What Is An Occupational Therapist? UK Options For Occupational Therapy
People who have sustained injuries, developed disorders, or experience disabilities may require support with everyday activities. Occupational therapy is a form of treatment that helps participants navigate obstacles that cause functional impairment so they can live healthy, fulfilling lives. Understanding the process of occupational therapy and the roles occupational therapists play can help you determine whether this form of care may benefit you. Below, we’ll provide an overview of occupational therapy and its primary characteristics, and then we'll outline options for finding an occupational therapist in the United Kingdom.
What is occupational therapy (OT)?
The primary goals of occupational therapy are typically to improve overall health, avoid exacerbating functional impairment, and help participants achieve the highest possible level of independence and quality of life.
These goals may be worked toward through a variety of techniques. Professionals in occupational therapy may specialize in alleviating cognitive impairment or physical injuries. Some therapists focus on helping people develop job skills or search for open positions. Occupational therapists may also help participants learn how to use therapeutic equipment, modify their homes, or engage in rehabilitation exercises on their own.
How does occupational therapy work?
Because it can address a broad range of concerns, occupational therapy can look significantly different from client to client. Sessions can vary in their duration, focus, frequency, etc. Additionally, the intensiveness of treatment can depend on many factors. While someone with a broken limb may only require one short session per week for a few weeks total, a client with a lifelong disability may participate in multiple sessions each week for multiple years.
Despite the variations in its approach, occupational therapy usually involves three main stages: initial evaluation and goal setting, intervention, and monitoring.
Initial evaluation and goal-setting
Typically, the occupational therapy process starts with an assessment where the professional asks the participant to discuss their primary concerns and evaluates their functional abilities. The therapist may ask about functionality in the individual’s everyday life, including their work responsibilities, day-to-day tasks, and social life. They may also conduct interviews with loved ones to better understand an individual’s baseline functionality.
The therapist may then seek to determine the individual’s level of impairment in various areas. This typically involves an analysis of how any challenges—such as illness, disability, etc.—may be impacting them. Then, the therapist and client can work together to develop a set of objectives.
For example, people with learning disabilities—such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—may experience challenges related to their academic careers, mental well-being, and social lives. Goals for a college student with ADHD, then, might include organizing their coursework, addressing the emotional challenges of the disorder, and communicating more effectively with peers.
Common occupational therapy interventions
Occupational therapy is a personalized approach to care. A therapist can use many different techniques and modalities to ensure the client’s specific concerns are being addressed. Based on an individual’s goals, the therapist may use any one of the following interventions:
- Physical exercises (e.g., stretching, performing motor skill activities)
- Adaptive equipment (e.g., learning to walk with crutches)
- Assistive technology (e.g., utilizing prosthetics)
- Vocational training (e.g., developing work skills)
- Social skills training (e.g., identifying social cues)
Monitoring client progress
As therapy progresses, the professional can monitor the individual’s progress and determine whether changes need to be made to the treatment plan to help them achieve their goals. The therapist may add new approaches, remove techniques that aren’t working, or make alterations to interventions to enhance their efficacy.
What qualifications do occupational therapists have?
In the UK, occupational therapists have to complete specific educational requirements, which typically involve theoretical coursework as well as work placements. Alternatively, individuals who have bachelor’s degrees in a related field may be able to complete a postgraduate conversion program.
Through their training, occupational therapists learn how to assess patients, help them develop goals, assist in managing mental and physical challenges, and provide guidance for living independently. In addition to earning an occupational therapy degree, many professionals become registered occupational therapists with the Health and Care Professions Council.
What is an occupational therapist? UK OT specialties
Occupational therapists can specialize in various disciplines, such as physical rehabilitation, special education, environmental modification, neurological care, or emotional wellness. Professionals may also work with specific age groups, providing geriatric or child and adolescent care. Occupational therapists who have subspecialties may acquire additional (usually optional) credentials, which signal to potential clients that they have received special training.
Where do occupational therapists work?
Occupational therapists perform varying duties in a range of contexts. Common workplaces for these professionals include hospitals, community centers, nursing homes, and schools.
Hospitals
Some professionals in occupational therapy may provide care in psychiatric hospitals, helping people living with severe mental illness develop life skills. In addition to challenges related to mental health, challenges connected to physical well-being can also arise out of a psychiatric disorder. These complications may require physical therapy and other OT interventions.
Occupational professionals can also provide therapy to people who are being treated for medical illnesses. For example, a professional may help a cancer survivor find ways to perform their duties at work while managing the effects of chemotherapy.
Additionally, therapists may support individuals living with physical disabilities due to injury. They can provide physical rehabilitation or help patients learn how to use crutches, a wheelchair, or other types of equipment.
Social care facilities
Occupational therapists often work in nursing homes, community centers, or voluntary organisations. Nursing homes typically need professionals who can help participants retain some independence. Occupational therapists in community centers may focus on connecting community members with helpful resources or providing skills training. They can also work within voluntary organisations to help care for people who may not be able to seek therapy on their own.
School systems
Occupational therapists can play key roles within primary and secondary schools, universities, and other educational settings. An occupational therapist may be a member of a special education team or a professional in charge of helping children living with various physical or learning disabilities (e.g., hearing loss, vision impairment, ADHD).
A key goal of occupational therapy in schools is to help facilitate academic achievement. This may be done through the development of organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills. Occupational therapists may also help students develop social skills or participate in extracurricular activities.
What is an occupational therapist? UK specialist options
If you’re a UK resident who wants to learn more about what occupational therapists do, consider scheduling a consultation with a qualified professional. As discussed above, occupational therapists work in a range of forums and address varying mental and physical health challenges. The following are some options for pursuing occupational therapy in the United Kingdom.
Using the NHS to find an occupational therapist
For residents of the UK, occupational therapy is typically free through the National Health Service. If you’d like to pursue this option, ask your general practitioner for a referral or seek therapy from social services through your local council.
Connecting with occupational therapists in an independent practice
You can also pursue occupational therapy directly through an independent practice, health organisations, or clinic. The Royal College of Occupational Therapists—the professional body for occupational therapy in the UK—hosts a directory of providers that you can search through. You can narrow your search based on your location, age, and specific concerns.
Enhanced occupational functioning with online therapy
For those who struggle to leave the house due to disability or illness, it can be hard to engage in face-to-face talk therapy for mental health challenges—whether they’re learning disabilities like ADHD or trouble coping with the emotional effects of a serious injury. Online therapy can be a convenient, flexible mental health care option for individuals in the UK.
The potential benefits of online mental health therapy
With online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with an experienced therapist from a large team of UK-based professionals, increasing your chances of working with someone who can address your specific challenges. You can connect with your therapist remotely through video call, voice call, or in-app messaging, allowing you to participate in therapy without leaving home.
The effectiveness of mental health and social care through online therapy
Research suggests that online therapy can help individuals address mental health challenges and improve various areas of occupational functioning. Findings from one study, for example, suggest that participants experienced reductions in depressive symptoms following an online therapy program. The study also mentions the power of online therapy platforms to eliminate or reduce common obstacles to mental health care, such as geographical limitations and time constraints.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
What is the role of an occupational therapist in the UK?
Occupational therapists in the UK help individuals with daily life tasks like getting dressed and going grocery shopping. These support workers usually help people who struggle with day-to-day activities due to age, disability, illness, trauma, and other long-term conditions.
Why would you be referred to an occupational therapist?
You might be referred to an occupational therapist if you have trouble with daily living tasks, such as self-care practices. Occupational therapy is often helpful after a person experiences injury or illness. Many older people who prefer to continue living in their own homes can benefit from occupational therapy as well. It can teach them new techniques for everyday things like showering or climbing stairs.
Do occupational therapists get paid well in the UK?
On average, an occupational therapist earns £39,180 per year in England. An occupational therapist’s salary can vary based on experience and other factors.
What is an example of occupational therapy?
A common example of occupational therapy is a social care professional helping an individual who has had a stroke relearn how to get dressed. Occupational therapy is usually personalized to the patient’s goals.
Who would need occupational therapy?
Some individuals require help from an individual occupational therapist after experiencing trauma, illness, or injury. While many people think of this type of therapy as being primarily for older adults, young people can benefit from it as well, particularly if they’ve been injured or are living with a neurological condition.
What is the main goal of occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy generally aims to help people participate in everyday aspects of life. These can include self-care tasks as well as leisure activities. Often, a multidisciplinary team supports an individual throughout a rehabilitation programme, which may take place over a seven-day period, although many people require support beyond this timeframe.
What degree is needed to be an occupational therapist?
Occupational therapists typically need to have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. A Master of Science (MS) in Occupational Therapy is typically required to provide these social care services.
What is the difference between PT and OT?
Physical therapy usually focuses on reducing physical pain and improving a person’s ability to move their body. Meanwhile, occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals with daily tasks.
Who are the famous occupational therapists in the UK?
A few famous occupational therapists in the UK include Dr. Stephanie Tempest, Hayley Goodwin, and Stuart Barrow. These OTs have followings online and spread information about occupational therapy.
Is occupational therapy free in the UK?
Occupational therapy can be accessed for free through the NHS or social services. You can contact your local council about entry requirements. Individual occupational therapy services are also available.
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