Total Occupational Therapy
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
Established by Toni Whipper, Total Occupational Therapy provides client centred and strength based Occupational Therapy services for clients of all ages in the Southern Highlands, NSW.
Toni has over 25 years’ experience as an Occupational Therapist having worked with children and adults in Early Intervention, Schools, Government Disability Services, Mental Health Services, and Community Based Services.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy is the therapeutic use of self-care, work (includes school work and learning) and play activities (includes motor skills) to increase independent function, and facilitate the development of skills to attain personal life goals. Occupational Therapists use a wide knowledge base and a variety of therapeutic techniques to assist children, young adults and adults by developing an individualised, functional and activity-based program to target their emotional, cognitive, sensory and physical needs.
Total Occupational Therapy uses an integrative practise model. An Integrative Practise utilises evidence-informed frameworks that are based in neuroscience to influence therapeutic outcomes mindfully and intentionally within a clinical reasoned therapeutic approach.
Our therapeutic approach
Therapeutic approaches at Total Occupational Therapy include:
- Strengths Based, Ethical, Neurodiversity Affirming Practices.
- Sensory Integration.
- Developmental Based approaches.
- Dynamic Systems Theory (addresses the processof change and development, rather than developmental outcomes).
- Occupational Science.
- Polyvagal Theory.
- Brain-Body Parenting.
Our Services
PAEDIATRIC
Total Occupational Therapy provides a service for children, young people and their families experiencing challenges associated with Autism, ADHD, Learning Difficulties, Sensory Processing challenges, Social Emotional Differences and other disabilities that disrupt development, family life and the child’s ability to participate in everyday tasks and activities.
Occupational Therapy Services for children include:
Help children achieve their developmental milestones such as fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination to help with play, school or independent skills (e.g. throwing a ball, getting dressed, holding a pen or utensil)
Educate and collaborate with parents, carers, teachers and others to facilitate the development and learning of children
Help children learn everyday tasks (such as toileting. bathing, getting dressed, brushing their teeth, and feeding themselves)
Emotional Regulation Support children and parent/carers to identify triggers for emotional dysregulation and learn strategies for regulation. Assist parents to develop skills that support their child’s emotional and social development.
Executive Function Strategies to address challenges with planning, organising, memory, attention and motivation which can affect learning and impact on participation at school and home.
ADULTS
Total Occupational Therapy provides a service for adults whose functional capacity to engage in meaningful and enjoyable life activities is disrupted due to psycho-social or physical disability. We work with clients to assist them identify their strengths, support needs and lifestyle goals.
Occupational Therapy Services for adults include:
ADL and Functional Needs Assessments Comprehensive in-home assessment to assist in identifying needs and support requirements with respect to Activities of Daily Living and Functional Capacity to achieve identified life goals.
Assistive Technology (AT) Assessment and Equipment Prescription Assessment, trial and prescription of equipment needs ranging from low cost / low risk solutions to complex wheelchair and seating.
Minor and Major Home Modifications Consultation and opinion regarding the need for minor home modifications such as grab rails, threshold ramps and hand held showers.
SIL and SDA Assessments Comprehensive OT functional assessments to assist in the application for Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funding through NDIS.
Daily Living Skills Training Occupational Therapy support to assist in the development of daily living skills such as meal preparation, budgeting, developing and implementing daily routines, using public transport and developing work skills.