What Is Occupational Therapy?
By Jessica Jordan, MS. OTR/L
Defining Occupational Therapy in Daily Life
It’s the question I get asked more than any other: “So, what is occupational therapy?”
It’s a big question—and one I love answering.
Occupational therapy looks at everything you do, from waking up to going to sleep (and including sleep itself). These activities you perform as an individual are defined as your ADLs, or activities of daily living, which comprise our occupations.
For example, one of my occupations is being a mother. In this occupation, I am lifting, squatting, and bending down to change diapers, etc. I would seek occupational therapy services if I found myself being limited (in any capacity) while completing these tasks.
How Environment Shapes OT Services
The environment plays a key role in occupational therapy because it is our lens of focus for certain occupations. For example, a student may receive occupational therapy services for something that may be limiting them in the school setting. In this environment, OTs assist students with accessing and participating in their educational environment.
That may look like participating in a craft that involves cutting or imitating the classroom staff during a movement circle time activity.
Who Benefits from Occupational Therapy?
I think one of the wonderful things about occupational therapy is the breadth and flexibility of the profession. There is not one way to reach a goal, nor is there a specific type of “individual” or “eligibility” for OT.
At SUNRISE Therapies, we work alongside any individual who wants to develop meaningful goals and skills in order to live a fulfilling life. I couldn’t be happier to be an occupational therapist for SUNRISE Therapies and continue to guide clients to rise and shine as their best selves!
Helpful Links
If you found this post helpful, you’ll love our therapy resources! Whether you’re a parent or therapist, our apraxia and autism courses are here to offer practical tools, compassionate guidance, and real-world strategies you can use every day.
👨👩👧👦 For Parents & Caregivers: Autism Training | Online Course for Parents and Caregivers
🧑🏫 For Therapists: Therapist Course for Apraxia and Autism | Mentorship for OTs and Therapists
🏥 Work With Us: In-Person Occupational Therapy (San Diego & Long Beach Areas) | Virtual Coaching
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