What IS an Occupational Therapist?

As an occupational therapist over the last 20 years, the biggest question I’ve fielded is: What IS an occupational therapist? Often this comes from patients or families who, understandably, are wondering what a therapist who helps with “occupations” is doing at the bedside following injury; or why a doctor referred their child to someone who helps with job rehabilitation.

Occupational Therapists specialize in what we call “skills for the job of living”:  This is broad ranging and can include helping patients regain skills used in daily life from dressing & bathing to cooking, cleaning, and managing medications and finances. OTs also work with children with developmental delays attain skills that they have not yet achieved.

 Occupational Therapists analyze tasks to identify where patients are having difficulties. Once identified, I working to teach people how to regain the lost skill(s). If they are unable to regain these skills, I help patients develop new ways to compensate for the lost skill. This may be done by modifying the approach to the task, adjusting the complexity of the task, or using specialized equipment.

Personally, I have wide ranging experience, having worked extensively with patients across the lifespan, from pediatric patients through adulthood. I treat children with developmental delays, children with specific diagnoses including Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, and children and adults struggling to complete everyday activities such as dressing, bathing, grooming, and eating. My unique set of skills allows me to successfully treat patients following injury or illnesses including patients who have had a stroke, traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease, cognitive impairments, and debilitating arthritis. I also collaborate with the speech therapists and physical therapists at Whitefish Therapy & Sport Center, giving patients the added benefit of a team-approach to their care.

If you have questions about occupational therapy or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced, specialized therapists.