Occupational Therapy

What is Occupational Therapy at MH²?

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a holistic, evidence-based healthcare practice that helps people build the skills, routines, and daily functioning needed to live meaningful, independent lives. At MH², OT focuses on how a person’s mental, physical, and cognitive abilities interact with their environment, and how those factors influence their ability to participate in everyday activities—from self-care and household tasks to work, school, and community engagement. Through supportive coaching, therapeutic activities, and practical, real-life skill building, occupational therapists help clients strengthen their adaptive skills, develop healthier habits, and create sustainable routines that support both mental and metabolic health.

Vocational Rehabilitation by Occupational Therapy

Vocational rehabilitation is a cornerstone of occupational therapy practice at MH², supporting recovery, independence, and community integration for individuals with mental and metabolic health conditions. Grounded in the philosophy that occupation is therapeutic, this approach uses engagement in meaningful activity to promote recovery and enhance well-being. Vocational rehabilitation extends beyond job training, addressing the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social skills necessary for successful participation in work and community life.

Occupational therapists deliver this through comprehensive assessment, activity analysis, and individualized treatment planning, identifying barriers such as impaired cognition, low motivation, fatigue, poor stress tolerance, or limited social skills and providing targeted interventions to restore function and confidence.

Participation in meaningful work contributes to improved self-esteem, symptom management, cognitive performance, and social inclusion. Through structured, graded, and real-world activities, this program helps participants:

  • Develop and strengthen work-related skills (organization, problem-solving, communication, endurance, and time management) 

  • Improve cognitive and executive functioning for task completion and decision-making 

  • Rebuild healthy routines and daily structure 

  • Enhance motivation, purpose, and self-efficacy 

  • Increase readiness for competitive employment or community participation

    Program Overview

    This group builds practical life and vocational skills to increase participants’ readiness and confidence for engaging in meaningful roles related to work, school, or volunteer service. It supports executive functioning, self-determination, interpersonal skills, and systems navigation.

    8-week Group Program Outline

    Life Roles & Vocational Identity

    Problem Solving & Self-Advocacy

    Decision Making & Prioritization

    Transportation and Accessing Services

    Organization & Time Use

    Community Participation

    Communication in Life & Work

    Personal Planning

    The program aligns with recovery-oriented care, emphasizing empowerment, personal choice, and the belief that every individual has the potential to grow and thrive. By integrating mental and metabolic health principles, the occupational therapy led vocational rehabilitation group promotes sustainable recovery and long-term wellness across all domains of daily life.

    Individual Occupational Therapy Sessions are exclusively offered to members of the Aurora Program. 

    Nicole Marie Olivier, MBA, CLC, OTR/L

    Director of In-Home, Community, and Rehabilitation Services

    Nicole is a Licensed and Registered Occupational Therapist with over twenty-five years of experience supporting adults and children with chronic physical and mental health conditions across community, home, and inpatient settings. She holds a License in Occupational Therapy and an MBA in Healthcare Management, and specializes in clinical assessment, goal setting, life skills training, and cognitive and behavioral strategies.