Occupational therapy

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Practical and emotional support to help you build confidence, manage daily life, and move towards recovery.
Practical and emotional support to help you build confidence, manage daily life, and move towards recovery.

What is occupational therapy?

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Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on the everyday activities that can feel difficult when you are experiencing an eating disorder.

This might include eating regularly, shopping for food, managing anxiety, looking after yourself, returning to education or work, rebuilding confidence, or taking part in social and leisure activities.

At SYEDA, our Occupational Therapist works alongside you to understand what matters most to you and create realistic, manageable goals.

Occupational Therapy is currently available in Sheffield (in person) and wider South Yorkshire online.

Occupational Therapy has reduced my stress around food in a way I thought was impossible. I feel happier in my skin and my life, and I’m hopeful about the future.

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Occupational therapy can support with:

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  • Meal planning and food preparation
  • Food shopping anxiety
  • Self-care and routines
  • Independent living skills
  • Leisure and enjoyment
  • Social confidence and relationships
  • Stress and anxiety management
  • Education and employment goals
Woman patiently listening

What to expect

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Your Occupational Therapist will talk with you about the areas you would like support with. Together, you may work on goals such as:

  • Feeling more confident shopping for food.
  • Eating in public.
  • Attending groups or activities.
  • Rebuilding routines.
  • Returning to study or work.
  • Finding enjoyable activities again.

Support is collaborative, with goals tailored to your needs and paced in a manageable way.

Sessions may take place at SYEDA or in the community, depending on your goals.

Counsellor talking with a female client

How to access occupational therapy

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Occupational therapy can be offered following an assessment. If you think it may be helpful, please complete our self-referral form and review our referral criteria.

If you are unsure, you are welcome to contact us to talk things through.

I only wish more people like me who struggle with disordered eating as a result of a lifetime of dieting knew this help was available. Thank you so much for your care.