What is the role of a Holistic Occupational Therapist?

Occupational Therapy is a holistic field that addresses the many aspects of a person’s everyday life. This may range from the activities they perform day to day (occupations), to the environment at which the person spends a majority of their time. Holistic Occupational Therapy combines the framework of Occupational Therapy with complementary and integrative health techniques to for healing on a deeper level. Through Conscious Yoga + Wellness, I take a look at the person, their environment and their desired activities, what they want to get back to doing. I collaborate with each client and learn about the various aspects of their life that may be assisted by complementary and integrative techniques. Together we discuss goals (physical or energectic), activities they are wanting to get back to, and together develop a plan that will get them back to doing the activities that bring them joy. During our sessions together I utilize a variety of approaches including: functional movement and mobility screens, breathing assessments, therapeutic positioning, strengthening exercises, and craniosacral therapy to assist the client in restoring connections to their mind, body and spirit.

The Holistic OT Community (holisticOT.org) values connecting with and serving the whole person, including their occupations and their various environments. Practitioners in this field are healing artists and role models who embody self-care, therapeutic use of self, mindfulness, presence, spirituality, universal connection, balance, the life journey, love, joy, and peace as the catalysts to health and wellness.