What is Occupational Therapy?
5 min readIf I had a dollar for every time I was asked what occupational therapy (OT) is I would have a whole lot of dollars! Why can OT be so complex to explain? Occupational therapy itself is a complex and multifaceted profession, synthesizing all aspects of health (physical, psychological, social, emotional, environmental, occupational, and financial) to provide a variety of interventions for a client’s specific needs. For this reason, occupational therapy has an expansive scope of practice and isn’t so easily defined in a simple ‘elevator pitch’.
Understanding OT
What is an ‘Occupation’? Hint, it isn’t Necessarily a Job
Occupational therapy is a dynamic and holistic approach to health and wellness providing individuals with tools and support to engage in meaningful activities or occupations. Occupations are activities that occupy time in daily life such as self-care (getting dressed, cooking, driving, etc.), work (paid and unpaid), leisure (travel, sports, painting, etc.), sleep and rest, and productivity. Anything can be an occupation if it is meaningful to the individual. By working closely with clients, occupational therapists help navigate any challenges impeding one’s ability to participate fully in these activities.
We Put the ‘Fun’ in Function
Occupational therapy is functional. Clients engage in practical skills to increase independence for what matters most to them. For example, if a client broke their hip and cannot independently/safely use the toilet, an OT will work with them to improve the balance, strength, and coordination required for toileting. Interventions could include traditional strength and endurance exercises. But interventions could also include activities that are more meaningful to the client’s interests while still addressing the same skills, such as dancing or gardening. Furthermore, clients practice the identified occupation during therapy. So yes, an OT would actually help this client toilet for real-time education, training, activity adaptations, and environmental modifications for improved function. Providing therapy in the natural environment—the bathroom in this example—is just one aspect that sets occupational therapists apart from physical therapists or other healthcare professionals.
OT Varies Across Practice Areas
Despite my example, not all OTs spend their time in the bathroom. Occupational therapy looks different depending on the practice area. OT is traditionally provided in the following settings:
Hospitals and Skilled Nursing Facilities
Outpatient Clinics
Community-Based Mental Health Centers
Schools
Homes
This is by no means an exhaustive list of where OT is provided. Occupational therapy can be incredibly diverse and found in non-traditional settings as well. As one can imagine, goals and interventions will vary for an infant with developmental delays versus an adult with severe and profound mental illness. At any rate, OT intervention is appropriate in both cases to improve their occupational performance.
Who benefits from OT?
Everyone! Occupational therapy is practical and powerful for anyone seeking to enhance their well-being and reach their health goals. Whether looking to overcome physical challenges, manage mental health concerns, or simply maximize health potential, OT has the holistic lens to support the client. A medical diagnosis is not required to benefit from occupational therapy as a philosophy or a practice.
(Some)Core OT Principles
A Holistic Approach
Occupational therapists recognize an individual's well-being is influenced by multiple variables, including environment, personal factors, and the occupations they engage in. By addressing these interconnected elements, OT strives to create an optimal balance that promotes overall wellness for a comprehensive view of an individual's needs.
Collaborative & Client-Centered Care
Occupational therapists work closely with individuals to understand their unique needs, preferences, and goals. By establishing a strong therapeutic alliance, OTs create a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their challenges, develop new skills, and overcome barriers. This client-centered approach ensures that interventions are tailored to individual strengths and interests, fostering a sense of ownership and motivation in the therapeutic process.
Empowering Change & Growth
OT is not just about managing limitations. It is about unlocking potential and promoting personal growth. By empowering individuals to actively participate in their own health and wellness, occupational therapy instills a sense of self-efficacy and resilience. Through skill-building, problem-solving, and self-reflection, clients learn to navigate life's challenges more effectively, adapt to new circumstances, and embrace opportunities for growth. Occupational therapy is not a quick fix. It is a transformative journey that individuals embark on to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
Final Thoughts
Complex—right? If you made it to the end of this article, congratulations, you know more about OT than the Average Joe. You also hopefully understand how OT is a powerful tool for anyone seeking to improve their health, wellness, and overall quality of life. By taking a holistic approach, addressing individual needs, and fostering collaboration, occupational therapy unlocks the potential for personal growth, independence, and meaningful engagement.
Your health and well-being matter. OT Your Life provides knowledge, resources, and support for discovering your path to a more vibrant and healthy life!
