Occupational Therapy

When is occupational therapy used as a treatment for PTSD as opposed to other treatment methods?

Occupational therapy interventions can be used to treat PTSD in conjunction with psychological treatment or as a stand-alone intervention

Wayfound Mental Health Group occupational therapists are trained as mental health practitioners with a holistic approach. This means, your occupational therapist will address how the symptoms of an operational stress injury may have interfered with an your everyday functioning; including interpersonal relationships, engagement in valued activities, community reintegration, and workplace functioning

Indicators you may benefit from occupational therapy to treat operational stress injury (OSI):

• Difficulty completing your previously typical routines and habits due to OSI symptoms

• Desire to develop healthier habits and routines to manage OSI symptoms

• Experiencing chronic pain in addition to OSI

• Avoiding activities you previously participated in due to discomfort and/or anxiety

• Struggling to leave your house

• Physical and/or cognitive injuries compound your OSI

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

• Requiring additional support returning to work

• Transitioning from your role as public service personnel to retirement and/or alternative position

Our occupational therapists are trained as mental health practitioners and use a holistic approach. Particularly, our occupational therapists are trained to address the impact of OSI on daily functioning, such as relationships, activities, community reintegration, and work.

• Prolonged exposure therapy

• Behavioral activation

• Cognitive behavioral therapy

• Acceptance and commitment therapy

• Chronic pain intervention

• Skills training

• Gradual return to work planning

• Home assessment and modification

• Case management

Steps to becoming an OT client

Step One: Determine Your Coverage

• If you are a client covered under Worker’s Compensation Board or Veteran’s Affairs Canada, you can discuss a referral to an OT provider with your Case Manager. The Case Manager can send the referral to reception@wayfound.ca

• If your insurance plan covers occupational therapy, request a referral from you family physician and/or treating psychologist. The referral can be sent to reception@wayfound.ca

• If you do not have coverage, you can self-refer to OT services at paid wage of $150/hour by contacting Wayfound reception or visiting Edmonton Wayfound Mental Health Clinic.

Step Two: Occupational Therapy Assessment

• Once you have been referred for occupational therapy services, you will meet with a Wayfound Occupational Therapist for an initial assessment to determine your treatment needs and plan

Who are OTs?

Occupational therapists are regulated health care professionals who work with individuals facing challenges to engage with occupations that are meaningful to them. Occupational therapists understand mental health in the context of the mind, body, and spirit, as well as the interactions between each individual, their environment, and their occupations.

Occupational therapists have training to use psychotherapeutic approaches selected with each person to best address their needs, with a focus on helping a personal develop skills and strategies to get back to managing their day to day activities and being able to engage in activities that they find meaningful.

What is an occupation?

Occupations extend far beyond our ability to go to work. Occupation encompasses an activity that holds meaning to each person. This can include many different things! Including the ability to take of our self, our families, and engage in the community.

How do occupational therapists help?

There are many different ways occupational therapist can assist an individual improve their well-being. Below are a few examples:

• Work with individuals to better understand the impact of mental illness

• Support individuals identify their strengths to overcome barriers

• Teach practical ways to cope with the effects of mental illness

• Identifying effective strategies to manage daily stress, work – life balance and develop resiliency

• Sleep hygiene and fatigue management strategies

• Support structure and balance in daily life so that each person can engage with what they want, need or are expected to do

• Assist with development of a positive sense of self, self-efficacy and confidence in daily activities, relationships and work

• Provide strategies to help reduce challenges with memory and attention

• Assess skills, interests, values, and strengths in order to help clients maintain, modify or find appropriate employment

• Facilitate the transition from worker readiness (at home/community), re-integration (work), to re-establishing resilience and sustainability at work.