What is occupational therapy?

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Occupational therapy, in its essence, promotes functional independence and living life to one’s fullest potential. Assessment and comprehensive, evidence-based therapeutic intervention is intentionally designed to address specific conditions, diagnoses and challenges that may be creating barriers to engaging in meaningful life occupation. In ‘real life’ terms, this means that we treat all persons, individually and holistically, based upon the unique story and circumstance that brings them to us. We draw upon a broad knowledge base across many health science disciplines including lifespan human development, anatomy and physiology, neurology, psychology, spirituality, social-emotional and relational development, as well as cross disciplinary study in many realms including the arts, community and public health, and integrative medicine. The common thread, whether working with adults or children, with physical, cognitive or emotional challenges, is that we are passionate about getting to know you, your life story, those things important to you, helping you to do whatever occupies you.…your self-care, play, work, leisure and rest…in any stage of life, to the best of your ability. Occupational Therapy helps both children and adults to develop and build skills for tasks of daily living, such as: *Movement for function: the motor, sensory and thinking skills needed for carrying out any daily living task 

*Living Skills: eating, sleeping, brushing teeth, toileting, bathing, dressing, cooking, managing belongings, caring for others, engaging in work and play 

*Sensory processing, or how a person notices and responds to sensory input: Some people are under- or over-responsive to sensory input, which can negatively impact their attention, learning, and/or mood. There are eight senses that comprise the sensory system: visual, auditory, smell, taste, tactile/touch, vestibular/balance & movement, proprioception/body awareness & control, and interoception/awareness of internal organs and systems. Challenges to any of these senses may lead to difficulties in daily living.