Sam N

One of the things I love most about being an Occupational Therapist is that no two people, sessions or days are ever the same!

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There's a big problem-solving and creative side to OT that I really enjoy. I love getting to know people, understanding their strengths, interests and what matters to them, then working together to find ways to make everyday life a little easier or more meaningful.

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My Clinical Interests

I'm particularly passionate about supporting neurodivergent people across the lifespan.

I love helping people better understand themselves, their strengths and needs, and the 'why' behind some of the things they experience.

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I particularly enjoy working with adults around sensory processing, executive functioning and energy mapping.

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Parent consultation and coaching is another area I'm really passionate about. I love working alongside parents to better understand their child and find practical strategies that genuinely fit their family and everyday life.

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My Approach to Therapy

I'd describe my approach as relaxed, flexible and very person-led. I usually have a few ideas about what we might do during a session, but I don't like to plan too rigidly. I'd much rather be guided by the person in front of me, how they're feeling that day and what's important to them in that moment.

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Something that was relevant two weeks ago might not be what someone needs today, and that's completely okay!

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I'm also a big believer in coaching and collaboration. People are the experts in themselves, and parents know their children far better than I ever will. I bring my OT knowledge and ideas, and we work together to figure out what might actually help.

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For me, therapy should be useful beyond the hour we spend together. If someone leaves with a better understanding of themselves, or a parent feels more confident in supporting their child, that can make a difference across so much more of their week.

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My Favourite Therapy Activities and Resources

This really depends on who I'm working with! For sensory and play-based sessions, I love anything messy. Shaving cream, slime, sensory trays and painting are always favourites. The adjustable coloured lights in our therapy rooms also get plenty of use!

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For older clients, definitely a whiteboard. I mind map everything! I love being able to take thoughts and conversations out of our heads and put them somewhere we can see, organise and make sense of them.

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And of course, a gym ball or peanut ball! They can become bowling balls, cannonballs, steamrollers for squishes or even an alternative chair. There are so many possibilities.

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Something I Wish Everyone Knew About OT

Occupational Therapy doesn't have one particular 'look'. We're definitely not a one-size-fits-all profession, and what we do should depend on the person, their preferences, needs and what's important to them.

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Sometimes OT might look like messy sensory play or an obstacle course. Other times it might involve sitting on a couch having a conversation, cooking a meal, mapping something out on a whiteboard or working alongside a parent. We get to know the person first and go from there.

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Before Your First Session

There are no big goals or expectations for your first session with me. It's really just an opportunity for us to meet each other, start getting to know one another and make me a little less of a stranger!

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You don't need to arrive ready to jump straight into therapy. If you leave that first session feeling a little more comfortable and with a better idea of what your OT journey might look like, I consider that a win!

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