Occupational Therapy support that helps people practise social skills through meaningful, everyday activities.
Our approach is practical and individualised, supporting confidence at home, in the community, at work, while studying or in shared living environments.
Occupational Therapists can assist someone with their social skills by integrating social interaction within current day-to-day activities.
For example, where a person is working on becoming more independent with shopping, the Occupational Therapist may support positive social interaction with the cashier while paying for items.
The aim is to make social-skills practice meaningful, relevant and connected to the individual’s real routines and goals.
Total Health Choice primarily works with teenagers and adult participants aged over 12 who live with physical, neurological or psychosocial disability.
We service South East and West Melbourne.
NDIS, Home Care Package and private-paying participants are welcome to engage with Total Health Choice to build their social skills.
Behavioural assessments and reports need to be completed by a trained Positive Behaviour Support clinician.
Total Health Choice does not currently have trained PBS clinicians. However, our therapists can recommend PBS funding in functional reports where this support is considered relevant.
Our Occupational Therapists focus on functional participation, daily routines, meaningful goals and strategies that support skill development.
Our trained Occupational Therapists can complete a comprehensive functional capacity assessment and report to support funding applications for Supported Independent Living or shared housing.
Where suitable Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy goals are identified, the therapist can provide continuity of care to help build relevant skills.
Goals may include:
Each therapy session varies depending on the participant’s specific goal and current skills.
The general structure of a session involves:
At Total Health Choice, we aim to build the skills and capacity of both the participant and their support network, such as family members or support workers, to help achieve meaningful and relevant goals.
We do this through in-depth assessment and individualised strategies that reflect the person’s current skill level and learning preference.
Strategies may be visual, aural, verbal, physical or a combination of approaches, depending on what works best for the person.
Occupational Therapy can assist someone with social skills by integrating social interaction within current day-to-day activities.
In contrast, a Psychologist uses cognitive-behavioural therapies that aim to change how a person perceives and comprehends their environment, including their understanding of appropriate social behaviours.
As community-based Occupational Therapists, we aim to practise social skills in their natural setting.
Depending on the goal, this may occur at home, school, work or the shops.
Where a natural setting cannot be used due to environmental barriers, we use available supports or props to recreate the environment and scenario as closely as possible.
When making a referral to Total Health Choice, relevant documents such as NDIS plans, medical history, previous assessments and reports can be very helpful.
These documents help the therapist build a clearer understanding of the person and their history before attending the appointment.
Speak with Total Health Choice about Occupational Therapy strategies and support that make social participation feel more achievable in everyday life.
