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.
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.
