Occupational Therapy

 
 

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) helps people participate more fully in everyday life. It focuses on practical strategies to improve functioning, independence and wellbeing at home, work and in the community, particularly where mental health difficulties affect daily activities.

 

Who is Occupational Therapy for?

Occupational Therapy is for individuals whose mental health challenges are affecting their ability to manage daily life. It can support people experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma-related difficulties, bipolar disorder, psychosis, neurodevelopmental conditions, or stress-related burnout.

It may help if you are struggling with routine, motivation, work performance, study, self-care, social participation, or returning to work after illness. OT is also valuable for those seeking to build confidence, structure and resilience during recovery.

 

What does Occupational Therapy involve?

  • Occupational Therapy is personalised and goal-focused. It may include:

    • A detailed assessment of your daily activities, strengths and challenges
    • Identifying meaningful goals linked to work, education, home life or leisure
    • Developing structured routines and activity planning
    • Graded exposure to avoided tasks
    • Energy management and pacing strategies
    • Support with return-to-work planning or reasonable adjustments
    • Practical skills development to enhance independence
    • Liaison (with your consent) with employers, schools or other professionals

    Sessions are collaborative and focus on enabling sustainable, real-world change.

Our approach
 

At Bloomfield Health, our Occupational Therapy is evidence-based, recovery-oriented and tailored to the individual. We work collaboratively to understand your values and goals, taking a compassionate and strengths-based approach. Interventions are guided by current clinical standards and delivered within a multidisciplinary framework where appropriate, ensuring safe, ethical and person-centred care.

 

Psychotherapy focuses on thoughts and emotions, while Occupational Therapy focuses on how mental health affects daily functioning and practical life roles. Both can complement each other.

No. While a diagnosis can be helpful, OT focuses primarily on functional difficulties and your personal goals.

The length varies depending on your needs and goals. Some people benefit from short-term focused work, while others require longer-term support.

Yes. OT can support graded return-to-work plans, workplace adjustments, confidence building and liaison with employers (with your consent).

Yes. OT can complement psychiatric treatment and medication management as part of a holistic care plan.

The first session involves a comprehensive assessment of your current functioning, challenges and goals, leading to a collaborative plan.

Yes. OT can help with pacing, boundary setting, routine restructuring and recovery planning.

Yes. Your care is confidential and delivered in line with Royal College of Occupational Therapy professional standards. Information is only shared with your consent unless there are safeguarding concerns.

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