What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) is an allied-health profession focused on helping people to do all the things that they want, need, or are expected to be able to do in their lives. Occupational therapists call these important activities “occupations”, and they include:

• Self-care, care of others and our homes

• Communication and social participation

• Play and leisure

• Participation in education, work and volunteering

• Getting around the community

• Rest and sleep

 

By helping people to participate in their everyday life activities, occupational therapy can support people to participate in important life roles at home, school, work and in the community. OTs believe that participating in meaningful activities is important for people to feel a sense of purpose in life, that they belong and can become who they want to be. OTs support health, wellness, wellbeing and quality of life through addressing the match between a person, their environments, and the activities they want to perform. Occupational therapists can help people to develop new skills, and address environmental barriers through education, adaptation, equipment and advocacy.

 

Occupational therapists work in client and family-centred ways to get to know you, understand your occupational needs, interests, values, strengths, concerns and goals. They analyse existing skills through observation and standardised assessments to find out more about areas to target in therapy. An intervention plan is developed and delivered in partnership to address your goals. Interventions are guided by goals, skills and best available evidence. Progress is reviewed regularly to ensure that goals are being reached and plans can be updated if necessary.