What Does an Occupational Therapist Actually Do?

When people ask what I do for a living, the answer is always met with curiosity - “Oh, so you help people get jobs?” If I had a dollar for every time someone responded with this question, I would be a millionaire! Although it’s not an entirely inaccurate assumption, it is merely one part of the story - occupational therapy (OT) is so much more than that.At its core, occupational therapy is about helping people do the things they want and need to do in their everyday lives. Whether it's a child learning to tie their shoes, a teenager navigating high school stress, an adult recovering from injury, or an elderly person maintaining independence at home - OT helps build skills, adapt activities and environments, and increase participation.

What Does an Occupational Therapist Actually Do?

For Children: Play, Participation & Potential

In a paediatric setting, we support children to:- Develop fine and gross motor skills- Build independence in daily routines like dressing, eating or toileting- Assist with goals relating to regulating emotions and sensory processing- Increase confidence and social participation- Engage meaningfully in school and home life.

For Teens & Adults: Life Skills, Regulation & Independence

Occupational therapy is just as important during adolescence and adulthood. We support teenagers and adults to:- Build executive functioning skills (like planning, time management, and organisation)- Develop emotional regulation skills and resilience for managing stress or anxiety- Navigate transitions like finishing school, starting work, or moving out of home- Improve self-care and daily living skills, from cooking to catching public transport- Engage meaningfully in work, study, relationships, and the community

For Families: Practical Support That Matters

A big part of our role is working alongside families. We help parents and carers:- Understand their loved one’s unique needs- Build routines and strategies that actually work at home- Navigate NDIS funding, school supports, and everyday challengesWe don’t hand over a list of exercises and disappear. We coach, support, and walk alongside you every step of the way.

Not Just "Therapy Time" – Everyday Life Is the Goal

You’ll often hear us say: “OT isn’t just what happens in a session - it's about function in real life.” That might mean:- Practicing dressing with a 4-year-old who avoids clothing textures- Creating a plan for a teen overwhelmed by school transitions- Supporting a young adult to plan meals, manage a schedule, or job search- Helping someone re-engage in leisure after injury or burnoutIn OT, the “occupation” we focus on depends on the person. For a child, that might be play. For a teenager, it might be independence. For an adult, it might be work, parenting, or community engagement.

Final Thoughts

OT is about function, independence, and dignity. For an Occupational Therapist, It’s about helping people live the life they choose and helping to provide the tools and support they need to get there. At The OT Guru, we’re proud to support people through every season of life.

Want to learn more? Follow along for more behind-the-scenes insights into occupational therapy, practical tips, and stories from the therapy team.

About the Author: Carla is the Founder and Director of The OT Guru, an occupational therapy practice dedicated to helping individuals of all ages live with greater independence, confidence, and purpose. With over 7 years of experience working across paediatrics, mental health, and disability services, Carla is passionate about translating evidence-based therapy into real-world outcomes.

She leads a team of like-minded therapists who believe in compassionate care, empowering families, and supporting people through every season of life. When she's not with clients, you’ll find her brainstorming with the team, spending time with her family or sipping coffee with a notebook full of new ideas.