcher has been an occupational therapist since 2015. It’s a type of therapy that focuses on how to address functional deficits across all aspects of the body.

“We can look really similar in what we do [compared to other types of therapy], but occupational therapists tend to be professional problem solvers for your body,” Fletcher said. 

With her mobile business, Fletcher can give quality care in the comfort of her patients’ homes. The goal is to help make intentional changes in day-to-day activities to make positive impacts on daily life.  

Fletcher’s passion for therapy came after helping care for her niece who had a very rare diagnosis and required a lot of assistance. From tube feeding to learning how to communicate with her, Fletcher saw how awesome it could be to participate in that journey with someone. 

“Her occupational therapy sessions were the only time that I ever saw her engage and laugh, I remember thinking that it was amazing,” Fletcher reflected. “It was the one thing she was engaging with, where we can see almost who she is, because occupational therapy uses things that motivate the person and typically with kids that is play and fun.” 

It was magic, Fletcher said.  

Fletcher graduated from the University of Washington and then from occupational therapy school at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma.  

While Fletcher specializes in children care, that specialization transfers to adults and families too. From sleep routine therapy, motor and sensory skill development and post-surgery care to ADHD, autism and down syndrome strategies, The Intentional OT’s expertise covers a range of care needs.  

Fletcher also specializes in treatment for auditory processing for both kids and adults. The therapy uses music designed to help regulate the nervous system, helping with breathing, digestion, sleep, mental clarity and more.  

The therapy is called Safe and Sound Protocol. The music is specifically filtered to highlight frequencies that make the body feel safe, frequencies that can be found in talking, laughter, the flow of water and certain instruments. It is often used in occupational, physical and speech therapies.  

She offers a 20-minute free consultation for interested patients as well. Currently, she accepts Allegiance, Cigna and Pacific Source insurance but is in the process of adding more options.  

While her business is mobile for now, Fletcher hopes to lock down a clinic space in the future. Going forward, Fletcher plans to host a “pop up therapy clinic,” or a temporary location, at the former In N Out Auto, on U.S. 2, in March. The popup will feature community education workshops and play groups.  

Even as her practice grows, at-home visits are something that Fletcher always plans to offer. 

“I really wanted to come in and help make functional changes in the lives of kids and adults and one of the best ways to do that is to go to their homes and see what is going on,” Fletcher said.  

Since opening her practice after moving here with her family in 2022, Fletcher has seen a range of patients. A mom concerned about her baby's development contacted Fletcher. After a motor and developmental assessment, Fletcher found that the baby had torticollis, a tightening or shortening of muscles on one side of the body. It can create hard times rolling, feeding, sitting in the car and more.  

“Occupational therapy is a very functional therapy, looking at what is not working functionally and then working to fix that,” Fletcher said.  

Through exercises and activities, Fletcher helped the mother resolve the issue.  

Fletcher was also able to help an 8-year-old suffering from anxiety and ADHD as well. By labeling where feelings show up in the body, how to recognize emotions in others and more, the patient learned how to regulate her emotions and calm herself.  

“My role is to help you make intentional changes in your day-to-day activities that make really big positive impacts on your life,” Fletcher said.  

Fletcher won best occupational therapist in 2023 through the Best of Whitefish competition also.  

To inquire about services or seek a consultation, visit theintentionalot.org. The Intentional OT services Columbia Falls, Whitefish and Kalispell as well as online telehealth services statewide in Montana and Washington.  

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or kheston@dailyinterlake.com.