An Occupational Therapist (OT) supports and individuals ability to fulfill their daily routines and roles. They can help individuals with injuries, illnesses, disabilities or mental health struggles overcome daily challenges. Often times Occupational Therapists are supported by other counsellors and therapist’s such as physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, and psychologists.
OTs are:
Holistic Approach: Occupational therapists take a holistic approach, looking at physical, cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors that may be affecting an individual’s ability to participate in daily activities.
Promotion of Meaningful Activities: OTs help individuals identify and engage in meaningful activities, whether it’s work, leisure, or self-care. Engaging in these activities can have therapeutic benefits and can help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being.
Skills Training: OTs work with individuals to develop skills needed for daily living, such as time management, budgeting, or organizing tasks. This can help individuals with mental health challenges live independently and confidently.
Environmental Adaptations: They assess a person’s environment and recommend modifications to make it more supportive. This could include suggesting assistive devices or changes in a home setup to support someone with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.
Cognitive Behavioral Strategies: Some OTs are trained in cognitive-behavioral strategies and can support individuals in understanding and managing their thought patterns, which can play a crucial role in mental health.
Group Therapy: OTs may conduct group sessions, where individuals learn from one another, practice social skills, and engage in therapeutic activities.
Education: OTs educate clients, families, and caregivers about mental health, coping strategies, and resources available, empowering them to make informed decisions.
Occupational therapy is a branch of health care that helps people live more independently. It focuses on helping people perform the activities of daily living, such as dressing, eating, and bathing. Occupational therapists also work with people to improve their ability to perform tasks at home, at work, and in the community.
Who Needs Occupational Therapy
People of all ages who need help to live more independently can benefit from occupational therapy. Common reasons people see an occupational therapist include:
-A physical, mental, or emotional condition that limits their ability to do everyday activities
-Recovery from surgery or an injury
-Problems with vision, hearing, or memory
-Difficulty adjusting to a new role in life, such as becoming a parent or grandparent
What Happens During Occupational Therapy?
During occupational therapy, an occupational therapist will work with you to assess your abilities and find out what activities are difficult for you. They will also ask about your goals and what you want to be able to do. Together, you will set up a plan to help you reach your goals. This may involve:
-Learning new ways to do everyday activities
-Using adaptive equipment to make activities easier
-Practicing tasks to improve your skills
-Participating in community programs to increase your independence
At Level Up Leadership Consulting & Psychology, we offer psychological testing and assessment, which can help identify any areas of difficulty that may be impacting your ability to complete daily tasks. We can also provide guidance on how to best address these difficulties through therapy or other interventions. If you are interested in learning more about occupational therapy and how it can help you, contact Level Up Leadership Consulting & Psychology today to schedule an appointment.
Assessing skills.
Creating intervention plans for daily routines.
Providing developmentally appropriate goals related to play, social interactions, attention, motor skills, self-care, etc.
Recommending modifications or accommodations to activities and the environment (Autism Fact Sheet)
Helping develop self-care skills, school readiness, play skills, social/emotional regulation.
Helping clients achieve optimum independence and well-being
To support the development of fine motor skills, individuals will be guided through activities like dot dot painting (i.e. filling in the outline of a pumpkin with dots) or squeezing resistant materials.
The OT creates activities to model and practice daily activities like zipping and tying shoes, brushing hair and teeth, using utensils, and school/work related activities tailored to an individual’s goals.
If you have questions regarding occupational therapy services, please contact our client relations team.
