Occupational therapy practitioners ask “what matters to you” not “what’s the matter with you?”

- Ginny Stoffel

Who is occupational therapy for?

Nervous system and lifestyle transformation focused occupational therapy can help you if you are struggling with:

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy is concerned with how you “occupy” your time. “Occupations” are the everyday activities you participate in that give structure and purpose to your life and contribute to your sense of identity. There are moments when we experience disruptions to our occupational lives, such as following an accident or health diagnosis. Occupational therapy supports you in moving through these transitional moments in a way that helps you transform. Occupational therapy leverages your strengths to help you participate more fully in the activities you want or need to do in your day.

The Occupational Therapy Process

  • Assessment

    Our work together starts with a “get to know you” session. In a 75-minute initial evaluation, I seek to understand your medical history and how your symptoms are impacting your life. I will ask you questions about your daily routines, lifestyle, support system, resources, and barriers.

  • Goal Setting

    At the end of your evaluation, we will collaboratively set goals together. These goals can be related to any life area that you’d like to improve your performance in (for example: symptom management, stress management, sleep, physical activity, community activities, work, etc.)

  • Follow-Up Sessions

    Sessions vary depending on each individual’s needs. In general, follow up sessions will contain education on relevant topics, self-reflection and analysis, training in new skills, problem-solving, and activities to support you in meaningfully applying new strategies to your life.

  • Re-assessment & Discharge

    We will check in on your goals and adjust our approach on an ongoing basis. Ultimately, the goal is to help you feel confident and empowered to live well without my support. Many clients see significant change in 8-12 sessions. You will “graduate” from OT with a diverse toolkit to handle life’s challenges.

Occupational therapy can help you to:

  • Identify symptom triggers and incorporate tailored symptom management strategies into your routine

  • Implement activity pacing and energy conservation strategies to manage fatigue

  • Manage stress, anxiety, and depression through healthy coping strategies

  • Improve your sleep routines and sleep quality

  • Design and implement healthy routines (such as eating, physical activity, rest, etc.)

  • Improve your focus and time management skills to manage “brain fog” and cognitive symptoms

  • Move with greater freedom and reduce pain and risk of injury with functional body mechanics

  • Improve your workspace and workflow with ergonomic supports and strategies

  • Build self-advocacy skills for work, home, or healthcare contexts

  • Increase participation in meaningful leisure, social, and community-based activities

Occupational therapy is all about your life.