When we think of therapy, most people picture talk therapy: a quiet room, deep conversation, emotional insight. But for many adults, especially those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or neurodivergence, traditional talk therapy isn’t enough on its own. That’s where occupational therapy (OT) steps in—with an action-based, hands-on approach to healing that focuses on what truly matters: helping you function better in everyday life.
At Holistic Community Therapy, we offer occupational therapy specifically tailored to support mental health in adults. Whether you’re feeling stuck in daily routines, struggling to manage symptoms, or looking for practical strategies to regain control, OT offers a path forward.
What Is Occupational Therapy—and How Is It Different?
Occupational therapy for mental health focuses on helping individuals improve their daily functioning, emotional regulation, and quality of life. When we use the word “occupation,” we don’t just mean work-related activities. They include all the things you need and want to do each day: managing your morning routine, shopping for groceries, maintaining relationships, or even resting when your body needs it.
Occupational therapy is different from talk therapy. Talk therapy centers on processing emotions and thoughts through conversation. OT, on the other hand, helps clients take action. We support you in building the tools, routines, and habits that make life feel manageable again. It’s about translating emotional insight into real-life change.
Why OT Works for Mental Health Challenges
Occupational therapy is especially effective for adults dealing with:
- Anxiety: Build calming routines, address sensory triggers, and learn grounding techniques that can be practiced in real life.
- Depression: Reconnect with meaningful activities, break tasks into manageable steps, and find ways to move forward when motivation is low.
- Trauma: Create safe structures, reduce overwhelm, and process trauma through functional and body-based approaches.
- Executive Dysfunction: Improve time management, planning, and follow-through with supportive coaching and scaffolding.
Our Portland-Based Approach
We offer private-pay occupational therapy services for adults in the Portland area, both in our clinic and through virtual sessions. Our therapists are trained not just in traditional OT, but in mental health-specific approaches that integrate trauma-informed care, sensory regulation, and compassionate coaching.
Here’s what makes our approach different:
- Real-World Relevance: You won’t just talk about goals—you’ll actively work on them, whether that means meal prepping, creating a cleaning schedule, or practicing how to say “no” in a safe setting.
- Whole-Person Focus: We see mental health as deeply connected to physical health, community, routines, and identity. Our sessions reflect that.
- Support Beyond the Clinic: We often work on skills that extend outside the office—like navigating grocery stores, public transit, or social events.
- Affirming Care: We provide LGBTQIA2S+ and neurodivergent-affirming support in a space that welcomes your full self.
A Sample Session Might Include:
- Building a weekly structure to reduce anxiety
- Practicing grounding exercises to manage sensory overwhelm
- Role-playing conversations or boundary-setting
- Organizing your space to support executive function
- Exploring meaningful activities to combat depressive disconnection
Who It’s For
We work with adults who are:
- Burned out or overwhelmed
- Struggling with ADHD, trauma, or chronic stress
- Trying to function better in their work, home, or social lives
- Feeling let down by traditional therapy alone
Our clients often say: “This is the kind of help I’ve been looking for.” OT isn’t about fixing you—it’s about equipping you. We meet you where you are and walk beside you as you build a life that works for your brain, body, and values.
Ready to Try Something Different?
If you’re in the Portland area and looking for a more hands-on, real-world approach to therapy, occupational therapy may be the support you need. At Holistic Community Therapy, we’re here to help you reclaim function, autonomy, and joy.
Let’s take the next step together. Reach out for a free consultation or learn more about our services.
