Nurturing Every Step
Helping children
Grow, Learn and Thrive in their own way
At Bright Beginnings, we support children of all ages as they grow, learn, and develop in their own unique way. Our approach is warm, playful, and child-centred, focusing on building confidence, independence, and meaningful skills that support everyday life at home, and at school.
Bacherlor of Science Occupational Therapy (UWC)
Meet The Therapist
Loren Saacks | Occupational Therapist & Founder
With a deep love and passion for working with children, Loren creates a warm, safe, and supportive space where every child feels understood and encouraged to grow. Her goal is to gently guide children as they build confidence, develop new skills, and learn to thrive in their own unique way.
Loren graduated as Valedictorian from the University of the Western Cape, completing her degree Cum Laude. She completed her community service year in a government healthcare setting, where she gained experience across paediatric, medical, and surgical wards. She has also worked in private practice with children presenting with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and sensory processing challenges.
Her passion for working with children has been evident from a young age, through experiences such as volunteering with children with special needs, as well as au pairing and tutoring. These experiences continue to shape her warm, playful, and child-centred approach to therapy.
This journey led Loren to start her own practice, creating a space where children can feel comfortable, supported, and free to grow. Loren is passionate about ongoing learning and has completed additional training in areas such as autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Introduction to DIR Floortime, and is currently completing her Sensory Integration training through SAISI.
At the heart of Loren’s work is the belief that every child is unique and capable in their own way. She values taking the time to truly get to know each child, understanding what makes them feel safe, motivated, and confident. Through a supportive and playful approach, she aims to help children feel comfortable being themselves while gently building the skills they need to grow and thrive in everyday life. She also values working closely with parents and caregivers, making sure that progress carries over into daily routines in a meaningful way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is paediatric occupational therapy?
Paediatric occupational therapy (OT) focuses on helping children participate in their daily “occupations,” which include play, learning, and self-care. It supports the development of the underlying skills children need to manage everyday activities with confidence and independence, including motor skills, sensory processing, attention, and emotional regulation. Occupational Therapists work with children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers. Sessions are play-based, interactive, and child-led. They often include movement, sensory experiences, games, and structured activities designed to build skills in a natural and engaging way. The focus is always on helping children take part more meaningfully in their daily lives at home, and at school. Children tend to enjoy and look forward to their OT sessions!
How can Occupational Therapy help children?
Occupational therapy can help children who experience challenges with developmental milestones, play skills, behaviour, emotional regulation, sensory processing, motor skills, and social interaction. The aim is to support children in building the skills they need to participate more confidently and successfully in everyday activities.
How do I know if my child needs Occupational Therapy?
You may consider occupational therapy if your child is finding everyday activities more challenging than expected for their age. This can include difficulties with attention and concentration, emotional regulation, sensory sensitivities, motor skills such as handwriting or coordination, play skills, or social interaction. You may also notice challenges with daily routines such as dressing, feeding, or following instructions, or that your child becomes easily overwhelmed in busy environments. If you are unsure, an initial assessment can help identify whether occupational therapy is needed and what areas of support would be most beneficial for your child.
Do you involve parents in the sessions?
Yes, parent involvement is an important part of therapy! Feedback is given regularly, and practical strategies to support your child at home and in daily routines. Some children work best independently, while others benefit from a parent being present in the session, especially in the early stages. This is discussed and decided together.
Do I need a referral to see an Occupational Therapist?
No, you do not need a referral to book an appointment. Parents and caregivers are welcome to contact us directly if they have any concerns about their child’s development or daily functioning.
Some families are referred by teachers, paediatricians, or other healthcare professionals, but this is not required. If you’re unsure whether occupational therapy is the right support for your child, we are happy to guide you and discuss your concerns before booking.
What is the session frequency and duration?
Treatment plans vary and each child's journey is unique. Most children benefit from one or two 3O to 45 minute sessions per week. Some children may benefit from short-term support to target a specific skills, while others may need longer-term intervention to support broader areas of development. We continually monitor progress and adjust the frequency as your child masters their goals and gains confidence.
What are your fees?
Fees vary depending on the type and duration of session. We are a cash-based practice, accepting cash, card, or EFT payments either after each session or on a monthly basis. Sessions can usually be claimed back from medical aid, typically from day-to-day savings, depending on your plan. Please contact us directly for up-to-date rates and fee information. You are welcome to enquire via email or WhatsApp for more details.