What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy is a person-centred approach to help individuals participate in activities they find meaningful. This could be taking care of yourself or others, working, volunteering, and participating in hobbies, interests and social events that bring personal or professional fulfilment.

What do occupational therapists do?

Occupational therapists are qualified health professionals who are trained to assist people to overcome limitations caused by:

• Injury or illness
• Psychological or emotional difficulties
• Developmental delay
• The effects of aging

Together, you and your OT will discuss your limitations, goals and motivations and identify steps to help you work towards those goals.

OT’s work across a range of practice areas such as physical rehabilitation, environmental modifications, mental health, paediatrics (children and young people) and aged care.

Who can occupational therapists help?

Occupation therapists can help almost anyone by focusing on an individuals strengths and abilities to find new ways to achieve goals set by you with your OT to support and guide you.

Occupational therapists will often focus on an 'area of practice' where they specilise in different client needs. These could be:

• Working with children or older people
• Aiding people living with disability, disease or rehabilitating from injury, or:
• Supporting people with mental health, addiction or other conditions.

Why is it called occupational therapy?

'Occupation’ refers to everything you need, want or aspire to do in your day or life. An OTs purpose is to help you live the life you want to live.

How do I know if an OT is qualified?

All OTA members must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) to qualify for membership.

This means all OTA members have completed a minimum of an undergradate degree in occupational therapy and must maintain 20+ hours of professional development per year to maintain their registration.