Golden Occupational Therapist

10/01/2026

🌟 How Occupational Therapy Can Support People Living with Depression 🌟

Depression can affect more than just mood – it impacts daily functioning, motivation, energy levels, and participation in meaningful activities. Many people don’t realise that Occupational Therapy (OT) can play a crucial role in helping individuals manage depression and regain control over their lives.

OT focuses on helping clients engage in activities that bring purpose, routine, and satisfaction, which are often disrupted by depression. Through tailored interventions, OT can help by:

Restoring routines: Establishing daily schedules that balance work, rest, and meaningful activities

Increasing participation: Encouraging engagement in hobbies, social connections, and activities that promote joy and accomplishment

Managing energy and fatigue: Teaching strategies to conserve energy and approach tasks in manageable steps

Supporting coping skills: Using techniques to reduce stress, manage overwhelming emotions, and improve resilience

Adapting environments: Modifying home, work, or social settings to make daily tasks easier and reduce feelings of frustration or failure

OT empowers clients to rebuild confidence, improve independence, and reconnect with activities that matter most. It’s not just about “keeping busy” – it’s about finding purpose, structure, and satisfaction in daily life, even during challenging times.

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression and struggling with daily tasks, routines, or motivation, Occupational Therapy can help support recovery and improve quality of life. 🌈

09/01/2026

🌟 Why Some Kids Find the Seam of Their Socks Painful 🌟

Have you ever wondered why some children complain about the seam of their socks or refuse to wear certain clothes? This is more common than you might think and is often linked to sensory processing differences.

Every child’s nervous system processes touch in its own unique way. Some children are tactile sensitive, which means that even small sensations – like a sock seam, clothing tag, or scratchy fabric – can feel uncomfortably intense or even painful to them. It’s not “just being picky” – their brain is literally sending stronger signals about touch than most children experience.

Kids with tactile sensitivities may:

Refuse certain clothes or shoes

Squirm, pull at clothing, or cry when touched in certain ways

Become frustrated or anxious around textures

Occupational Therapy can help by:

Identifying sensory sensitivities

Providing strategies and tools to reduce discomfort (like seamless socks, soft fabrics, or gradual exposure to textures)

Teaching children ways to tolerate everyday sensations

Supporting emotional regulation when tactile sensations become overwhelming

Understanding and respecting these sensitivities helps children feel safe, comfortable, and confident, rather than frustrated or upset over everyday clothing.

If your child struggles with clothing textures, sock seams, or other touch sensitivities, you’re not alone, and there are ways to make daily routines easier and more comfortable. Reach out to learn how OT strategies can help! 🌈

08/01/2026

🌟 Why I Prefer Morning Evaluations for Children 🌟

Parents often ask me why I schedule most children’s Occupational Therapy evaluations in the morning, and I thought it would be helpful to explain! 😊

Children’s energy, focus, and attention levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day. For many kids, especially those with sensory processing challenges, attention difficulties, or developmental delays, mornings tend to be the time when they are most alert, cooperative, and ready to engage. This makes it better for me to get an accurate picture of their abilities, strengths, and areas that need support.

Evaluations in the morning allow children to:

Start fresh, without being tired or overstimulated from the day’s activities

Focus better on tasks and instructions, giving a true reflection of their skills

Show their natural energy and engagement, which helps me tailor therapy to their needs

Experience less fatigue, which reduces frustration and meltdowns during testing

By assessing children when they are at their best, I can provide more reliable results, set meaningful therapy goals, and make recommendations that really work in everyday life – at school, at home, and in the community.

I always aim to make evaluations a positive, stress-free experience for both children and parents. Morning sessions are just one way to help children feel confident, supported, and ready to show what they can do.

If you’re a parent and have questions about how OT evaluations work or why timing matters, feel free to reach out – I’m always happy to explain and guide you through the process. Together, we can help your child thrive! 🌈

07/01/2026

🌟 Exciting News for Parents in Groblersdal! 🌟

I’m happy to share that every Thursday, I visit Groblersdal Academy to work with some of the children there, supporting their development through Occupational Therapy (OT).

OT is all about helping children and adults develop the skills they need to participate fully in daily life – at school, at home, and in the community. For children, this can include support with motor skills, sensory processing, attention, emotional regulation, and learning-related challenges.

If you’re a parent and would like to know more about OT, how it could help your child, or ways to support development at home, I’m happy to provide information and guidance. You can reach out directly to me to ask questions, discuss your child’s needs, or arrange an assessment.

Working together, we can help your child build confidence, independence, and success both at school and beyond. Don’t hesitate to get in touch – I’d love to connect with you! 🌈

06/01/2026

🌟 Visit Us Online – Your Journey to Better Function Starts Here! 🌟

I’m excited to share that you can now explore all that my Occupational Therapy practice has to offer from the comfort of your own home at www.goldenoccupationaltherapist.co.za
🌐

Occupational Therapy (OT) is all about helping people of all ages live their best lives by improving the skills needed for daily activities, independence, and meaningful participation. OT can help children, adults, and older adults overcome challenges, build confidence, and thrive in their daily routines.

On my website, you can:

Learn more about what Occupational Therapy is and how it can help you or your loved ones

Discover the types of clients I work with, from children with developmental or sensory challenges, to adults recovering from injury or managing daily tasks, and seniors aiming to maintain independence

Access resources, tips, and strategies to support progress at home or school

Easily book an appointment or send a message to discuss your needs

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or adult looking for support, www.goldenoccupationaltherapist.co.za
is your first step to improved function, confidence, and independence.

Take the first step today – explore the site, learn more, and let’s work together to reach your goals! 🌈

An Occupational Therapist with a difference.

05/01/2026

🌟 The Surprising Link Between Your Sensory System and Emotions 🌟

Did you know that the way our brain processes sensory information – what we see, hear, touch, taste, and move through – has a direct impact on our emotions? Many parents, caregivers, and even adults themselves don’t realize how closely our sensory system and emotional regulation are connected.

Our sensory system helps us understand the world around us and respond appropriately. When everything is working smoothly, we feel calm, focused, and confident. But if the sensory system is overloaded, under-responsive, or seeks input in unusual ways, it can show up as:

Frustration, irritability, or emotional outbursts

Anxiety or avoidance of certain situations

Difficulty focusing, learning, or interacting socially

Cravings for movement or physical input (like jumping, crashing, or fidgeting)

For children especially, challenges with sensory processing can sometimes look like misbehavior or mood swings, but in reality, it’s their body and brain trying to cope with sensory input. Occupational Therapy can help by:

Assessing sensory processing needs

Teaching strategies to self-regulate

Creating sensory-friendly environments at home or school

Helping children and adults feel calmer, more focused, and emotionally balanced

Understanding the link between sensory experiences and emotions is a powerful first step in helping kids—and adults—feel safe, in control, and confident in their daily lives.

If you notice your child or someone you know struggles with emotional regulation, attention, or sensory sensitivities, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. A few small adjustments and strategies can make a huge difference in how they experience the world and manage emotions. 🌈

04/01/2026

🌟 Exciting News – We’re Open Again! 🌟

I’m thrilled to announce that my Occupational Therapy practice will be open again from Monday, 5 January 2026! 🎉

For those who may not be familiar, Occupational Therapy (OT) is a health profession focused on helping people of all ages develop, recover, or maintain the skills they need for daily living and meaningful activities. OT isn’t just about “exercise” – it’s about enhancing independence, improving function, and supporting participation in everyday life, whether at home, at school, at work, or in the community.

I work with a wide range of clients, including:

Children and adolescents who may need support with developmental delays, sensory processing difficulties, fine and gross motor skills, learning challenges, or emotional regulation.

Adults recovering from injury, surgery, or illness, or those seeking support with daily living skills, work-related tasks, or cognitive and physical challenges.

Elderly individuals who want to maintain independence, manage chronic conditions, or improve mobility and safety at home.

Whether it’s a child struggling with coordination and focus at school, an adult returning to work after an injury, or anyone looking to improve their functional skills, Occupational Therapy can make a real difference.

📅 Appointments are now open, and I’m ready to work with you or your loved ones to set goals, address challenges, and achieve meaningful progress.

Feel free to send me a message or call to book a session or ask any questions about how OT can help you or your family. Let’s make 2026 a year of growth, independence, and confidence! 🌈

02/11/2025

Slime Play – Fun with Benefits!

🖐️ Slime isn’t just messy fun – it’s great for development!
Playing with slime can help children:

Strengthen hand muscles – squishing, pulling, and stretching improves fine motor skills

Improve sensory processing – explore textures, resistance, and temperature safely

Enhance focus and attention – engaging in tactile play can be calming and motivating

Boost creativity – experimenting with colors, shapes, and stretching

Occupational therapists often use slime as a sensory and motor activity that combines fun with skill-building. Encourage your child to explore safely — and don’t forget the clean-up can be part of the learning too!

02/11/2025

🎨 Playing with clay isn’t just fun – it helps children develop important skills!

Benefits include:

Fine motor strength: Rolling, pinching, and molding clay builds hand and finger muscles needed for writing, buttoning, and using utensils.

Hand-eye coordination: Shaping and sculpting improves precision and control.

Sensory exploration: Clay offers tactile input that can be calming and regulate sensory processing.

Creativity and problem-solving: Designing shapes, figures, or patterns encourages imagination and planning.

Focus and attention: Engaging with clay promotes concentration and patience.

Occupational therapists often incorporate clay into therapy to combine fun with functional skill-building — making learning hands-on and meaningful.

✨ Let your child explore, create, and strengthen their skills—one pinch at a time!