ABOUT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND MENTAL HEALTH
Occupational therapy is a health profession that focuses on helping people to solve the problems that prevent them from participating in their everyday activities. Occupational therapists (OTs) refer to these everyday activities as "occupations". Someone's occupations may be anything from grocery shopping to visiting a friend, going to work, playing a sport, or walking the dog.
When there are limitations to participating in life's activities due to illness, injury, or disability, OTs may teach skills and suggest modifications and strategies to help people do what they need and want to do. Building on a person's interests, strengths, and priorities, OTs help people to find real-life solutions that emphasize participating in activities and trying out suggestions.
For example, an OT may teach a client how to plan and organize, and how to use relaxation techniques so that trips to the grocery store and meal preparation are more efficient and less stressful. An OT may also visit the grocery store with the client to offer support and to guide them in practicing new skills and strategies. OTs approach mental health issues with a unique, holistic perspective that considers how a person functions mentally and physically within the context of their home, family, cultural, and community environments.
ABOUT ELIZABETH
I have proudly been a registered occupational therapist since 2009. In my various roles in hospital and community settings providing individual and group therapy, I developed a passion for working with people with mental health challenges. In 2015, I set up my private practice as a community therapist to be able to support clients in their journeys towards more satisfying participation in their life's activities. An important focus of my services has been helping injured Canadian Forces Veterans to transition to civilian life. Through my work with Veterans, I have gained a deep understanding of the impact that physical and emotional trauma has on individuals and their families.
I am trained in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), equine-assisted psychotherapy, mindfulness, occupational performance coaching, and evidence-based interventions for trauma, sleep, and chronic pain. A passion and focus of my ongoing professional development throughout my career has been in functional home design, home organization, decluttering and productivity.
The core values that guide me as a person and a professional include empathy, hope, resilience, and empowerment. I believe that all clients deserve to be treated equitably, and with respect and dignity within a safe and non‐ judgmental environment.