Occupational therapy (OT) is often associated with rehabilitation. People usually think it is simply helping people recover after injury or regain physical function. From a mental health perspective, OT is so much more than that. It is a powerful, client-centered approach that focuses on meaningful engagement in daily life as a path to wellness.
At its core, occupational therapy is about doing (purposeful activities) that bring structure, meaning, and joy to life. From a mental health and relational standpoint, these activities can be deeply therapeutic. They connect us to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us.
For individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or ADHD, developing consistent, nourishing routines can be life-changing. Occupational therapists can help clients create these routines to support nervous system regulation and emotional stability. Occupational therapy often uses relational activities, such as co-regulated play with children, to support attachment as well. This complements psychotherapy’s emphasis on the importance of safe, attuned relationships for healing. In addition, many clients experience emotional dysregulation due to sensory processing challenges. Occupational therapists can use sensory-informed strategies to help regulate the body and emotions, something that can enhance the effectiveness of talk therapy. Self esteem, agency, and resilience may also be fostered through work with an occupational therapist. They give clients the tools to do things they value; whether that’s getting dressed independently, re-entering the workforce, or engaging in creative expression.
From a trauma-informed perspective, occupational therapy helps clients engage with life on their own terms. Trauma can interrupt everyday functioning, disrupt routines, and make it hard to feel safe in one’s body. OT offers a pathway to reclaim those day-to-day experiences and rediscover a sense of safety and purpose.
Whether it’s through therapeutic play, creative arts, movement, or sensory-based interventions, OT offers experiential healing that complements the verbal processing of psychotherapy. When we combine these approaches, we support the whole person.
When viewed through a psychotherapy lens, occupational therapy is more than skill-building; it’s a doorway into regulation, relationship, and resilience. It brings therapy into the tangible moments of everyday life and reminds us that healing isn’t just about talking, it’s about living.
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