The Role of Occupational Therapy in Supporting Mental Wellbeing

Just like how everyone has physical health, we all have mental health and wellbeing — and at different times in life, it can be more positive or more challenging. Occupational Therapy can play a significant role in helping people maintain positive mental health and adapt to the everyday stressors.

How Occupational Therapy can help

Occupational Therapists (OTs) focus on supporting people to participate in the everyday activities that bring meaning and purpose to their lives. This includes routines, relationships, work, hobbies, and self-care. When mental health becomes a barrier to participation, OTs use evidence-based strategies to promote wellbeing and restore confidence.

Key benefits of Occupational Therapy in mental health include:

• Routine and structure: Supporting the development of consistent routines to encourage habit formation.
• Emotional regulation: Developing strategies to manage emotions and respond to stress more effectively.
• Community engagement: Encouraging participation in social and recreational activities to reduce isolation.
• Self-care support: Supporting individuals in managing sleep, hygiene and energy levels.
• Sensory regulation: Using sensory strategies to support focus, calmness, or alertness throughout the day.
• Goal setting: Working towards meaningful goals to build motivation, confidence, and a sense of achievement.

At Kirinari Health, our Occupational Therapists work alongside each client to create personalised therapy plans tailored to their goals, challenges, and interests.

Therapy may include:

• Functional assessments to identify strengths and barriers
• Support to build daily living skills and routines
• Graded exposure to help return to valued activities
• Assistive technology or environmental changes to increase independence
• Collaboration with support networks, including family and support workers

Promoting resilience and independence

Occupational Therapy plays a unique role in promoting mental wellbeing by focusing not just on symptoms, but on how a person engages in life. Therapy supports people to manage mental health conditions in practical ways — building habits, structure, and confidence to live independently and meaningfully.

Supporting life transitions and personal recovery

Mental health can shift throughout different stages of life or during times of change — like moving house, losing a job, experiencing grief, or managing illness. Our Occupational Therapists work alongside you to navigate these transitions in a supportive and empowering way. We focus on building from your existing strengths and strategies and introducing new approaches if needed. Whether you’re returning to school, re-entering the workforce, or reconnecting with a favourite hobby, we’re here to walk the journey with you — at your pace, and on your terms.