Mental Health Occupational Therapy

Living with mental health challenges can make daily life feel overwhelming. We offer a unique approach to mental health support that focuses on practical strategies to help you thrive in your everyday life.

What is Mental Health Occupational Therapy?

Mental Health Occupational Therapy helps individuals with mental health conditions improve their ability to participate in daily activities and lead fulfilling lives. Our approach focuses on:


We believe that engaging in purposeful activities is essential for mental health and wellbeing. Our goal is to help you reconnect with the activities that bring meaning and satisfaction to your life.

Who Can We Help

Our Mental Health Occupational Therapy service is designed for adults aged 18-65 who are dealing with a range of mental health challenges, including:


We provide personalised care that addresses your specific mental health needs, helping you to regain control, build resilience, and find joy in your daily activities. Our approach considers how your mental health impacts your daily functioning and works to improve your overall quality of life.


Mental Health Support for Mothers

We also recognise the unique mental health challenges that mothers face during pregnancy and postpartum periods. Our Mental Health Occupational Therapy services extend to supporting women experiencing perinatal mental health conditions, including:

Postnatal depression

Perinatal anxiety

Postnatal OCD

Postpartum psychosis

Perinatal adjustment disorders


For mothers seeking specialised support tailored to the demands of parenthood, we offer a dedicated Maternal Occupational Therapy service. This service combines our mental health expertise with strategies specifically designed to address the unique challenges of motherhood. 


Learn more about our Maternal Occupational Therapy service >

Our Approach

We go beyond traditional therapy approaches:


Benefits

Choosing Mental Health Occupational Therapy at Lifeworks OT can lead to significant improvements in your daily life:


How We Complement Other Mental Health Services

Mental Health Occupational Therapy works hand-in-hand with other mental health services to provide comprehensive care:


Mental Health OT and Clinical Psychology

While clinical psychologists focus on therapeutic interventions to address thought patterns and emotional responses, occupational therapists concentrate on how these mental health challenges affect your daily life and activities. We complement psychological therapy by:


Mental Health OT and Counselling Services

Counselling services offer valuable emotional support and a space to explore personal issues. Our occupational therapy services build on this by:


By working with both a Mental Health Occupational Therapist and other mental health professionals, you receive a well-rounded approach to care that addresses both your emotional needs and practical daily challenges.


What to Expect

When you choose Lifeworks OT for mental health support, you can expect:


Examples on How Mental Health Occupational Therapy Can Help

Sarah's Story: Overcoming Anxiety to Return to WorkSarah, a 32-year-old office worker, developed severe anxiety after a period of burnout. She struggled to leave her house and couldn't imagine returning to work. Her occupational therapist worked with her to:
  • Develop a gradual exposure plan, starting with short walks around the block
  • Create a structured daily routine to build confidence and reduce anxiety
  • Practice time-management and stress-reduction techniques for the workplace
  • Collaborate with her employer on a phased return-to-work plan

After three months of therapy, Sarah successfully returned to part-time work and was managing her anxiety effectively in daily life.
Michael's Journey: Managing Depression Through Meaningful ActivitiesMichael, a 45-year-old teacher, was struggling with depression following a divorce. He had lost interest in his hobbies and was finding it hard to engage with his students. His occupational therapist helped him:
  • Identify activities that once brought him joy and find ways to re-engage with them
  • Establish a self-care routine, including regular exercise and healthy meal planning
  • Develop strategies to manage energy levels throughout the school day
  • Set small, achievable goals to rebuild his confidence

Over time, Michael rediscovered his passion for photography, improved his classroom engagement, and reported feeling more positive about his life.
Emma's Progress: Adapting to Life with Depression and Chronic PainEmma, a 28-year-old with depression and fibromyalgia, was struggling to balance her health needs with her desire to be a hands-on mum to her young children. Her occupational therapist worked with her to:
  • Redesign her home environment to reduce physical and mental strain
  • Develop energy conservation techniques for essential daily tasks
  • Create a flexible routine that accommodated her low mood and pain fluctuations
  • Explore adaptive ways to engage in activities with her children

With these strategies, Emma felt more in control of her condition and was able to participate more fully in family life.
David's Story: Building Social Connections Despite PTSDDavid, a 50-year-old veteran with PTSD, was isolating himself from friends and family. His occupational therapist helped him:
  • Identify triggers in social situations and develop coping strategies
  • Practice grounding techniques to use when feeling overwhelmed
  • Gradually increase social engagement through structured activities
  • Find a local veterans' support group and prepare for attending meetings

Over six months, David was able to reconnect with old friends and felt more comfortable in social settings, significantly improving his quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions


Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you have more questions or are ready to explore how mental health occupational therapy can support you, we're here to help. Contact us today to book an initial consultation or to speak with one of our experienced therapists.

Remember, taking that first step towards support is a sign of strength. We're here to walk alongside you on your journey to improved mental health and daily functioning.