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Unraveling the Complexities of Functional Neurological Disorder: Insights from a Masterclass

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a challenging condition that has gained increased attention in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 23, 2024, I had the privilege of attending a masterclass titled “Working with Functional Neurological Disorder: Current Diagnostic and Treatment Approaches,” presented by Dr. Vance Locke, a clinical psychologist from the University of Western Australia, and Mr. Rowan Pearce, a senior physiotherapist and head of the Complex Care Clinic at Western Kids Health. The seminar, organized by the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy, shed light on the latest developments in diagnosing and treating FND, providing valuable insights for practitioners working with individuals affected by this condition. The Growing Importance of FND: Dr. Locke and Mr. Pearce began by discussing the increasing prevalence of FND, which has become more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. They highlighted potential links betwe...
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Supporting Mental Wellness Together: The Role of Occupational Therapists in Fostering Community Connection

Written by Marli Groenveld Occupational therapists (OTs) provide a unique perspective within the field of mental health, acting as catalysts for recovery and enhancers of life quality for individuals navigating diverse challenges. This year, we celebrated Occupational Therapy (OT) Week with the theme “Unity Through Community”, which resonates strongly with OT. Mental health OTs recognize the pivotal role of community connection in fostering mental well-being and tailor interventions to empower individuals to actively participate in their communities. Here are some ways OTs contribute to supporting mental wellness through community engagement: 1. Community Resource Referrals: OTs assess clients’ needs and connect them to relevant local community resources and support services. This ensures a holistic approach to mental health, addressing not only individual challenges but also the broader social context. 2. Volunteer and Work Opportunities: Assisting clients in identify...
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Revolutionising Pain Management: Discover Scrambler Therapy at Lifeworks Occupational Therapy

Lifeworks Occupational Therapy is proud to offer innovative solutions for pain management, including Scrambler Therapy. Scrambler Therapy is a non-invasive electrical neuromodulation technique that has shown remarkable results in relieving chronic neuropathic pain and cancer pain. Unlike traditional methods, Scrambler Therapy is drug-free and has minimal side-effects. Each Scrambler Therapy session is tailored to the individual’s pain experience, ensuring targeted and effective relief. Clients often report improved mobility, sleep, and overall function following Scrambler Therapy. It is important to note that Scrambler Therapy has no known side effects, but there are contraindications that will be assessed during a comprehensive evaluation to ensure suitability for each individual. If you have patients who could benefit from our Pain Care Occupational Therapy services, including Scrambler Therapy, please feel free to contact our friendly admin team at (08) 7082 0622 or via email a...
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Coping with Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be a challenging condition to navigate, often accompanied by various physical and emotional difficulties. One common symptom that individuals with hearing loss experience is tinnitus, a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears or head without any external source. This bothersome symptom can disrupt sleep, cause anxiety, and significantly impact daily life and overall well-being. Additionally, the diagnosis of hearing loss itself can bring about considerable anxiety. However, as mental health occupational therapists, we are equipped to help individuals understand the relationship between anxiety, tinnitus, and the nervous system. We offer a range of strategies, including cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness, sensory modulation, and stress management, to assist individuals in coping with these challenges. Changes in roles and activities One of the significant changes that individuals with hearing loss may face is the alteration of their roles and activities....
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How to Help Your Patients with Trauma: Understanding the Role of Occupational Therapy

As a health professional, providing the best care is of utmost importance, especially when it comes to individuals experiencing trauma. Symptoms of trauma may manifest as flashbacks, nightmares, uncontrollable thoughts, feelings of fear, helplessness, guilt, anxiety, sadness, mood swings, behaviour changes, difficulty coping, and physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, fatigue, racing heart, sweating, or feeling jumpy. Lifeworks Occupational Therapy has established a solid foundation for assisting individuals with trauma in improving their quality of life. The 3 R’s Model: Regulate, Relate, Reason You may be familiar with the simple 3 R’s model used in the education system – Regulate, Relate, Reason. Occupational Therapists (OTs) employ this model in various ways to build and enhance function in individuals who have experienced trauma. Regulate: One of the most challenging skills for individuals with trauma, particularly complex trauma, is the ability to...
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ADHD: How can an occupational therapist help?

Thanks to apps like Tik Tok, there has been a significantly increased awareness of neurodivergent conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, leading to more adults seeking a diagnosis. As occupational therapists, we are passionate about helping people to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. We have been seeing a greater number of people with ADHD seeking OT for assistance with developing routines, managing their symptoms, and getting important things done. Here are several ways OTs can support people with ADHD: Exploring strategies for improving executive function such as timers, diaries, and environmental modifications Setting up the environment to reduce distractions and improve performance Developing routines Providing psychoeducation on why their brain is the way it is (ADHD is essentially difficulty in regulating attention) Provide strategies on emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness Explore assistive technology such as noise-cancelling headphone...
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​​Improving Sleep Quality: A Holistic Approach to Well-being

Sleep is a fundamental aspect of our lives that plays a crucial role in supporting our physical, emotional, and cognitive health. At Lifeworks Occupational Therapy, we understand the profound impact that sleep-related challenges can have on overall functioning and quality of life. That’s why we have developed an approach to sleep management that is rooted in individualisation and evidence-based interventions. When it comes to addressing sleep disturbances, we take a meticulous approach. We carefully assess the factors that may be contributing to sleep difficulties and collaborate with our clients to devise tailored strategies aimed at improving overall sleep quality. Our interventions encompass a spectrum of techniques, including meaningful and purposeful activities, creating a soothing environment, and lifestyle interventions. Meaningful and Purposeful Activities (Occupations): We work closely with individuals to integrate calming activities into their daily routines before bedti...
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