Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Joachims.
Hi Heidi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story really started with my own wellness journey. I have always been drawn to the mind–body connection, but it wasn’t until I had to navigate my own stress, anxiety, and regulation challenges that everything clicked for me. I found somatic practices, yoga, and nervous system work right when I needed them most, and it completely changed how I understood healing.
As I went deeper into my own practice, I realized how powerful it is when you actually feel safe in your body and how many kids and adults never get that foundation. That really pushed me toward becoming an occupational therapist and eventually shaped my entire philosophy. I wanted to help people the way those tools helped me.
This past year I felt this strong pull to create something that didn’t really exist yet. A space where nervous system education, sensory regulation, and somatics could come together in a really tangible way. That’s why I opened my practice, The Regulation Place Occupational Therapy.
My passion is to help kids, teens, and even schools learn how to understand their bodies and feel more grounded and connected.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Just like anything in life, my journey to opening my practice has had its ups and downs. The beautiful thing about building The Regulation Place, which is centered on connecting with the body and returning to a regulated state, is that I’ve had the opportunity to practice those very skills during the stressful and uncertain times. Those challenges taught me resilience, deepened my understanding of the tools I use with clients, and ultimately shaped the practice into the space it is today.
We’ve been impressed with The Regulation Place Occupational Therapy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I founded The Regulation Place Occupational Therapy to create a space where kids, teens, and families can build the skills to feel safe, grounded, and confident in daily life. What sets us apart is our focus on the body. Before any learning or growth can happen, it’s essential that the nervous system feels supported. By prioritizing safety and connection first, we help individuals regulate their emotions, increase body awareness, and engage more fully in their everyday routines.
We specialize in emotional and sensory regulation, executive functioning, interoception, reflex integration, fine motor skills, and confidence in social skills. In addition to 1:1 sessions, we provide school support, helping teachers embed regulation strategies into the classroom, support transitions, and facilitate social skills.
I’m most proud of creating a practice that is welcoming, holistic, and human-centered. Our sessions are playful, hands-on, and tailored to each child’s needs. Ultimately, I want families to know that The Regulation Place is a space where children can reconnect with their bodies, feel supported, and develop practical skills that last a lifetime.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is having sleepovers in the backyard on my trampoline. I grew up with two sisters, and we all loved being creative and whimsical through play. My mom was a teacher and would help us create the most magical scenes through her talent of crafting. As an occupational therapist, I believe that play is healing, even for adults, and I try to carry that same sense of creativity, wonder, and playfulness with me every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theregulationplaceot.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theregulationplaceot/
