Frequently Asked Questions
What is occupational therapy, and how can it help me?
Occupational therapy helps individuals overcome the barriers to engaging in meaningful activities, which OT’s call “occupations”. These activities might be related to any aspect of your daily life such as work, self-care, and social activities. The therapy aspect might look like supporting you in developing practical strategies to navigate daily challenges, manage sensory sensitivities, improve executive functioning, and enhance overall well-being, so that you can do the things that are important to you.
Some examples of what the Space to Grow OT community are working on are:
- taking steps towards engaging in a special interest group, to feel a better sense of belonging within the community and make new friends
- making work-life comfortable, safe and sustainable, to prevent burnout and ensure longevity in the workplace
- getting their drivers license so they can get around their community with ease
- meal planning and cooking meals with ease so that they can support their health and wellbeing
- reducing stress around studying so that they can complete their university degree with ease
- developing a routine that balances rest with productivity, to work in with fluctuations in capacity
Why do you exclusively work with neurodivergent women?
We have decided to narrow our focus to supporting neurodivergent women because their experiences are often underrepresented, under-recognised or misunderstood and we have identified that there is a need for greater support among this community. Social expectations, gender norms, and the unique ways neurodivergence can manifest in women can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or a lack of support, causing unique challenges that bring about significant injustice. By working specifically with this community, we can offer a safe, affirming space to acknowledge, validate and address these challenges, while empowering you to embrace your neurodivergent identity as a woman.
What types of neurodivergence do you work with?
We support all different neurotypes, including ADHD, autism, OCD, sensory processing differences, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, bipolar, schizophrenia, and more. If you’re unsure of your neurotype or don’t yet have a diagnosis, we can still work together to explore how your brain works and identify strategies that align with your unique needs. We do not however provide diagnosis ourselves but can refer you to services who can do this.
How do online appointments work?
Sessions are typically conducted online via phone call or video call using Google Meets. This allows you to access services regardless of your location. We can also do some home visits on an as-need basis, depending on your location. Sessions are structured to be flexible and supportive, with conversation-based work that includes time to check in, and a mix of collaborative problem-solving, motivational interviewing, skill-building, and exploring coping strategies, depending on your needs.
How long are the sessions, and how often do we meet?
Each session allows for 90 minutes, which includes 60 minutes of direct contact with your OT and 30 minutes for administrative tasks like therapy planning, documentation, making relevant referrals, liaising with other care team members of providing resources relevant to the session. Session frequency can be customised, but we typically recommend sessions every 2-4 weeks, depending on your needs, goals and funding.
How can occupational therapy help with sensory sensitivities?
If you experience heightened sensitivity to light, sound, touch, or other sensory stimuli, we can work together to develop strategies for managing sensory overload. This might include creating a sensory-friendly environment, exploring how we can minimise exposure to triggering sensory experiences, and finding tools to help regulate your sensory experiences.
Can occupational therapy help me with executive functioning?
Yes! Many neurodivergent people struggle with executive functioning skills, such as getting started on a task, managing time, staying organised, prioritising tasks, planning ahead and focusing. We can help you understand why certain areas might be challenging for you, and create personalised strategies to make these skills more manageable, so that you can reduce the overwhelm and shame!
How do you support mental health and emotional well-being?
Occupational therapy can help you better understand how your nervous system responds to stress and emotions, and what puts you outside your unique window of tolerance. We’ll explore how interoception – the ability to sense what’s happening inside your body – affects your emotional and physical state. Together, we can work on recognising these internal cues, developing strategies to regulate your emotions, setting realistic expectations of your limits and create tools to help manage overwhelm when it creeps in.
What if I don’t know if I’m neurodivergent or not?
If you’re unsure whether you have a neurodivergent brain, we can explore your experiences together. We’ll look at how you process information, handle challenges, and navigate daily life to help you understand yourself better. If necessary, we can guide you through the process of seeking a formal assessment or diagnosis and provide a referral. However we cannot do the diagnosis.
Can you help me with work or school-related challenges?
Yes, we can help you develop strategies to address challenges in work or school settings, including time management, organisation, communication, and sensory sensitivities. Together, we’ll create approaches that help you thrive in these environments.
What can I expect during our sessions?
Sessions are typically conversation-based and may include active listening, collaborative problem-solving, exploring strategies, or working through guided activities. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where you can openly discuss your experiences, challenges, and progress.
How long will we work together?
The length of our work together depends on your goals and needs. Some people need short-term support for specific challenges, while others may prefer ongoing sessions for continued guidance. We regularly review your progress to determine the most appropriate level of support. You may also decide you would like to take a break at any point which can be helpful for reflecting on what you have achieved in occupational therapy and what you might like to achieve going forward.