Occupational therapist

An occupational therapist is more commonly known as an 'OT'. An occupational therapist works with people of all ages who have limitations in completing activities and tasks due to an injury, illness or difficult life circumstances. Occupational therapists help people to gain skills and strategies to live life as independently as possible. 

Occupational therapists help you get back to your occupations and activities of daily living by using purposeful activities, interventions, or equipment so you can take care of yourself, carry out daily tasks and stay active. 

Occupational therapists also work with whānau and carers to help them to understand the importance of taking part in the person's daily activities, and supporting their social interactions and relationships. 

Some occupational therapists are more specialised and have extra training in certain areas. These areas include:

• children and young people 
• older people
• people with physical disabilities
• people with mental health conditions
• people with learning disabilities
• neurology
• hand therapy
• vocational rehabilitation.
  
  

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There are a number of conditions that an occupational therapist can help with. These include:

• arthritis and joint problems
• chronic pain
• stroke
• brain injury
• dementia
• cancer
• diabetes
• nerve problems
• multiple sclerosis
• cerebral palsy
• spinal cord injury
• developmental delay
• neurodiversity
• mental health
• behavioural issues.

Some specific tasks that an occupational therapist may help with include:

• eating without the help of others
• bathing and showering
• toileting
• getting dressed
• moving around
• doing housework
• accessing the community
• completing work tasks
• building social skills
• developing routines
• understanding behavioural issues
• creating sensory diets – activities designed to meet people's sensory needs for calming or learning to manage uncomfortable sensory sensations.

Talk to your healthcare provider to find out whether you need an occupational therapist. 

An occupational therapist works with a wide range of clients. You can find them in hospitals, GP practices, outpatient clinics, prisons, nursing homes, hospices, schools, industrial workplaces or rehabilitation centres. 

Talk to your healthcare provider about getting a referral to an occupational therapist. Or you can pay for a private service. You can fnd a private occupational therapist by searching on our services page.

An occupational therapist has to do a 3 year training at university and be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board(external link) to work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Find out about different training options to become an occupational therapist on the Careers NZ website(external link).