Welcome to the Alternative OT. I have been a Registered Occupational Therapist for over 16 years, a certified Wellbeing Life Coach and Reiki Master.

Professional History…

Graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2009 after completing a Pre-registration Occupational therapy Masters Degree. Prior to this, I completed an under graduate degree in Psychology and Drama in Liverpool and graduated in 2004.

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

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

In 2004, my father suffered a catastrophic stroke which led me 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 me wanting to be able to do more to help those individuals.

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

I am also passionate about making the principles of occupational therapy accessible to people who may not typically see it as relevant to them. In the summer of 2020, I founded The Alternative OT, bringing together my belief in people as occupational beings—shaped by what we do, the roles we hold and what gives our lives meaning—with my commitment to helping people make space for their own happiness and well-being, with self-compassion at the heart of this process.

My aim was and continues to be to support people make positive changes to their lives, through supporting their understanding of how 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 provides life with a sense of deep purpose and true meaning.

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

I am experienced in assessment through functional activity and knowledge of introducing strategies to support individuals cognitive rehabilitation and is able to support clients to improve their quality of life.

I continue 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 aim to find ways to help clients overcome difficulties they experience and explore new ways to experience life, which supports a improved sense of accomplishment, self-confidence and overall well-being.

Education, Training & Professional Development…

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

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

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

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