From Struggle to Strength:
Occupational Therapy’s Game-Changing Impact on Mental Health and Recovery

By Dr. Sarah Anderson, OTD, OTR/L
Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center
Part 2 of 2 Part Series

 

Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a crucial and distinct role in supporting individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. The profession goes beyond addressing physical health by helping people regain control over their emotional well-being and daily lives. Occupational therapists support long-term recovery by focusing on key areas such as sensory processing, executive functioning, and habit formation—each of which is vital for fostering sustainable change. This is the second part of a two-part series introducing the role and benefits of occupational therapy as it pertains to substance use and mental health recovery.

 

Understanding Sensory Processing

Sensory processing refers to how individuals take in, understand, and respond to sensory information from their surroundings and body. This encompasses the five senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—as well as internal sensations such as balance, movement, and body awareness. The way we process these sensations significantly influences our behavior, emotions, and overall ability to function in daily life. Sensory processing is categorized into four primary patterns: sensation seeking, sensation avoidance, sensory sensitivity, and low registration (Dunn, 1997).

Occupational therapists use tools like the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile to identify these sensory processing patterns. Specific exercises may include:

Sensory Diet Activities:

Developing an individualized sensory diet, which could include brushing techniques for tactile sensitivities or weighted blankets for calming effects.

Mindful Movement:

Incorporating yoga or Tai Chi to help individuals become more aware of their bodies and surroundings while improving sensory integration.

For neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism or ADHD, sensory processing patterns often differ significantly from those of the general population. For instance, research shows that individuals with PTSD are more likely to experience increased sensory sensitivity, sensation avoidance, and low registration patterns, leading to heightened responsiveness to sensory stimuli (Engel-Yeger, 2013). In contrast, individuals diagnosed with ADHD are more frequently associated with sensory-seeking and low registration patterns (Pfeiffer et al., 2014).

Integrating the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) developed by Stephen Porges can also enhance recovery efforts. The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a therapeutic modality that aims to enhance feelings of safety and social connection by utilizing specially designed music. This music engages the nervous system’s listening pathways, particularly by influencing the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in emotional regulation. By activating these pathways, the SSP helps individuals improve their emotional responses and better connect with others. (Kawai, 2023)

 

Many individuals I have worked with who have PTSD and anxiety disorders exhibit heightened sensitivities to touch and auditory input. Sensory sensitivity can create overwhelming experiences from everyday stimuli like loud noises or being in close quarters with others. These patterns can hinder social connections and community engagement, resulting in feelings of loneliness and isolation. Therefore, the goal of OT is to identify and implement strategies that diminish the impact of these patterns, allowing individuals to engage more fully and joyfully in their everyday lives.

 

The Role of Executive Functioning

Executive functioning encompasses the cognitive skills necessary for planning, time management, attention, memory, and impulse control. These skills are crucial for managing daily life but are often impaired in individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) and various mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PTSD. Impairments in executive functioning can result in difficulties with emotional regulation, organization, and decision-making. Occupational therapists work with individuals to build and strengthen executive functions through various strategies, including:

Task Analysis: Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to help individuals understand and execute them effectively.

Visual Supports: Using charts, checklists, or apps that provide visual reminders to aid in memory and planning.

Structured Routines: Developing consistent daily routines that incorporate time-blocking techniques to improve time management skills.

For individuals with SUD, executive dysfunction may manifest as poor impulse control, difficulty managing cravings, and challenges in adhering to treatment plans or daily routines (Kitzinger., 2023). These difficulties complicate efforts to maintain sobriety and avoid relapse (Volkow et al., 2018). Furthermore, executive dysfunction can impair memory and attention, making it challenging for individuals to retain essential coping strategies learned during therapy. Integrating techniques such as role-playing scenarios and engaging in activities that require planning and flexibility can further enhance executive functioning over time.

By creating a structured and predictable environment, therapists enable individuals to manage daily demands more efficiently, reduce chaos, and build resilience. It is estimated that nearly 80% of individuals with substance use disorders have impaired executive functioning, which emphasizes the need for targeted interventions (Kitzinger, 2023). By strengthening these skills, individuals can regain control over their lives, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and ultimately increase their chances of long-term recovery and mental well-being.

 

Developing Habits and Routines

A significant aspect of recovery involves developing healthy habits and routines. Substance use disorders often disrupt established habits and routines, leading to erratic lifestyles that can exacerbate mental health issues. Occupational therapists assist individuals in creating routines that promote health, stability, and overall well-being.

Specific exercises may include:

Establishing Daily Schedules:

Collaborating with clients to create visual daily planners that outline their day, promoting structure and predictability.

Incorporating Physical Activity:

Engaging in regular exercise, such as walking groups or yoga classes, to enhance physical well-being and mood.

Exploring Hobbies: 

Encouraging individuals to discover new activities or hobbies that align with their interests and promote social connections (Arnaudova et al., 2018).

By focusing on small, achievable tasks, individuals can build a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy—both of which are vital for long-term recovery. OTs empower individuals to create meaningful routines that align with their recovery objectives, fostering a sense of purpose and direction.

 

In Conclusion

OT is essential in supporting individuals facing the challenges of mental health and substance use. By addressing sensory processing, enhancing executive functioning, and fostering healthy habits and routines, occupational therapists provide comprehensive strategies that empower individuals to regain control over their lives. The holistic approach of OT not only aids in symptom management but also promotes emotional well-being and social engagement. By facilitating sustainable change and building resilience, occupational therapy plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for those on their recovery journey.

For more information, please visit www.scottsdaleprovidence.com or call (480) 210-1734.

 

About the Author

Dr. Sarah Anderson is a licensed and practicing occupational therapist with ten years of experience. She recently joined the team at Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center as well as operates her private practice, Elevated Wellbeing OT, in Scottsdale, AZ, and teaches in the Occupational Therapy department at Midwestern University. Dr. Anderson specializes in mental health, with a particular focus on trauma, anxiety, ADHD and addiction recovery, working with individuals from adolescence through adulthood. She is passionate about developing programs in emotional intelligence, stress management, and self-regulation/emotional regulation.