What does an occupational therapist do?
Occupational therapists work with people whose physical or mental health makes it difficult to take part in day-to-day activities.
Working together, you and your occupational therapist will identify your strengths and the areas where you need support. They will then help you develop practical solutions that enable you to manage everyday tasks more confidently.
Support may involve adapting your environment, approaching activities in a different way or introducing specialist equipment to help you remain as independent as possible.
What is the purpose of occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy takes a holistic approach to health, considering the person as a whole rather than focusing solely on a condition or diagnosis. It looks at both physical and mental health alongside independence and overall wellbeing.
The aim is to help people become more independent and improve their satisfaction in the activities that are important to them.
Occupational therapists work with both adults and children and support people with a wide range of conditions. These may include physical conditions, such as recovering from a stroke, mental health conditions such as dementia or depression, and learning disabilities, including autism.
Some conditions are present from birth, while others develop later in life or occur following an accident or illness. Occupational therapy may also form part of a wider rehabilitation programme.
How does an occupational therapist help?
Occupational therapists are trained to find practical solutions to the everyday challenges you may be facing.
For example, if you find it difficult to get to your local supermarket, your therapist will work with you to identify ways of making this easier. This might involve suggesting an alternative, such as online shopping, or recommending specialist equipment, such as a mobility scooter.
Your therapist will consider all aspects of your situation, including your physical, social, environmental and psychological needs. By taking this holistic approach, they can help you discover new ways of overcoming challenges and increase your confidence in carrying out everyday activities.
Who can occupational therapy help?
Occupational therapy can help people of all ages and backgrounds. It is designed to support anyone who is finding it difficult to carry out the activities that are important to them.
Children and young people
Children and young people may benefit from occupational therapy if illness, disability or family circumstances make everyday activities more difficult.
An occupational therapist can support them with:
- self-care;
- leisure activities;
- productive activities, such as attending school or volunteering.
When working with children, therapists may also provide support and guidance for parents, carers and teachers.
Teenagers and adults
There are many reasons why teenagers and adults may benefit from occupational therapy. This stage of life often involves developing greater independence and establishing a sense of identity. If a health concern is making this more challenging, an occupational therapist can help.
They will work with you to identify practical ways of overcoming barriers so you can continue taking part in the activities that matter most to you.
Older people
Occupational therapy for older people aims to help them continue doing the activities that are important to them. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends promoting the mental wellbeing of older people by supporting independence and participation in everyday life.
An occupational therapist understands the challenges that can arise as we get older and will work with you to increase confidence, encourage social interaction and maintain independence where possible.
Support may include exercise programmes and specialist equipment to help maintain mobility, which is an important part of remaining independent.
What can occupational therapy help with?
Occupational therapy can help with any condition or situation that affects your ability to carry out the activities that are important to you. This includes physical conditions, mental health concerns, long-term illnesses, injuries and learning disabilities.
Below are some examples of how an occupational therapist may be able to help.
Amputation
Adjusting after an amputation can bring physical, emotional and practical challenges. Occupational therapy can support you throughout your rehabilitation, helping you adapt to changes and maintain your independence.
An occupational therapist may help by:
- supporting you with everyday tasks, such as getting dressed, as well as more complex activities like cooking;
- teaching techniques to help maintain or build strength;
- assisting you with using a prosthesis;
- helping you adapt to your home or other environments.
Arthritis
Arthritis affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness and reduced movement. These symptoms can make everyday tasks more difficult.
An occupational therapist may support you by:
- recommending equipment to help with activities such as cooking or gardening;
- advising on ways to conserve your energy throughout the day;
- signposting you to relevant support groups or services.
Disability
Whether you were born with a physical disability or developed one later in life, there may be activities that you find more difficult. Occupational therapy focuses on helping you continue taking part in the activities and hobbies that are important to you.
An occupational therapist can help by:
- adapting activities to make them more accessible;
- supporting you to build confidence in your abilities;
- identifying ways to reduce restrictions within your social or physical environment;
- helping you better understand your strengths and abilities;
- setting realistic and achievable personal goals.
Learning disabilities
Occupational therapists often work with people who have learning disabilities, helping them develop practical life skills and enjoy leisure activities as independently as possible.
Support may include:
- encouraging involvement in household tasks, such as cooking and cleaning;
- building confidence when using public transport;
- developing work-related skills to support employment or voluntary work.
Long-term conditions
If you are living with a long-term health condition or injury, you may benefit from occupational therapy. This includes conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia, cancer, AIDS, and heart or lung conditions.
Depending on your needs, an occupational therapist may help you to:
- remain in employment;
- manage your condition more effectively;
- cope with fatigue and related emotional symptoms;
- use home adaptations to help you remain independent for longer.
Mental health
Occupational therapy can support people living with a range of mental health conditions. The aim is to help create a sense of purpose and, where appropriate, support recovery.
An occupational therapist may help by:
- improving self-care skills;
- identifying and developing work-related skills to support employment;
- suggesting ways to access mainstream leisure activities.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect mobility, balance and energy levels. Occupational therapy aims to help people with MS maintain their independence for as long as possible.
Support may include:
- recommending equipment to improve mobility;
- assessing your environment to improve safety and reduce hazards;
- finding practical ways to manage everyday tasks, such as cooking and cleaning;
- helping to improve confidence and self-esteem.
Rehabilitation
Occupational therapy is often used as part of a rehabilitation programme following an accident, illness or surgery.
The focus is on helping you regain independence, rebuild confidence and return to everyday activities at a pace that is appropriate for you.
Returning to work
Returning to work after an illness or accident can feel challenging. An occupational therapist can help make the transition easier by identifying goals and any barriers that may affect your return.
They can assess your role and working environment and suggest practical strategies to support you at work.
Support may also include:
- identifying any additional training you may need;
- helping you manage challenges such as discrimination or prejudice in the workplace;
- liaising with your employer to support your return and ensure the appropriate people understand your needs.
The occupational therapy process
Occupational therapy follows a structured process that is tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.
Although every person's journey is different, the process typically includes the following stages:
- Referral
- Information gathering
- Initial assessment
- Needs identification and problem formation
- Goal setting
- Action planning
- Action
- Ongoing assessment and revision of action
- Outcome and outcome measurement
- End of intervention or discharge
- Review
At your initial assessment, your occupational therapist will explore the activities that are most meaningful to you. This allows them to tailor your treatment plan to your individual goals before moving on to needs identification, goal setting and action planning.
While every case is different, you can usually expect each of these stages to form part of your occupational therapy journey.
NHS or private occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is available through the NHS for a range of needs, including rehabilitation following illness or injury, mental health support, learning disabilities and maintaining independence. Access and waiting times can vary depending on where you live and the type of support you need.
Some people choose to see a private occupational therapist if they would like to access support sooner, receive ongoing treatment or work towards a specific goal, such as returning to work or adapting their home.
If you decide to seek private support, you do not need a referral.
Occupational therapy techniques
Occupational therapists use a range of techniques to help people overcome everyday challenges. The approach will depend on your individual needs, goals and circumstances, but generally falls into the following categories:
- approaching activities differently;
- adapting your environment;
- using specialist equipment;
- activity grading.
Approaching activities differently
Sometimes, carrying out an activity in a different way can make it easier to manage. An occupational therapist will work with you to identify practical alternatives that allow you to continue doing the activities that are important to you.
For example, if you find it difficult to stand for long periods but would like to continue ironing, your therapist may suggest sitting down while ironing. They may also recommend using an adjustable ironing board and practising this new approach until it becomes more comfortable.
The aim is to help you achieve your goals by finding practical solutions that work for you.
Adapting your environment
In some cases, making changes to your home, workplace or other environments can make everyday activities safer and more manageable.
An occupational therapist can assess your surroundings and recommend adaptations that support your independence.
These may include:
- installing ramps for wheelchair access;
- rearranging cupboards or removing clutter to improve accessibility;
- fitting a stairlift;
- installing grab rails to support movement around the home;
- providing raised toilet seats, bath lifts or shower seats to make the bathroom easier to use.
Using special equipment
Your occupational therapist may recommend specialist equipment to make everyday activities and hobbies more accessible. Equipment can also help improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents.
Examples include:
- walking aids, such as a stick, frame or walking chair;
- chunky pens to make writing easier;
- cutlery with larger handles;
- non-slip mats for the bathroom;
- voice-controlled software;
- a specialist keyboard or mouse for computer use.
Activity grading
Activity grading is a technique that involves breaking an activity down into smaller, more manageable stages. It can help you return to hobbies, everyday tasks or work by gradually building your confidence and ability.
For example, if your goal is to walk to work but you are not yet able to manage the full journey, your occupational therapist may suggest walking part of the way before taking a bus or taxi for the remainder of the journey. As your strength and endurance improve, you can gradually increase the distance you walk until you reach your goal. Walking aids may also be incorporated where appropriate.
A related technique is known as graded exposure. This follows a similar approach but focuses more on the psychological aspects of rehabilitation. It aims to help you establish meaningful routines and gradually build your confidence.
Finding an occupational therapist
There are several ways to find an occupational therapist. You may be referred through the NHS, or you may choose to contact an occupational therapist directly.
If you decide to find a therapist yourself, it is important to check that they have the appropriate qualifications. The title 'occupational therapist' is protected by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which means only professionals registered with the HCPC can use this title.
Therapy Directory checks that all listed occupational therapists are registered with the HCPC, giving you confidence when searching for a therapist.
Find a qualified occupational therapist through Therapy Directory today.
Related therapies
Depending on your individual needs and goals, you may also wish to explore other therapies that support your health and wellbeing. Some people choose to use these alongside occupational therapy as part of their wider care.
Occupational therapy is designed to help people overcome the challenges that affect their everyday lives. Whether you're recovering from an illness, living with a long-term condition or looking for support to remain independent, an occupational therapist can work with you to find practical solutions that help you achieve your goals.
