What is OT

An occupational therapist or “OT” is an allied health professional who works to promote health and wellbeing by enabling people to participate in activities they find meaningful.

What is OT

An occupational therapist or “OT” is an allied health professional who works to promote health and wellbeing by enabling people to participate in activities they find meaningful.

How do occupational therapists work?

Once an occupational therapist understands what difficulties you may have with engaging in daily activities and your goals for participation, they will design a therapy plan that may involve building skills, adapting the activity or “occupation”, or modifying the environment in which you engage in the occupation. OT’s try to assist you by using meaningful occupational engagement to build your capabilities, and improve your health and wellbeing.

Why is occupational engagement important?

The things we choose to do in our lives give us meaning and purpose. OT’s call these “occupations”, Some things we do because we want to, some things we do because we need to. What occupations we find meaningful, are totally unique to us. When there are barriers to being able to do these meaningful occupations, whether they be due to physical or mental illness, disabilities or environments that don’t support participation, this can impact our health and happiness. Occupational therapists are trained to see the world through an “occupational perspective” where we look at all the factors affecting occupational engagement, and work with you to help you do the things that you want to do.

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Why would I need an OT?

Occupational issues are unique to every person. Maybe you need help with having a shower safely, cooking without pain, or going to the shops without anxiety. An occupational therapist can help you find ways to do the things you want to do, or modify the environments you do those meaningful activities, or advise on equipment that may help you do those things more easily. An occupational therapist can also use activities that you enjoy to help you build new skills, or get you back to doing things you love.