An intoduction to OT Coaching

What is OT Coaching?

At its heart, OT coaching is about helping you navigate the complexities of daily life with greater ease and purpose. Unlike traditional occupational therapy, which often focuses on rehabilitation after an injury or illness, OT coaching is more proactive and preventative. It’s also distinct from general life coaching because it’s rooted in the occupational therapy framework. This means it specifically considers how your daily activities, roles, and environment impact your well-being.

The “OT lens” is truly what makes OT coaching unique. It’s a way of looking at life through the interconnectedness of:

• Habits: The automatic behaviors we do every day that can either serve or hinder us.
• Roles: The different hats we wear in life – parent, employee, friend, artist, etc.
• Routines: The sequences of activities that structure our days.
• Environment: Our physical and social surroundings and how they influence us.
• Meaningful Activity: The things we do that bring us joy, purpose, and a sense of accomplishment.

An OT coach helps you explore how these elements interact in your life and how you can intentionally shape them to better support your goals and well-being.

Who is OT Coaching for?

OT coaching is for anyone feeling a bit stuck, overwhelmed, or simply yearning for a more fulfilling life. It’s particularly helpful for:

• Neurodivergent adults: Providing tailored strategies for navigating daily challenges, managing energy, and embracing unique strengths.
• Burnout recovery: Helping individuals rediscover balance, set healthy boundaries and reignite their passion for life and work.
• Workplace challenges: Developing strategies for managing stress, improving productivity, and fostering a more supportive work environment.
• Life transitions: Guiding individuals through significant changes like career shifts, becoming a new parent, or adjusting to an empty nest.
• Those seeking greater well-being: For anyone who wants to enhance their daily routines, cultivate meaningful activities and build a more resilient and joyful life.

Real-world examples of goals supported by OT Coaching:

Imagine an OT coach supporting someone in these real-life scenarios:

• “I want to create a morning routine that actually energises me.” An OT coach would explore current habits, identify what’s truly meaningful in the morning, and help design a sustainable routine that supports the individual’s energy levels and goals.
• “I’m feeling overwhelmed and constantly procrastinating at work.” The coach might help identify environmental factors, explore current work habits and develop strategies for managing tasks, setting boundaries, and reducing distractions.
• “I’m struggling to balance my new role as a parent with my personal interests.” An OT coach would work with the individual to prioritise roles, find small pockets of time for meaningful activities, and build routines that integrate both responsibilities and personal well-being.
• “As a neurodivergent adult, I want to develop strategies for better managing sensory input in my daily life.” The coach would collaborate to understand specific sensory needs, explore environmental modifications, and develop coping strategies that promote comfort and function.

OT coaching offers a gentle yet powerful path toward greater well-being. It’s about building a life that truly fits you, allowing you to thrive in all your roles and activities, and finding deeper meaning in your everyday. If you’re ready to explore a compassionate and personalized approach to enhancing your life, OT coaching might be just what you’re looking for.