What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is a practical, hands-on service that helps people of all ages build, regain, or maintain the skills they need for everyday life, whether that’s getting dressed, returning to work or school, managing routines, or staying independent at home.
It focuses on how physical, cognitive, and emotional factors impact day-to-day function, and provides tailored strategies, therapy, and support to improve confidence and participation. Whether recovering from injury, supporting a child’s development, or navigating ongoing challenges, occupational therapy is designed to help people get back to doing the things that matter most.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Babies & Toddlers (Under 3 Years)
Occupational therapy for babies and toddlers focuses on supporting early development, movement, sensory processing, feeding, sleep, play, and participation in everyday routines. Therapy is play-based and tailored to your child’s individual needs, helping families support developmental milestones while improving confidence and function at home and in daycare environments.
You may seek occupational therapy support if your child is experiencing:
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Delays with crawling, walking, coordination, or motor skills
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Feeding or sensory difficulties
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Trouble with sleep routines or emotional regulation
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Difficulty engaging in play or interacting with others
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Challenges tolerating movement, textures, touch, or noise
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Recovery following injury, concussion, or medical conditions
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Difficulty participating in daycare or daily routines
Pre-School Children (3–4 Years)
For pre-school aged children, occupational therapy helps support the skills needed for learning, play, emotional regulation, social interaction, coordination, and independence. Sessions are designed to identify challenges early and provide practical strategies to support development both at home and within early childhood education settings.
You may seek occupational therapy support if your child is experiencing:
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Difficulties with attention, listening, or following instructions
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Emotional regulation or behavioural challenges
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Sensory sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviours
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Delays with fine motor skills such as drawing, scissors, or using utensils
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Coordination or balance difficulties
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Challenges with toileting, dressing, or independence
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Difficulty engaging with peers or group environments
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Developmental concerns impacting school readiness
School-Aged Children & Teenagers (5–18 Years)
Occupational therapy for school-aged children and teenagers focuses on helping young people participate confidently in school, sports, social activities, and everyday life. Support may include sensory processing, emotional regulation, coordination, handwriting, attention, organisation, injury rehabilitation, and building independence. Therapy is tailored to the child’s goals and often involves collaboration with parents, teachers, and other healthcare professionals.
You may seek occupational therapy support for:
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Handwriting difficulties or trouble keeping up at school
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Challenges with focus, attention, organisation, or executive functioning
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Sensory processing difficulties affecting learning or behaviour
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Emotional regulation, anxiety, or difficulty coping with change
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Coordination difficulties, clumsiness, or dyspraxia
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Rehabilitation following concussion, injury, or surgery
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Fatigue management and return-to-school support
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Building independence with routines, study, or self-care tasks
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Social participation and confidence challenges
Adults
Occupational therapy for adults focuses on improving independence, function, and quality of life following injury, illness, concussion, chronic pain, or other physical and cognitive challenges. Therapy may involve rehabilitation, fatigue management, cognitive support, return-to-work strategies, home or workplace modifications, and practical tools to help individuals participate more comfortably and confidently in daily life.
You may seek occupational therapy support for:
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Concussion or traumatic brain injury recovery
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Chronic pain or fatigue management
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Difficulty returning to work following injury or illness
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Cognitive challenges such as memory, concentration, or organisation difficulties
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Reduced independence with daily tasks or routines
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Workplace or ergonomic assessments
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Stress management and activity pacing
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Home modifications or adaptive equipment recommendations
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Recovery following surgery, fractures, or medical conditions
Meet Our Occupational Therapist
Nina Lee Dockendorff
Occupational Therapist - Paediatric & Adults
MSc. Occupational Therapy
BSc. Counselling & Therapeutic Studies
I’m an Occupational Therapist with over 10 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and their families. My journey into this work began with a background in counselling, before being inspired by the impact of therapy during a family member’s stroke rehabilitation.
I’ve worked in paediatric community services in England and now in private practice in New Zealand, alongside experience supporting adolescents and adults through ACC services. This has given me a broad understanding of how to support people across all stages of life, whether that’s early development, school-age challenges, or recovery and adjustment in adulthood.
My approach is collaborative, practical, and tailored to each person or family I work with.
With children and adolescents, I use play-based and engaging approaches to support skill development, emotional regulation, and participation in everyday activities, at home, school, and in the community. I work closely with parents and caregivers, recognising that you are central to your child’s progress and success.
With adults, I focus on functional, goal-driven strategies to support recovery, independence, and meaningful participation in daily life,vwhether that relates to work, home responsibilities, or community engagement.
Outside of work, my greatest joy is being a mum and spending time with my family. We love exploring nature, whether that’s hiking, biking, or splashing around in the lake.
