Welcome to the Alternative OT. Kate has been a Registered Occupational Therapist for over 15 years, a certified Wellbeing Life Coach and Reiki Master.

Professional History…

Kate Knox graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2009 after completing her Pre-registration Occupational therapy Masters Degree. Prior to this, she had completed her under graduate degree in Psychology and Drama in Liverpool and graduated in 2004.

As part of her studies, her interest in neurological rehabilitation continued and led her to carry out research exploring the use of meaningful occupation in acute settings.

Following graduation, she gained employment as a rotational band 5 Occupational therapist and then a senior Band 6 Therapist within the NHS.

In 2004, Kate’s father suffered a catastrophic stroke which led her to begin to understand the true impact of living with a neurological condition, not only on the individual but also their families and resulted in Kate wanting to be able to do more to help those individuals.

Kate began to work independently within the private setting and on an associate basis as an occupational therapist and clinical case manager.

Kate also has a passion for bringing the principles of occupational therapy to those individuals who may not traditionally identify as being a typical candidate of occupational therapy and in the summer of 2020 founded the ‘The Alternative OT’ where she wove in her passion for supporting people as occupational beings, to recognise the importance devoting to our own happiness and well-being, whilst practicing self-compassion.

Her aim was to support people make positive changes to their lives, through her understanding of how our health and well-being relies on us being able to set healthy boundaries, understand our values and being able to participate in roles, relationships and activities which give our lives a sense of purpose and meaning.

Her expertise covers supporting clients in coming to terms with changes and disruption to their occupational participation due to new diagnoses, illness and injury.

Particularly following neurological diagnosis. She is experienced in assessment through functional activity and knowledge of introducing strategies to support individuals cognitive rehabilitation and is able to support her clients improve their quality of life.

She continues to have a keen interest of how illness and long-term health conditions can impact sense of self and identity, self-confidence, mood and relationships with loved ones and aims to find ways to help her clients overcome difficulties they experience and find new ways to experience life, which leads to a sense of accomplishment, self-confidence and overall well-being.

Whether you feel you need a traditional Occupational Therapy approach to overcome your difficulties or are interested in integrating alternative practices into your Health and Wellness routine, I am excited to be able to help.

Education, Training & Professional Development…

Usui Reiki Master and Teacher Training 2025 - Team Creative Calm.

Sound therapy practitioner training (Levels 1,2 & 3) with the Sound Therapy Institute - Sonic Temple - 2022.

Acupuncture training for Occupational Therapists -

treatment for chronic Pain 2021 - Ncore, NHS.

Usui Reiki 1 & 2 Practitioner Training 2020, 2021.

Mindfulness based stress reduction programme 2020.

Certificate of well-being life coaching -Raw Horizons coaching academy accredited by the Coaching Association -2020

Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) MSc - Leeds Met University - 2009

Psychology and theatre studies BA (Hon) Undergraduate degree - Liverpool University (Liverpool Hope) 2004

Clinical Experience

Cognitive impairment following Traumatic Brain Injury

Post concussion syndrome

Catastrophic orthopaedics, trauma and neurological injuries

Assessment and rehabilitation 

Independent living

Fatigue management

Using mindfulness, gratitude and daily ritual to support emotional and spiritual health