Whether they are running playgroups, delivering school-based therapy, or engaging in community programs, OTs work spans diverse environments with one goal in mind—empowerment.
A day in the life of an Aspect OT
Occupational therapy at Aspect meets people where they are—whether at home, in school, or in the community.
Rashid El Dhaibi from the South Western Sydney team shares that no two days are the same. Flexibility and creativity are what make this profession exciting, he says. Whether it is helping a child build social skills, guiding families through daily routines, or leading LEGO therapy groups, his focus is always on creating meaningful outcomes.
Janet Cheong, an experienced OT with over 33 years of experience, works across Melbourne and North West Tasmania. Janet’s passion for healthcare sparked her journey into occupational therapy, and today she balances a range of roles managing her caseload, delivering workshops, and supervising other professionals.
Empowering families to build capacity
For our OTs, progress is not just measured in individual achievements but in the ability to empower families and caregivers to continue growth beyond therapy. Andrew Trenfield, Aspect Therapy Regional Manager, emphasises that the real impact happens when families and teachers feel equipped to implement support plans independently.
Rashid adds that parents know their child best. Therapy is about creating a routine that fits their lifestyle and builds trust. Success is not just about the hour-long session but the development that continues every day.
Janet shares: "As an OT, I feel valued and welcomed when visiting people’s homes, schools and child care centres. When someone says, “Can we book you in every week for the rest of our lives?” I feel proud of the work we do as OTs to meet people where they are at, to strengthen their self-determination, and ultimately to have a positive impact on their quality of life."
Celebrating small wins, creating big change
OTs often find joy in the small victories—those meaningful moments that signal progress. It is the little things, like a child learning to tie their shoes or a student making a friend, that bring the greatest joy, Rashid shares.
Emma Towns, OT and OT Supervisor, echoes this sentiment. Seeing the pride in someone’s eyes when they conquer a new skill is a powerful reminder of how impactful small achievements can be. These victories often extend beyond the sessions, with families sharing how new skills positively affect day-to-day life.
Janet reflect on one of her experiences: "I once supported a participant who transitioned from traditional schooling to virtual education. By listening to his perspectives of how exhausted he felt attending school, his parents were able to make the difficult decision to change schools. He was much happier in life and his results improved dramatically.”
Learning, growing, and staying inspired
The dynamic nature of occupational therapy ensures there is always more to learn. Emma shares that Aspect offers great opportunities to grow, from attending our National Meeting to learning from experienced colleagues.
Rashid underscores the importance of adaptability. The sector changes fast, and we need to keep up to provide the best support. He encourages new therapists to embrace learning and seek supervision. Collaborative projects open doors to fresh ideas and innovative solutions.
As for Janet, she enjoys "working with wonderful teams of professionals, in a positive and supportive culture. And seeing new clinicians develop and thrive."
Advice for new OTs
For OTs just starting out, Andrew offers reassuring advice. You do not need to be an expert on day one. "It is okay to say, I do not know, but I will find out. The most important thing is to stay open to learning."
Emma adds, "don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Building confidence takes time. Be kind to yourself, just like you would be with your clients."
This OT Week, we honour the passion, creativity, and empathy that our OTs bring to their work every day. Their efforts go beyond therapy sessions to create lasting change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Thank you to Andrew, Emma, Janet, Rashid and all our amazing OTs at Aspect. Your work transforms lives and creates opportunities for people to thrive. 🥰
Stay tuned throughout the week for more stories celebrating the impact of occupational therapy.
