Occupational Therapy Services
The Oak Center for DBT & Counseling Services is thrilled to add occupational therapy as one of the many therapy options offered to meet a variety of needs!
Occupational Therapy
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy focuses on the things you want and need to do in your daily life. Occupational Therapists are highly trained healthcare professionals who evaluate and assist individuals having difficulty participating in meaningful activities or “occupations” that are necessary to conduct their daily routines and live their life to the fullest. For a child this may include the development of life skills such as learning at school, playing, completing self-care tasks, relating to others, and fulfilling their role as a family member. For an adult this could include managing the home, engaging in leisure activities and hobbies, completing work-related responsibilities, and so on. Occupational therapy intervention uses everyday life activities (occupations) to promote health, well-being, and your ability to participate in the important activities in your life.
What is the occupational therapy approach?
Occupational therapy uses a “whole person” approach. This means we look at the specific “occupations” or activities that are difficult for the person, then investigate to find out what skills are impacting their ability to perform those occupations functionally and meaningfully. Common skills targeted in occupational therapy treatment to improve participation in meaningful life activities include:
Cognition - Necessary for completing multi-step tasks and routines, socializing, problem-solving, and more.
Ocular-motor skills - This refers to the strength and coordination of the eyes which supports the ability to read, play sports, visually organize a space, and more
Fine motor skills - Individuals use these skills to grasp items, manipulate tools, color, cut, write, type, and more.
Executive function - Includes skills such as task initiation, organization, problem-solving, attention, and more!
Gross motor skills - These skills are the foundation for developing new skills! They help a person move their whole body, like in jumping, dancing, and other motions necessary for participating in work and hobbies.
Sensory processing - There are eight sensory systems that each person is constantly processing and responding to or tuning out. Many people need assistance modulating their sensory processing to optimize their focus, regulation, and energy.
Self-regulation - This is what controls a person’s behavior, attention, and emotions, which is necessary for social interaction, engagement in work/school, and feeling safe inside your body and the world.
What Can I Expect?
Your occupational therapy experience here will include:
A comprehensive evaluation to get to know your history, life experiences, and your interests. This time will also be used to assess your current level of function and establish meaningful goals.
A treatment plan created specifically for your needs and goals
Sessions with your individual therapist at the frequency determined in the treatment plan
Outcome measures to ensure the goals you set with your occupational therapist are being met
To learn more about our occupational therapist, please view her individual profile.