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 and the gender-diverse community?
We have decided to narrow our focus to supporting neurodivergent women and the gender-diverse community because their experiences are often underrepresented or misunderstood. Social expectations, gender norms, and the unique ways neurodivergence can manifest in women and the gender-diverse community can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or a lack of support. By working specifically with this community, we can offer a safe, affirming space to address these challenges and empower you to embrace your neurodivergence.
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.
How do online appointments work?
All sessions are conducted online via phone or video call using Google Meets. This allows you to access services regardless of your location. Sessions are structured to be flexible and supportive, with conversation-based work that can include collaborative problem-solving, motivational interviewing, skill-building, and exploring coping strategies.
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 and documentation. Session frequency can be customised, but we typically recommend sessions every 2-4 weeks, depending on your needs and goals.
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, practicing grounding techniques, or 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 time management, organisation, prioritisation, planning and focus. We can help you create personalised strategies to improve these skills and support your daily tasks, whether at home, work, or in social settings.
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. 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, and creating tools to help you manage overwhelm, so you can feel more grounded and in control of your daily life.
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. 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.