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Occupational Therapy

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Occupational therapy services at Healthy Balance Holistic Health Group are provided by Kayla Warren, a registered occupational therapist and the owner of an independent practice operating under her name. Kayla sees clients ages 11 and up with diverse abilities, including but not limited to neurodivergent individuals. Her practice emphasizes neurodivergent-affirming care and integrates both evidence-based approaches and lived experience. In addition to direct therapy, she offers consultation services to support accessibility, inclusion, and well-being. She provides in-clinic, virtual, and community-based services, and does not require formal diagnosis, to ensure accessible and personalized care for every client.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a holistic, client-centered profession dedicated to promoting participation in meaningful daily activities, such as self-care, leisure, household management, education, and employment. Occupational therapists analyze a person’s physical, mental, spiritual, and environmental strengths, as well as the barriers they face, to develop tailored strategies that support their unique context and goals. This approach fosters autonomy, well-being, and equitable opportunities for participation in society.

Mental Health Services

Mental health is a crucial foundation for engaging in meaningful activities and maintaining overall quality of life. Mental health is not just the absence of illness but the ability to cope with stress, build relationships, and participate in daily life with purpose and fulfillment. Occupational therapy takes a strengths-based, person-centered approach to mental health by promoting emotional resilience, self-regulation, and adaptive strategies for managing stress, burnout, and life transitions. Through meaningful activity and environmental adaptation, individuals can develop skills and routines that foster balance, autonomy, and sustained well-being.

Autistic Burnout Recovery

Autistic burnout is a profound and often debilitating experience that goes beyond typical exhaustion. It is the result of prolonged masking, sensory overload, and navigating environments that do not meet an individual’s needs. This state is characterized by chronic physical, cognitive, and social fatigue, increased sensory sensitivity, and a decline in executive functioning skills, making daily life overwhelming. Recovery requires more than just rest—it involves reducing demands, creating sensory-safe environments, and reconnecting with authentic self-expression. Occupational therapy takes a neurodivergent-affirming, identity-based approach to identifying burnout, developing sustainable recovery strategies, implementing accommodations, and fostering self-advocacy to prevent recurrence.

Sensory Modulation and Interoception

Sensory well-being acknowledges the intricate connection between the body, mind, and environment. Sensory modulation is the ability to regulate and respond to sensory input in a way that supports daily activities and overall well-being. When sensory overload occurs—whether due to overwhelming stimuli or challenges with filtering input—it can impact focus, emotional regulation, and participation in meaningful activities. Interoception, the awareness of internal bodily states like hunger, pain, or emotions, plays a key role in self-regulation. By developing personalized sensory safety strategies and building interoceptive awareness, individuals can better navigate their environments, reduce distress, and foster a greater sense of balance and autonomy. In addition to individualized assessment and services, consultation is available for sensory education, and navigating sensory mismatches.

Life Skills Assessment and Development

Occupational therapy supports individuals in developing autonomy while recognizing that independence looks different for everyone. Life skills development is approached from a non-judgmental, autonomy-based lens, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate level of support based on their personal goals and abilities. These skills may include hygiene, home maintenance, meal preparation, money management, navigating public transportation, grocery shopping, and engaging in leisure activities. Services may be provided in-home, in-clinic, in-community, virtually, or through a blended approach based on individual needs.

School and Workplace Accommodations

Individual accommodations ensure that people have the tools and support needed to fully participate in educational and professional environments. Occupational therapy helps identify and implement accommodations that remove barriers, making learning and working spaces more inclusive and sustainable. Consultation is also available for schools and businesses for accessibility, universal design, and neuro-inclusive practices.

Ergonomic Assessment

Workplace and daily activities should support physical well-being, not contribute to injury or discomfort. Occupational therapy focuses on optimizing body mechanics, proper equipment use, and ergonomic design to reduce the risk of strain and injury. This may include workstation setup, energy conservation strategies, task modification, adaptive tools, and movement-based approaches to prevent musculoskeletal issues and enhance overall function in both work and daily life.

Home Assessment and Adaptations

By enhancing accessibility, usability, safety, and comfort, home assessments support individuals in optimizing their living environments to promote independence and well-being. Assessments consider physical, cognitive, sensory, and environmental factors, identifying barriers and recommending solutions such as adaptive equipment, assistive technology, home modifications, or advocating for additional home support. Recommendations are tailored to individual needs and may address fall prevention, mobility support, energy conservation, and sensory regulation. Home assessments are typically conducted in-person to observe daily activity performance within the environment, with virtual assessments available in select cases. In addition to individualized assessments, consultation is available for universal design principles, aging in place, and sensory-friendly spaces to create inclusive, supportive home environments.

Disability Tax Credit Assessment

Occupational therapists can complete disability tax credit assessments related to walking, feeding, and dressing. Completion does not guarantee approval by the Canada Revenue Agency, but provides an opportunity to assess abilities, document functional challenges, and recommend interventions for clients and families.

For more Information: If you think you would benefit from occupational therapy services, please reach out to schedule a complimentary 25-minute virtual consultation. This consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your needs, explore available services, and determine the best path forward in a supportive, judgment-free environment. There is no obligation to book a session following the consultation.

Receipts will be provided for insurance reimbursement or tax purposes. Occupational therapy services may be covered under extended health benefits; please consult your insurance provider for details on coverage. Direct billing is available for select insurance providers.

 

Kayla

6 Duffy Place, Suite A, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada, A1B 4M5

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