A practical introduction for friends, family, and anyone new to OT
Friends and colleagues outside of healthcare often ask: what is Occupational Therapy, and how does it differ from counselling, psychology or psychotherapy?
Occupational Therapy in mental health helps people develop or regain the skills needed to manage everyday life and improve their wellbeing. We work with individuals who may be experiencing conditions such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, trauma, or stress-related difficulties. We support people to build confidence, establish routines, manage emotions, improve social interaction, and engage in meaningful activities such as parenting, work, education, self-care, and leisure.
Occupational Therapists are uniquely trained to also consider the physical health and functional needs of people. This may be mothers during pregnancy and after birth, supporting women who have pre-existing physical health conditions, pregnancy-related complications, chronic pain, fatigue, reduced mobility, or postnatal recovery difficulties. We help mothers adapt daily activities, conserve energy, manage physical and emotional demands, and develop practical strategies to support both their own wellbeing and their role as parents. The overall aim is to promote recovery, independence, confidence, and participation in everyday life for both mother and baby. The same applies to non-maternal people who have physical health challenges alongside mental health.
In the community, Occupational Therapists use practical, activity-based interventions to help individuals apply coping strategies in real-life situations. For example, an OT may support a mother experiencing postnatal depression to gradually rebuild confidence by planning manageable daily routines, attending local parent-and-baby groups together, or developing strategies for balancing self-care, sleep, and caring responsibilities. Another example may involve supporting someone with anxiety to use community activities such as a meet-up group, social group, overcoming anxiety to travel, volunteer, or join a local exercise programme — with the aim of improving motivation, social confidence, and independence. The scope of activities is endless and is tailored to the person's interests and needs.
While psychologists and talking therapists often focus primarily on thoughts, emotions, and past narratives, Occupational Therapists take this into account and focus on how mental and physical health affect a person's ability to function in everyday life. OTs help people translate recovery into meaningful action by supporting them to participate in the activities, roles, and routines that matter most to them.