Occupational therapy (RLHIM)

Occupational therapists support people to do the activities (what we call ‘occupations’) which are important to them, but which may be difficult because of health conditions. Activities may be self-care, leisure or work-related: everything from making a cup of tea to returning to work.

Our occupational therapists work with people with ME/Chronic Fatigue or Fibromyalgia, using a self-management approach.

Occupational therapists are registered healthcare professionals and are accountable to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Your first appointment with the occupational therapist will be an initial assessment and discussion of what you would like to focus on in the sessions. Appointments are approximately 40 minutes and may be face-to-face, online or over the phone.

You will talk through different strategies to manage fatigue and pain with your occupational therapist and be encouraged to try these out at home between appointments. Sessions may include: 

• Setting relevant and achievable goals.
• Understanding the energy demands of different activities.
• Learning to balance activities throughout the week.
• Understanding the therapeutic value of rest and relaxation
• Learning to cope with setbacks.

The Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine (RLHIM) is part of University College London Hospital’s NHS Foundation Trust.

You will be referred into the Occupational Therapy Service by your doctor here at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine if they feel it would be helpful as part of your overall care.

We don’t accept external referrals for occupational therapy.

The RLHIM is also a teaching hospital and from time to time other healthcare professionals may observe in outpatient clinics as part of a training course. We will always ask your permission for students to sit in during your consultation. You do not have to have students present if you would prefer not to.