Occupational Therapy Darwin

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Leading Occupational Therapy in Darwin for All Ages


At our Darwin-based therapy clinic, we are dedicated to providing exceptional occupational therapy in Darwin that supports individuals of all ages. From young children to adults and seniors, our expert therapists offer personalized, evidence-based treatment designed to enhance independence, daily function, and overall well-being. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself, your child or a loved one, our clinic provides compassionate care aimed at improving quality of life.


Occupational therapy (OT) is about much more than just physical rehabilitation—it’s about empowering individuals to participate in daily activities with confidence and ease. Our team focuses on practical solutions that make everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable, from work and school to home life and leisure activities.

Therapeutic Models in Darwin

In Darwin, a variety of therapeutic models are available to support individuals with diverse needs, ranging from sensory and cognitive challenges to social-emotional difficulties. These models provide tailored interventions that address specific developmental and functional goals, ensuring that therapy is both effective and meaningful for each individual. Below are some of the key therapeutic models that are used to enhance the well-being and functioning of clients across different age groups and backgrounds:

Each of these therapeutic models offers a unique approach to addressing individual needs, ensuring that therapy is both personalized and holistic. Whether helping with sensory integration, improving cognitive function or enhancing social-emotional development, these interventions are critical in fostering independence, well-being and an improved quality of life for clients. By incorporating these therapies, individuals can gain the tools they need to thrive in their daily lives, both at home and in the community.

Occupational therapy for children
Occupational therapist in Darwin

Occupational Therapy for Children

Occupational therapy focusses on people with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities to help them be independent as much as possible.

A child’s occupation is mainly playing and learning, we evaluate and manage skills for playing, school performance and daily activities and manage these to cope developmentally with their age.

In these performance areas, our occupational therapists help improve their:

  • Physical abilities to enhance coordination and strength.
  • Cognitive skills to boost thinking, memory and problem-solving.
  • Sensory processing to better manage sensory input from the environment.
  • Motor skills, both fine and gross, for improved daily functioning.
  • Behavior to support emotional regulation and appropriate responses to challenges.
  • Social skills to aid in building healthy relationships with peers and adults.
  • Self-esteem by empowering individuals to feel capable and confident in their abilities.
  • Sense of accomplishment by recognizing progress and celebrating achievements.
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In our Darwin & NT therapy locations, we specialise in:

Occupational Therapy for Adults

Occupational therapists working with adults provide intervention with the aim to improve, maintain or prevent loss of independence and function.

This can be completed through equipment provision, development of exercise programs and adaption with the practice of techniques.

We work with adults facing a wide range of challenges, including physical, cognitive, sensory and mental health limitations. Our approach is comprehensive and tailored to the client’s needs.

Occupational therapy for adult in Darwin

Occupational therapists cover a wide range of different conditions and are capable of providing interventions for:

  • sensory,
  • mental health,
  • cognitive,
  • social and
  • physical limitation.

In Darwin, we can treat a mixture of different functional levels from independent to fully assisted within daily activities and work with a client-centred approach to therapy, to ensure the outcome is as meaningful as possible for our clients.

Our goal is to create tailored interventions that focus on improving independence and enhancing overall quality of life, making everyday activities easier and more fulfilling.

My specific areas of experience and training:

  • Cognitive orientation to occupational performance approach (not certified however still able to use this approach): This approach is focused on improving the quality of performance in daily tasks. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with cognitive difficulties, where the focus is on helping them recognize and resolve specific problems in their daily routines through active problem-solving strategies.
  • Fine motor & hand therapy principles (excludes splinting): This technique emphasizes the development and rehabilitation of fine motor skills necessary for daily tasks. It includes exercises and activities designed to improve hand strength, dexterity and coordination, which are essential for tasks such as writing, eating and dressing.

Astronaut Program

The vestibular system exists within the inner ear and is in charge of regulating our movements and spatial awareness. For individuals with deficit vestibular functioning, movement and understanding space can be difficult. The Astronaut Program aims to improve vestibular function by using a combination of movement, sound and sight to engage the auditory, vestibular and visual systems. It has been found to be beneficial to children with delayed motor development, attention deficits, autism and emotional problems.

Additionally, the Astronaut Program has been shown to enhance attention, improve self-regulation and assist with overall physical development. By combining sensory input in a dynamic and engaging way, individuals experience greater balance, spatial orientation and movement coordination, which contributes to improved emotional and physical well-being.

Therapeutic Listening

Our auditory system works in tandem with all levels of brain function, therefore, how we listen impacts our physiology, behaviour and relationships with others. Therapeutic listening involves the stimulation of the auditory system through specially altered sounds. It functions to support individuals who experience difficulty with sensory processing, for example, difficulty communicating or responding to verbal directions. This approach can help improve attention, focus and emotional regulation, providing individuals with enhanced processing abilities in their daily interactions.

Wilbarger Brushing Program

Used as part of sensory therapy, the Wilbarger Brushing Program involves gently brushing the skin with a small brush throughout the day. This is commonly used for those who struggle with sensory defensiveness and has been reported to improve tolerance for touch. Brushing starts at the arms and works down the body, avoiding the face, stomach and chest as these areas can be particularly sensitive. It is an effective tool for individuals with tactile defensiveness, offering sensory input that helps the nervous system to modulate over- or under-responsivity.

Interactive Metronome

Interactive Metronome is a computer system designed to improve coordination, regulation and timing in children and adults. The programme encourages the user to synchronise their body movements to a computer-generated beat, providing visual and auditory feedback. It can be used to aid those with a sensory processing disorder, ADHD, down syndrome and cerebral palsy. It is also an effective therapy for adults following stroke, brain trauma, spinal cord injuries and amputations. This therapy is beneficial for improving motor planning, focus and response times, often enhancing individuals’ ability to process and respond to sensory inputs.

Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance

This performance-based approach is designed to help those who struggle to perform certain motor skills, such as dressing, washing, cycling, swimming, writing and typing. CO-OP encourages the development of these motor skills through goal-setting and reflection and is a client-centred approach. It can be particularly useful for those with cerebral palsy. The CO-OP approach empowers individuals by promoting self-regulation and enhancing independence through structured learning and practical applications of motor skills.

DIR Floortime

Floortime involves the parent or therapist getting down to the child’s level to encourage emotional and intellectual development. It is particularly useful for those with autism and involves the adult following the child’s lead during play. Floortime can take place anywhere at any time of day and can be used to challenge the child’s development in a way that is comfortable for them. By engaging with the child in a playful, non-directive manner, Floortime promotes positive emotional expression and cognitive growth, fostering a deeper connection between the child and their caregiver.

Sensory Integration Approach

Sensory Integration Therapy uses play to change the way the brain reacts to external stimuli. For those with sensory processing disorders, touch, sight, sound and movement can be over or under-stimulating. The Sensory Integration Approach can encourage efficient processing of these stimuli, therefore allowing the individual to make better sense of the world around them. The therapy can involve activities that encourage movement, tactile touch, auditory processing and visual stimuli. Examples of sensory integration tools include weighted blankets, swings, white noise machines and lighting. This method enhances sensory processing skills, offering individuals greater control over their sensory responses and improving their ability to interact with their environment.

Developmental play approach

Used in early years education, the developmental play approach provides children with the foundations they need for healthy cognitive, social and physical development. This approach is particularly useful for children with learning needs, disabilities and trauma. Developmental play can also be used to identify areas where the child may need additional support, and how best to provide this. It fosters a child’s natural curiosity and creativity, encouraging problem-solving skills, social interaction and emotional development in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Experienced, Accredited Occupational Therapists in Darwin


Our clinic is proud to employ a team of experienced and accredited occupational therapists who are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). All of our therapists maintain the highest professional standards, undertaking continuous professional development to stay updated on the latest evidence-based practices.


We take pride in our client-centred approach, ensuring that therapy plans are designed with you at the core. Whether you’re dealing with a short-term injury or long-term disability, our therapists are here to provide the support you need to improve your independence and achieve your personal goals.


Why Families and Organisations Choose Our Occupational Therapy in Darwin


There are many reasons why individuals, families and organisations trust our clinic for occupational therapy in Darwin. We combine expert knowledge, a compassionate approach and a commitment to positive results, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible care.


Flexible Service Delivery and Appointment Options


We understand that life is busy, which is why we offer flexible service delivery options to suit the needs of every client. Whether you prefer in-clinic therapy, home visits or telehealth services, we make it easy to access therapy in a way that works for you. Our flexible scheduling also includes after-hours appointments, so therapy fits seamlessly into your routine.


Collaborative Care With Families, Schools and Healthcare Professionals


At our clinic, we believe in the power of collaboration. We work closely with families, educators and other healthcare providers to ensure that therapy is integrated across all aspects of a client’s life. Whether your child needs support at school or your elderly parent requires in-home therapy, we coordinate care to optimise outcomes.


Flexible Appointments for Occupational Therapy in Darwin That Work for You


We know that life can be busy, which is why we offer flexible appointment options to suit the needs of our clients. Whether you’re a busy parent, working professional or someone living in a remote area, we make sure that therapy is accessible and convenient for you.


In-Clinic, Home and School-Based Therapy Services


We offer therapy in the clinic, at home and in schools, ensuring that therapy is integrated into your everyday routine. This flexibility allows us to provide therapy in the most comfortable and convenient setting for you.


Telehealth Therapy for Remote Clients


For clients in regional or remote areas or those who prefer to access therapy from home, we offer secure telehealth services. These virtual sessions are just as effective as in-person visits and allow clients to receive expert care no matter where they are located.


Ready to Get Started with Occupational Therapy in Darwin?


If you’re ready to take the first step towards improved health and independence, we’re here to help. Whether you or a loved one needs support with daily tasks, developing new skills or overcoming challenges, our occupational therapists in Darwin are ready to provide the guidance and support you need.


Call us at Stepping Stones in Life Therapy Service today or use our online form to book your consultation and begin your journey towards a more independent and fulfilling life. Whether you need therapy for a child, teen, adult or senior, our team is here to help you achieve your personal goals. We look forward to working with you!

FAQs

Occupational therapy helps adults and children to independently take part in activities including work or school, hobbies, and play.

Occupational therapy involves assessments to understand your limitations, plus advice, equipment, and techniques to help you do more.

Your child may benefit if they have difficulty with physical activities or sensory difficulties.

We’ll look at factors including mobility, strength, and fine motor skills to determine your or your child’s needs.

Occupational therapy supports children with physical, sensory, cognitive or developmental challenges. It aims to enhance their independence and participation in daily activities, such as play and learning, which are considered primary occupations for children. By addressing issues like motor skills, sensory processing and social interaction, occupational therapy can help children reach developmental milestones. Get in touch with our occupational therapists in Darwin to learn more.

Occupational therapists employ various models tailored to the individual’s needs. These can include the Sensory Integration Approach and the Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance. For children, techniques like the Wilbarger Brushing Program and therapeutic listening can be used to address sensory defensiveness and auditory processing issues. If you need more information on occupational therapy in Darwin, we are here to help.

Occupational therapy for adults aims to enhance functional independence and quality of life through various interventions. It can help individuals manage daily tasks, particularly those recovering from injuries or living with chronic conditions. It focuses on adapting environments, modifying daily activities and using therapeutic techniques to help individuals perform tasks with ease.

Occupational Therapy Blogs

Read the articles below to learn more about occupational therapists, how to determine if you or your child needs occupational therapy and how it can help you. 

Our full range of services in Darwin & across the NT include:

Speech & Language Therapy

We provide a range of services to help recognise and treat speech delays and other issues for children and adolescents alike.

Occupational Therapy

  • DIR Floortime
  • Astronaut Program
  • Alert Program
  • Therapeutic Listening Program
  • Brain Gym
  • Sensory Integration Principles
  • Aquatic Therapy

Psychology & Counselling

We have a team of trained psychologists who will help with everything from couples and relationship counselling, anxiety and depression to trauma and post traumatic stress.

Expressive Arts Psychotherapy

We’ll help your child through play therapy, which implements the use of play and toys to help children process and understand their world.