Frequently asked questions.
-
This is a common question because OT can look quite different depending on the practice setting!
The main purpose of occupational therapy is to support clients to be able to engage in their daily activities or “function”. This can be things like developing routines, completing household chores, doing work or school tasks, and many many more.
In order to overcome barriers to functioning, OTs use a range of tools to support clients. This may be through physical, cognitive, neurological, or mental health approaches - with the overall goals always being related to day-to-day functioning.
OTs consider the activity itself, the person’s environment, and all health factors when assessing and developing an intervention plan. This unique and holistic approach allows OTs to work with people of all ages and in a variety of places (e.g., hospitals, schools, clinics, and long-term care to name a few!).
If you are interested in OT services for ADHD, autism, and/or mental health challenges, check out the Services page to learn more about mental health OT.
-
In our first session, we will complete a brief health/ social history and then go through your typical daily activities. While discussing various daily tasks and roles, I will learn about what is going well – and what is going not so well.
Areas we may discuss involve things like morning routines, household tasks, work, school, hygiene, sleep, passion projects, and any other niche goals and hobbies you may have. Then together, we will set goals for our work together based on your priorities.
In our following sessions, we will go through these different areas of life that you identified as goals for change. Our sessions are collaborative as we discover what the barriers are for you, and how to support you in overcoming these barriers.
Sometimes, this may be implementing tangible tools and strategies, and other times we may focus more on the impact of previous patterns, mindset, or thoughts. Throughout this process, psychoeducation plays a key role. Learning about your needs allows you to continue to manage ADHD symptoms outside of our sessions.
For more information on what our sessions may focus on, refer to the Services page.
-
Yes, I offer services for neurodivergent folks. Whether you have a formal diagnosis, or if you are in the exploration stage, my services may be a good fit for you.
In our work together, we may focus on things like:
managing sensory differences
emotional regulation
skills for daily living
self advocacy
unmasking
managing energy
relationships
diagnosis exploration
…and any other goals and priorities that you may have.
If you are interested in learning more about what this may look like, feel free to contact me for a consultation.
-
As an OT I do not provide diagnoses of ADHD or Autism. My services can inform a diagnostic assessment, but I do not provide or rule out diagnoses. In our sessions, we can explore your symptoms and discuss readiness, benefits, and drawbacks to the diagnostic process. We can also discuss the impact of your symptoms on day-to-day functioning and what this may mean for you.
-
Of course! Without a formal diagnosis, you can still access and benefit greatly from tailored services. Our sessions will focus on the symptoms you are experiencing and the impact it has on day-to-day functioning.
There is no referral required for OT services, and there is no requirement for a diagnosis. However, when we first meet, I will learn about your symptoms to make sure my services are the right fit. If I feel there may be a better clinician for you based on your symptoms, then I will be sure to connect you to alternative services.
There can be a lot of barriers to receiving a diagnostic assessment as it is often not covered by provincial healthcare. For this reason, many people choose not to seek a formal assessment, but for others the assessment can be very helpful. In our sessions we can explore your readiness for a diagnostic assessment, as well as the potential benefits or drawbacks for you.
-
I offer direct services (meeting with your child) for children ages 12 and up. For children who are below 12 years of age, I offer parent consultation services to address environmental factors to support your child both at home and in school. Depending on your child’s needs, I may recommend in person services regardless of their age.Additionally, for most families, I recommend a combination of direct care, as well as family services to discuss social support and modifications that can be offered for the child.
Examples of family/ parent consultative services may focus on areas such as:
Communicating a diagnosis to your child
Psychoeducation on ADHD and/ or Autism
How to support your child’s self esteem and wellbeing
Environmental changes and tools to use at home and in the classroom to support your child in areas such as their sensory differences, routines, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and self-esteem
If you have more questions about what this may look like, feel free to book a consultation call.
-
One 50-minute session is $150. There is no HST on Occupational Therapy services.
My services are not covered by provincial healthcare. Be sure to check your extended health insurance plan to see if it covers occupational therapy. After each session, you will receive an invoice with the required details to submit to your insurer for reimbursement.
I offer consultation calls free of charge to help support you in deciding if my services are the right fit for you.