Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a holistic profession that addresses the mind, body, and spirit to support a person’s ability to do the things they want to, need to, and are expected to do, which promotes overall health and wellbeing. Occupational therapists (OTs) support a person’s ability to participate in meaningful life activities in a variety of settings such as home, work, school, and community (Source: Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process—Fourth edition 2020).
You may find yourself asking, “But what are occupations?” Occupations are the things that we do to occupy time and bring meaning and purpose to life (Source: Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process—Fourth edition 2020). There are thousands of occupations, but here some common examples of occupations that OTs commonly address situations below.
Self-Care Activities
Self Care includes various activities such as washing your face, putting on makeup, or participating in sexual activity.
Work Tasks
Work tasks can look like anything from exploring your employment interests to performing your job duties.
Health Management
Managing your health through nutrition, physical activity, medication, or healthcare appointments.
Education Acitivities
Education activities can look like enrolling in school, taking notes, or studying.
Financial Management
Help with managing your finances through activities like budgeting or applying for a credit card.
Spiritual Activities
Exploring spirituality, and participating in activities that provide you with a sense of meaning or connection.
Social Participation
Social participation can look like initiating a conversation or joining a social group.
Caregiving
Caregiving activities for children, family members, or pets.
Leisure Activities
Leisure activities include exploring leisure interests, participating hobbies, and much more!
Occupational therapists use occupations as the intervention to reach the end goal of occupational performance, satisfaction, confidence, and independence. As an occupational therapy client, you can expect to be doing the activity you want to work on with the skilled support of an occupational therapist.
