In this episode of Thanks for Doing That, host Heather Winchell sits down with John Murray, pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Murray Therapy in Northern Colorado. From his newly remodeled, play-filled clinic space, John shares how his four decades in OT have shaped a deeply relational, strengths-based approach to helping kids and families.

John explains what pediatric occupational therapy really is—supporting the “occupations” of childhood: being a son or daughter, sibling, friend, learner, mover, and social explorer. 

They dive into practical signs a child might benefit from OT, how modern life and screens are shaping kids’ nervous systems, and simple, powerful habits—like reading, outdoor play, and relational presence—that help children thrive. John talks about how OT looks beneath “behavior” to what’s happening in the nervous system, and why early intervention can change the trajectory not only for a child, but for the whole family system.

Books & Frameworks

• Mona Delahooke – Brain-Body Parenting: How to Stop Managing Behavior and Start Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids
  Discussed as a key resource for understanding the connection between behavior, the nervous system, and sensory processing.
• Jonathan Haidt – The Anxious Generation
  Referenced in the context of how screens, social media, and modern culture impact kids’ mental health and nervous systems.
• Patrick Lencioni – The Working Genius Framework
  Mentioned as a model for understanding different “geniuses” at work (e.g., ideation, galvanizing, tenacity) and how people complement each other on teams.
• Dr. Seuss – Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
  A favorite read-aloud in the Murray home, especially the section on “The Waiting Place,” used as a parenting tool and shared reference point with his kids.
• Hank the Cowdog series (John R. Erickson)
  Cited as part of the Murray family’s shared reading life and the stories they still reference together.
• The Immortal Irishman: The Irish Revolutionary Who Became an American Hero (Timothy Egan)
  A favorite adult read of John’s, tied to his interest in Irish history and heritage.
• Children’s Books on Feelings & Behavior
  John references a general category of picture books such as The Way I Feel / The Way I Act–type titles that help kids understand emotions and choices.

Catch more of the story @thanks.for.doing.that.podcast!