Occupational therapy is a client-centered health profession that focuses on enhancing skills for work, self-care, and leisure, enabling people to lead fulfilling lives. ​ Occupational therapists help people of all ages overcome barriers. We care about anything that “occupies” your time. We also care about your daily tasks or “occupations”- such as getting dressed, personal hygiene, play/leisure activities, mobility at home and in the community, and being part of a family or social unit.

First, we will do an intake phone call so I am aware of your area of concern. Then on evaluation, I will ask you some questions and look at how you move your body. If needed and you agree, I may place my hands on different parts of your body while you move (your back, hips, stomach, legs, etc). We will discuss your goals and together come up with a treatment plan if needed. I will let you know my recommendations for moving forward and together we will come up with a plan for follow-up.

Pelvic floor therapy (PFT) is a type of therapy that specializes in pelvic health issues. It addresses pain, dysfunction, tightness, and weakness. PFT helps people feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies by understanding how the pelvic floor supports movement and function. PFT uses a combination of exercises, education, breathwork, hands-on techniques like massage, and much more.

First and foremost, that is up to you. Many conditions do not require an internal exam or internal work ever. If an internal vaginal or rectal exam is recommended, I will explain the process and allow you to decide if you would like to proceed. It often does not happen at the evaluation and can be introduced if/when you are ready and if/when it is recommended. You are ALWAYS in control and can always decline any internal work. There is so much we can work on without doing internal work.

This depends widely on your needs. It may look like traditional physical-based therapy like strengthening and balance exercises, it may be manual or bodywork therapy like massage, it may be breath work, it may be nervous system down-training and regulation, it may be home-modification recommendations, it will definitely be lots of education! It really depends on what each client needs and what they will benefit from the most.

I am a community-based service provider. Most sessions will take place in your home, allowing for you to remain in a comfortable and familiar environment. Depending on your needs, we may also meet at a local gym or we might work outside in a nature-based local setting. If you do not have a private area at home, please contact me about other treatment space options.

This depends widely on your needs. For example, a post-surgical home assessment might require an evaluation only, whereas complex issues might require 10-12 sessions (or more). On average, clients require 6-8 sessions if they are diligent about integrating the training and strategies learned in therapy into their daily life. I will be upfront with my recommendations prior to beginning any treatment plan.

Life Skills Lab OT operates as an out-of-network provider. I do not bill insurance. This service model puts the decision-making back into the client's and therapist's hands. It allows us to pursue a treatment program dictated by the needs of the client, not what the insurance company allows. The autonomy of a private practice means that we are able to determine best practice together, rather than based on the limitations of insurance restrictions. Life Skills Lab OT is set up to accept FSA/HSA payments. ​​Upon request, a superbill can be provided to submit to your insurance for reimbursement but payment for your sessions will be due prior to or at time of service via cash, check, or credit/debit card. Life Skills Lab OT does NOT guarantee insurance reimbursement.

Due to this service structure, you do not need to have a healthcare professional referral to receive services. However, a referral may be required by insurance for reimbursement. I typically recommend clients obtain a referral following the initial evaluation if further services are required. I'm happy to help guide you through that process.

I founded Life Skills Lab OT because I strongly believe our community needs a holistic occupational therapy practice focused on client-centered goals provided within a client’s natural environment. After working within traditional healthcare systems for so long, I’ve seen the emphasis on patient care shift from a person-centered model to a productivity-centered model. I want to change the dynamic back to where YOU are the focus of the treatment plan. ​Life Skills Lab OT exists for the purpose of helping people achieve their full potential. That is what drives me to provide the best level of support and service to each and every one of my clients. It is such a privilege to witness the transformation in a person’s life from “I can’t do that” to “Wow, look what I am able to do now!”. I am strongly committed to promoting physical, cognitive, and psychosocial health in all of my clients.

A lab represents a space of discovery and innovation and symbolizes the quest for solutions to complex problems. For our purposes, our lab is the spaces in which you live, work, and play. It's where we will use a combination of scientific and creative techniques to help you enhance your life skills and thrive in your own environment. It invites curiosity, experimentation, patience and effort.

My mission is to support clients physically and mentally in order to align their goals and their lifestyles, by blending expertise, creativity, and joyfulness with intentionality and compassion. We celebrate growth together and approach setbacks with non-judgmental curiosity. My approach combines medical knowledge and expertise within a psychosocial and cognitive framework to develop individualized and holistic treatment plans.

Physical: Encompasses the body, brain, senses, motor skills, and physical health. Cognitive: Involves learning, memory, attention, language, thinking, reasoning, and creativity. Psychosocial: Focuses on emotions, personality, and social relationships.