At ENNY Foundation, we believe that effective therapy is not only about activities, but also about how the therapist shows up for the child.

Last week, ENNY Foundation successfully organized the first cohort of its in-service staff training under the theme: “Showing Up Fully as a Therapist: Building Assertiveness, Creativity, Presence, Resourcefulness and Proactive Practice,” facilitated by Mr. Emmanuel Nyarko. 

The training brought together 7 dedicated participants who formed the first batch of this professional development series designed to strengthen therapists’ confidence, engagement, creativity, emotional regulation, teamwork, and proactive therapy practices.

Throughout the training, staff participated in intensive practical demonstrations, role plays, group discussions, therapy simulations, and problem-solving activities that reflected real-life therapy situations encountered when supporting children with autism and other special needs.

One of the highlights of the training was the Creativity Challenge, where participants were given ordinary therapy materials such as paper, crayons, cups, spoons, toys, flashcards, and bottle tops. Each group was challenged to creatively design therapy activities targeting communication, fine motor skills, social interaction, behaviour regulation, and academic readiness. The activity showcased the therapists’ ability to transform simple materials into meaningful learning opportunities for children.

Participants were also trained in:
• Assertive Communication during therapy
• Emotional regulation using the PBOR strategy (Pause, Breathe, Observe, Respond)
• Physical and emotional presence during sessions
• Resourcefulness during challenging situations
• Leadership and teamwork skills
• Proactive planning before, during, and after sessions

The training emphasized that an effective ENNY therapist does not only follow a session plan but must also: Respond, Observe, Guide, Adapt, and Support (ROGAS).

During the final therapy session simulation, participants demonstrated their ability to apply the principles learned by leading mock therapy sessions while observers provided professional feedback on assertiveness, creativity, emotional presence, leadership, and proactive practice.

At ENNY Foundation, we remain committed to building therapists who are fully present, prepared, creative, confident, and responsive—because every child deserves a therapist who shows up fully.

This marks the beginning of many more professional development opportunities aimed at strengthening quality autism and special needs support services in Ghana and beyond.