Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist in Mental Health
079353 80804
michelleknowles.otherapist@gmail.com
About Me
Michelle is a Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist in Mental Health with extensive experience helping individuals transform their mental wellness through practical, holistic approaches. As the founder of Soul Priority, she’s designed a consultation process based on evidence-based occupational therapy principles and years of direct client work.
Michelle is a dedicated and hardworking individual with an unwavering ambition to help others reach new heights. Just like a wolf’s courageous spirit, she fearlessly tackles challenges and relentlessly pursues meaningful change. What truly sets her apart is her passion for exploring and nurturing what makes people feel alive and truly worthy.
Michelle is driven by a deep desire to empower and uplift others to find their own sense of purpose and fulfilment. She brings the spirit of determination and the heart of a compassionate visionary to every consultation.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping individuals of all ages regain or develop the necessary skills to participate in daily activities and roles, which are referred to as “occupations.” These occupations include self-care activities, work, leisure, and play. Occupational therapists work with individuals who have physical, cognitive, emotional, or developmental challenges that affect their ability to engage in these activities.
The importance of occupational therapy lies in its holistic and client-centred approach to improving an individual’s quality of life and independence. Occupational therapy is crucial for several reasons:
- Enhancing Quality of Life
Occupational therapists help individuals regain the skills and confidence needed to perform daily activities and participate in their communities, ultimately improving their overall quality of life. - Promoting Independence
Occupational therapy enables people to regain independence and autonomy, even when facing physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. - Rehabilitation and Recovery
Occupational therapy plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process, helping individuals recover from health conditions and reintegrate into their daily lives. - Mental Health
Occupational therapists work with individuals struggling with mental health issues, helping them manage symptoms, build coping strategies, and engage in meaningful activities. - Adaptive Strategies
Occupational therapists recommend and teach the use of adaptive mechanisms and management strategies to facilitate engagement in daily activities.
Overall, occupational therapy empowers individuals to overcome barriers and challenges, promoting their wellbeing and participation in activities that bring them joy and fulfilment
Focus Areas
Michelle works with adults experiencing a range of mental health challenges, including:
- Anxiety and Mood Disorders
Generalised anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, social anxiety. Focus on coping strategies, stress management, and stabilising daily functioning. - Trauma
Trauma-informed care to help rebuild safety, routine, and trust in daily life. - OCD
Practical techniques and exposure-based strategies to reduce the impact of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours on everyday life. - Eating Disorders
Addressing the practical, emotional, and cognitive dimensions of anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder. - ADHD
Understanding and managing ADHD in relation to daily activities, through individual, group, or family sessions as appropriate.
If your situation doesn’t appear above, get in touch. Michelle works across a wide range of presentations and will be honest about whether occupational therapy is the right fit.
Accreditations
RCOT Registration Number: BT00869741
Royal College of Occupational Therapists
HCPC Registration Number: OT82254
Certified by the Health and Care Professions Council
Regulated, Accountable, Professional