The Occupational Therapist Behind Passion Occupational Therapy
I’m Parish, an occupational therapist and mentor dedicated to empowering individuals and fellow professionals alike. With nearly a decade of experience in the field, I bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to my practice, which combines clinical expertise with a holistic approach.
My journey began in England, where I discovered my passion for helping others live their best lives. After qualifying in 2015, I moved to Australia, where I’ve embraced the unique challenges and opportunities in community-based occupational therapy. I believe in seeing beyond diagnoses, focusing on how conditions impact lives and crafting personalised strategies that enhance well-being.
In addition to my clinical work, I offer mentoring services tailored to support occupational therapists in their personal and professional development. My goal is to create a nurturing environment where clinicians can reflect, grow, and build confidence in their skills. I draw from my diverse experiences, including coaching, supervision, and leadership, to provide a comprehensive approach that meets the unique needs of each mentee.
Through my work, I aim to inspire others to unlock their potential and achieve their goals, whether in clinical practice or their personal journeys. I’m passionate about fostering a supportive community and sharing insights that can lead to transformative change.
My Path to Occupational Therapy
Imagine being a 13-year-old dreaming of becoming a radio DJ, only to face challenges finding work experience in that field. That's where fate intervened in the form of a family friend—a community occupational therapist—who offered me the chance to shadow them for two weeks. Little did I know, those two weeks would change my life forever.
I had never heard of occupational therapy before that experience, but from the moment I stepped into the world of OT, I was captivated. I saw firsthand the profound impact occupational therapists have on people's lives—helping them regain independence, confidence, and joy in everyday activities.
This serendipitous introduction led me to pursue a degree in Occupational Therapy at Coventry University. During my studies, I immersed myself in hospital and community settings, gaining invaluable insights and skills.
After graduating, I knew that my passion lay in community practice. The ability to spend more time with individuals, truly getting to know them, and being invited into their homes and lives—it's a privilege and honor like no other. Community practice allows me to develop deep connections and tailor interventions that make a real difference in people's lives.
I embarked on a rewarding journey with Oxfordshire County Council, starting as a community-based OT and eventually leading teams as a Team Leader. My passion for OT only grew stronger, fueling my desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
In 2021, I took a leap of faith and emigrated to Australia, continuing my mission to empower individuals through community-based OT roles and leadership positions.
Every day, I am grateful for stumbling upon this incredible profession that allows me to blend compassion, creativity, and problem-solving to help others live their best lives.
My OT Mission
At Passion Occupational Therapy, our mission is to redefine the practice of occupational therapy with innovation, integrity, and unwavering dedication. Drawing from nearly a decade of transformative experience, we believe in empowering individuals and communities through personalised, compassionate interventions that prioritise genuine well-being and independence.
Our journey began with a deep desire to challenge the status quo. We are committed to supporting and empowering other OTs, believing that collaboration and mutual growth are essential to advancing our profession.
Driven by a passion for creativity and continuous learning, we launched our podcast to bridge gaps in professional development and raise awareness about the impact of occupational therapy. Through this platform, we aim to make valuable knowledge accessible to all and inspire quick boosts of insight during daily commutes.
The name 'Passion Occupational Therapy' embodies our dedication—combining passion for OT with a personal touch that honors family heritage. Our vision is to cultivate a community where everyone feels understood, supported, and inspired to live their best lives.
Join us on this transformative journey as we redefine occupational therapy and make a positive impact, one person, one story, at a time.