Trauma and Its Disruptive Impact on Daily Function
Trauma isn’t just something that happens in the mind—it affects the body, behaviour, and ability to engage in daily life. Individuals who have experienced trauma may struggle with everyday tasks like personal care, work responsibilities, or social interaction. An occupational therapist plays a critical role in helping people restore function and regain a sense of safety, purpose, and control.
Why Occupational Therapy Is Essential in Trauma Recovery
Occupational therapists (OTs) offer trauma-informed support that targets both psychological and functional recovery. They look beyond symptoms, focusing on how trauma disrupts sleep, routines, movement, and relationships. By working with an OT, individuals can develop coping strategies, rebuild daily routines, and rediscover meaningful activity—paving the way for long-term healing and emotional wellbeing.
The Unique Approach of Occupational Therapy in Trauma Care
Unlike other mental health interventions, occupational therapy takes a practical, function-first approach. Trauma can interfere with core daily activities such as sleep, eating, personal hygiene, and social interaction. OTs collaborate with clients to set achievable goals tailored to their real-world environments. This may include establishing healthy routines, integrating sensory regulation strategies, improving focus at work or school, and rebuilding trust in social settings. Importantly, trauma-informed OTs focus on empowerment and choice, helping clients feel safe and in control. They also assess environments for triggers and create supportive, structured spaces that reduce distress and encourage participation.
A Trauma-Informed Lens in Occupational Therapy
Trauma-informed care is central to modern occupational therapy practice. This means that OTs understand how trauma affects brain function, behaviour, and emotional regulation. A trauma-informed OT uses empathy, predictability, and choice to ensure therapy does not retraumatise the individual. This is especially crucial when working with veterans, survivors of abuse, or individuals experiencing PTSD, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation.
How Occupational Therapists Help Heal from Trauma
At Mental Health OT Australia, we understand that trauma recovery is not linear—and certainly not one-size-fits-all. Our trauma-informed occupational therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based support that’s grounded in each person’s lived experience and everyday reality.
Rebuilding Daily Routines After Trauma
Trauma can throw daily structure into chaos. Whether sleep becomes disrupted, motivation to get dressed fades, or social interaction feels impossible, occupational therapists assist individuals in re-establishing stability. This might include creating a morning routine, breaking down tasks into manageable steps, and using tools like visual schedules or timers to promote consistency.
For those needing broader mental health support in their day-to-day lives, our occupational therapy for adults program is tailored to support emotional regulation, confidence, and re-engagement with meaningful activities.
Addressing Emotional and Sensory Dysregulation
Trauma often leads to emotional overwhelm and sensory sensitivities. This can make public spaces, loud environments, or even bright lights triggering. Occupational therapists help clients identify their personal triggers and introduce practical tools for regulation. These might include breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and sensory kits designed for calming or alerting responses.
OTs may also recommend sensory-friendly modifications in the home or workplace. This is part of what makes our approach unique: we support clients to feel safe and empowered not just in therapy, but in the spaces they live and work.
Practical Skill-Building with Emotional Awareness
In trauma recovery, it’s not enough to talk about how someone feels—there must be space for action. Occupational therapists guide clients to build emotional resilience through skill-based learning. This can range from meal planning to managing finances, from scheduling appointments to returning to employment or study.
Many clients benefit from a functional assessment to help determine current strengths and challenges in daily functioning. From there, a customised treatment plan is created to target meaningful improvements.
Trauma Recovery for All Ages and Life Stages
Trauma can affect anyone—children, adults, and the elderly. At Mental Health OT Australia, we offer trauma-informed support across the lifespan. Our services are adaptable for individuals living with co-existing mental health conditions, disability, or complex needs.
We also work closely with veterans through our DVA occupational therapy services, offering targeted care that honours lived military experience and the unique challenges that may follow.
Meet Bita Farhani: Leading Trauma-Informed Occupational Therapy
Bita Farhani is the principal occupational therapist at Mental Health OT Australia. With years of experience supporting individuals through mental health challenges, Bita brings a compassionate, client-centred approach to trauma recovery. Her philosophy is rooted in empowerment, and she is known for helping clients move from overwhelm and isolation to confidence and meaningful participation in life.
Is Occupational Therapy Right for You?
If you or someone you love is finding it difficult to manage day-to-day tasks due to trauma, occupational therapy could be the right step forward. Trauma doesn’t just affect the mind—it touches every part of life. Working with a skilled OT can bring clarity, tools, and structure that support healing and long-term wellbeing.
You don’t have to do this alone. Reach out to Mental Health OT Australia to learn more about how we can help. 📞 Call us on 0406107775 or 📧 email Info@mentalhealthotaustralia.com. You can also visit our contact page to request an appointment.
FAQs
1. What does an occupational therapist do for trauma?
Occupational therapists use trauma-informed strategies to support individuals in rebuilding routines, regulating emotions, and improving functional skills. They provide practical tools for managing symptoms and help clients regain confidence in daily life.
2. Is occupational therapy effective for PTSD?
Yes, occupational therapy is an evidence-based support for PTSD. It focuses on real-life skills, sensory regulation, and establishing predictable routines—each of which plays a role in trauma recovery and emotional stability.
3. How is occupational therapy different from counselling?
While counselling focuses on talk therapy and emotional exploration, occupational therapy addresses how trauma affects day-to-day functioning. OTs help clients set goals, build skills, and make adjustments to their environment to support recovery.
4. Can I access occupational therapy near me for trauma?
Absolutely. If you’re seeking local support, our team of OTs offers both in-person and telehealth services, making trauma-informed care accessible wherever you are.
Whether you’re navigating PTSD, emotional dysregulation, or the daily disruptions trauma brings, occupational therapy offers a path forward—practical, personalised, and grounded in healing.
Explore how Mental Health OT Australia can support your recovery journey today.
