Menu Log in Search Search You are here HomeWhat is occupational therapy? What is occupational therapy? Occupational therapy (OT) is a science degree-based, health and social care profession, regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council. Occupational therapy takes a “whole-person approach” to both mental and physical health and wellbeing and enables individuals to achieve their full potential. Occupational therapy provides practical support to empower people to facilitate recovery and overcome barriers preventing them from doing the activities (or occupations) that matter to them. This support increases people's independence and satisfaction in all aspects of life. "Occupation" as a term refers to practical and purposeful activities that allow people to live independently and have a sense of identity. This could be essential day-to-day tasks such as self-care, work or leisure. Think about your day-to-day life; would you be able to cope or live fully if you didn’t have access to the internet? Or couldn’t get out of bed in the morning? Occupational therapists work with adults and children of all ages with a wide range of conditions; most commonly those who have difficulties due to a mental health illness, physical or learning disabilities. They can work in a variety of settings including health organisations, social care services, housing, education, voluntary organisations or as independent practitioners. What does an occupational therapist do? An occupational therapist's job role is to help people of all ages overcome the effects of disability caused by illness, ageing or accident so that they can carry out everyday tasks or occupations. An occupational therapist will consider all of the patient’s needs - physical, psychological, social and environmental. This support can make a real difference giving people a renewed sense of purpose, opening up new horizons, and changing the way they feel about the future. An occupational therapist's skills lend themselves to new emerging roles, such as working with asylum seekers or refugees, working alongside police or fire services, or liaising with psychiatric services. Areas that occupational therapists work in include: Children and young people Occupational therapy can help babies, infants, children and young people grow, learn, have fun, socialise and play so they can develop, thrive and reach their full potential. People with physical disabilities Occupational therapy can help people with a physical disability, including those who may have undergone an amputation, to pursue daily activities and favourite hobbies. People with learning disabilities Occupational therapists support people with all types of learning disabilities to help them continue with life skills, work and leisure activities as independently as possible. They will: People with mental health issues Occupational therapists help people to develop a personally satisfying routine of everyday activities that creates a sense of purpose and enhances the person's recovery journey. They will: Older people Occupational therapists can help older people to continue doing the daily activities that maintain their health and wellbeing and are important to them. FIND OUT MORE, AND DOWNLOAD OUR LEAFLETS Occupation matters Occupation matters ARTICLE Share Occupational therapy jobs Website terms and conditions Privacy Policy RCOT and GDPR Compliments and complaints Get in touch Royal College of Occupational Therapists 106-114 Borough High Street London SE1 1LB T: 020 3141 4600 Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter YouTube The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (or 'RCOT') is a registered charity in England and Wales (275119) and in Scotland (SCO39573) and a company registered in England (No. 1347374). VAT Reg. No. 242 7829 47. © Copyright 2019 Royal College of Occupational Therapists. All rights reserved. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our privacy policy. You can change your cookies settings at any time through your browser settings. OK, I agree Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest