Climbing Minds

To register for this group, schedule a free consultation. 

For children already in our practice, your child's OT can take care of your registration. 

 

What is Climbing Minds?

Climbing Minds is our therapeutic rock climbing program that supports children’s executive functioning, social participation, and motor development. This one-of-a-kind program is guided by our pediatric occupational therapist, Dr. Leah King, OTR/L, an AMGA-certified Climbing Wall Instructor. Climbing Minds takes place on Monday afternoons at ​Cliffs of Id, 2537 S Fairfax Ave, Culver City, CA 90232.

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How does climbing support key developmental areas?

• EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING: EF skills help children plan, organize, manage time, regulate emotions, and follow through on tasks—whether it’s packing a backpack, solving a climbing problem, or taking turns with a peer. Climbing naturally supports EF by encouraging kids to think ahead, adapt their strategies, and practice perseverance.

• CREATING COMMUNITY: In Climbing Minds, kids build community. They learn how to work together, cheer each other on, navigate challenges, and celebrate small wins—forming trust and friendships in the process. Children learn to take turns, encourage peers, read social cues, and collaborate toward shared goals—all in a setting that naturally invites connection. These skills transfer directly to the classroom, playground, and beyond.

• MOTOR DEVELOPMENT: Climbing develops both fine and gross motor skills—from tying knots and putting on climbing shoes, to using their whole body in a coordinated way to reach the next hold. These skills translate into better body awareness, strength, balance, and coordination—both on and off the wall.

• SENSE OF SELF: One of the most valuable skills your child will develop in Climbing Minds is a grounded sense of self. Through therapeutic climbing, children practice self-regulation, self-advocacy, and resilience—learning to deal with unexpected “falls” & disappointments, cope with frustration, and recover from unexpected challenges. This builds self-confidence in their ability to make choices and take control in a supportive environment—skills that carry over into everyday life at school, at home, and in social settings.

 

What are the Climbing Minds Groups?

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• BEGINNER CLUB. This group is designed for children who are new to rock climbing or therapeutic climbing. We’ll introduce foundational climbing techniques in a supportive, fun, and accessible way—no prior experience needed! Sessions focus on building trust, developing basic motor and executive function skills, and fostering positive peer interaction.​

• ADVANCED CLUB. This group is tailored for returning Climbing Minds participants or children with prior climbing experience. These sessions dive deeper into skill-building—both on the wall and off—focusing on more complex problem-solving, social collaboration, emotional regulation, and physical coordination. Children will continue to strengthen their climbing abilities while expanding their confidence and self-awareness.

• ​​GIRLS CLUB. Our girls’ rock climbing group is designed to help participants build confidence, friendships, problem-solving skills, and emotional resilience in a supportive small-group environment. Through climbing challenges, teamwork, and guided reflection, girls practice taking healthy risks, encouraging peers, managing frustration, and celebrating progress. Is a “just-girls” group right for my child?

 

How does Climbing Minds SOLO work? 

Our individual rock climbing sessions are tailored to your child’s unique needs, strengths, and goals. Working one-on-one, your child will build climbing skills, confidence, and problem-solving abilities in a safe, encouraging environment. Each session is designed to match their pace, support personal growth, and help them succeed—both on and off the wall.

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What is Therapeutic Rock Climbing?

Occupational therapy is rooted in the power of meaningful activity—and rock climbing is a perfect example. Therapeutic climbing uses the physical and social nature of climbing to support children’s growth in areas such as motor skills, social participation, and executive functioning. It’s a motivating, movement-based approach that not only strengthens essential life skills but also builds confidence, connection, and joy through sports and challenge. Climbing provides children with a unique space to move their bodies, regulate their emotions, and engage with others in a shared experience—helping them feel grounded and part of a community.

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What is the cost for Climbing Minds?

• For groups, the cost is $1400 for 10 weekly sessions.

• For individual, the cost is the same as a standard OT session.

• Rentals are additional cost (usually between $20-$30) and are paid directly to Cliffs of Id. This covers a day pass, shoes, and a climbing harness.

 

Does my child need to be in OT to benefit? 

No! These groups are designed both for children with identified needs and those who are looking for a fun way to strengthen skills. Our groups are thoughtfully designed to meet and celebrate our different strengths, interests, and abilities.

 

Do you offer parent training to the grown-ups?

Yes, we do! A Parent Workshop is offered via Zoom at noon on the second Monday. The workshop includes strategies and home-based activities to support your children’s executive function. 

 

How do you track progress during CLIMBING MINDS?

Each child will be assessed at the beginning to track individual progress. At the end of the group, we provide you with individualized strategies and games to ensure carryover and success at home, at school, and at play.​ For a full description of our policies, including fees, attendance requirements, and insurance, please see our Fees and Office Policies.

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