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Low motivation (strategies)

Find out how we can help

Small steps that build towards to motivation and success

Now and then we all experience periods when we lack motivation, whether or not we know the reasons why. But persistently low motivation can cause us to under-perform at work, as well as cause problems at home and in our relationships.

We speak to many clients, family members and professionals concerned about lack of motivation and the impact this has on a person's daily life. Our understanding, non-judgemental assessments can help identify an individual's barriers to motivation, and allow us to plan to overcome these with practical strategies in an achievable time-frame.

How OT's help

We regularly help clients overcome temporary or long-term episodes of low motivation. Some of the most common triggers for approaching us include:

  • Loss, or the threat of loss, of employment due to persistent lateness or under-performance
  • Persistently low mood or self-esteem, leading to strained relationships with family and friends
  • Anxiety and reduced appetite
  • Difficulties in maintaining concentration beyond very short periods
  • Inability to maintain a routine or structure in everyday life

Our sensitive assessment process can allow a specialist occupational therapist to identify such problems along with the reasons for them, informing our recommendations and allowing us to plan a pathway to improved mood and motivation.

Our approach

Our aim is to provide practical, non-obtrusive support to help improve motivation, so our assessment may involve looking at:

  • A client's medical history and any current diagnosis
  • Their social circumstances and support networks
  • Changes to daily routines
  • The roles and responsibilities they feel obliged to meet
  • Longer-term wishes and goals for the future

Common recommendations

Some practical solutions that we may advise to help stimulate motivation include:

  • Identifying realistic goals that can be broken down into small, achieveable steps
  • Management of anxiety or fatigue
  • Routine planning

Public sector, charities and businesses

Is your organisation looking for professional OT services?

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Common conditions we help with

Find out more about how our OT’s can help by visiting our pages dedicated to specific conditions associated with low motivation.

Why The OT Practice

We recognise the importance of knowing that you are in safe hands. That is why, when you first make contact with us, you will straightaway be able to explain your concerns to a member of our client management team who will be able to provide relevant information about our services, answer any questions you may have and provide guidance on next steps. This dedicated team will then remain in charge of your case through any subsequent assessment and treatment we provide.

Other reasons to rely on The OT Practice include:

  • We visit you in your own home and at a time convenient to you and your family, and are happy to offer evening and weekend appointments
  • We do not have waiting lists and so can offer appointments within 7 working days of referral or sooner
  • Our extensive nationwide network of registered occupational therapists allows us to find you the right local therapist
  • We can provide ongoing support for as long as you need it
  • Our clear, fixed pricing system will be provided to you in writing for you to consider in your own time
  • Your occupational therapist will be a specialist in their field, with over 5 years' clinical experience including time in social services or NHS practice
  • Our team are well connected to networks of local and national equipment providers, stair lift and building companies

Your Clinical Services Manager

Victoria

Victoria

Snr Clinical Services Manager

Victoria, an experienced OT, is the Clinical Services Manager supervising the team looking after referrals from our case managers, solicitors and other professional clients.

Email the team

Services for businesses, organisations and the public sector

Case managers

We help your client's achieve optimum independence through assessment, treatment & advice.

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Solicitors

We provide solicitors with professional reports for educational tribunals or rehabilitation needs.

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Healthcare concierge

Assessment and treatment services for clients in their own homes both in the UK and internationally.

Find out more

Next steps

Initial enquiry

During your initial call to us you can discuss your concerns with a member of our client management team, who will be able to understand what your difficulties are, provide information and advice on our services and identify the right OT from our team.

Quote

If therapist input is recommended, we will send you a detailed quote via email or in writing explaining what, after a full assessment, we would propose and how much it would cost, as well as rates for further work that might be recommended in the future.

Referral

Once you have had time to consider the options and costs, and if you would like to go ahead, the next step would be to fill in our online referral form. In the meantime, if you have further concerns or questions then our client manager will be happy to discuss them with you.

Assessment

Our therapist will then contact you within 24 hours to arrange a visit at your home. Normally this first visit will comprise a full assessment, after which you will receive a comprehensive written report.

Advice

The report will include a clear record of our findings and recommendations. These may include useful items you can buy or activities you can do independently, but they may also include more complex recommendations such as home adaptations or additional treatment by the occupational therapist. Where additional involvement is required, we will follow up the report with a detailed quotation so that you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.

As Private Occupational Therapists our aim is to provide choices and guidance to help you decide what the best options are for you

A few of our rehabilitation specialists

Meet a selection of our occupational therapists who are experienced in strategies to increased motivation and engagement.

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Amy

Devon, West and South West of England

Located in Devon, Amy is an expert OT who provides specialist interventions for clients across the South-West of England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Devon, Dorset, Somerset

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Self care, Postural management, TBI

Kate

Brighton, West Sussex

Kate is an experienced Occupational Therapist specialising in rehabilitation, housing adaptations, and equipment provision across Southern England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South of England, East Sussex, West Sussex

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Gillian

Glasgow, North Lanarkshire

Located in Glasgow, Gillian provides expert Neurological Rehabilitation for clients with spinal cord injuries and brain injuries.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Scotland, Borders, Clackmannan, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Edinburgh (City of), Falkirk, Glasgow (City of), Inverclyde, Midlothian, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, West Lothian, Glasgow, Edinburgh

Specialisms

Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Balance, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Splinting, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Emma

Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire

Emma an experienced OT based in Hull and provides expert rehabilitation to clients across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, East Riding of Yorkshire

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Train the trainer, Certificate in Education

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Balance, Self care

Miriam

Middlesex, London

Located in Edgeware, Miriam is an expert OT who supports adults of all ages with rehabilitation and housing needs.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, London, South East of England, Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, London - Central, London - North, London - East, London - West

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Daily living skills, Balance, Co-ordination, Self care, Postural management

Aminah

Buckinghamshire, South East of England

Specialising in functional rehabilitation and moving and handling, Aminah is an Occupational Therapist covering South East England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Buckinghamshire

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Balance

Suzanne

Cheshire, North West England

Suzanne provides expert occupational therapy services, specialising in rehabilitation, equipment and adaptations and functional assessments across North West England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health

Janette

Liverpool, Cheshire

Janette, a specialist Hand Therapist, provides expert assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation for upper limb conditions across North West England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Wales , Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent

Specialisms

Hand Therapy, Functional rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Splinting, Anxiety management & relaxation

Lisa

London - South, Kent

Lisa is an expert Housing and Equipment Occupational Therapist, delivering specialist assessments to clients in London and Kent.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, Kent, London - Central, London - South

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BIA

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills

Hayley

Norfolk, East Anglia

Hayley is an experienced OT who delivers expert Functional Rehabilitation to clients across East Anglia.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, Norfolk, Suffolk

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Daily living skills, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Anxiety management & relaxation

Clare

Berkshire, South East of England

Qualifying in 2009, Occupational Therapist Clare specialises in Functional Rehabilitation, Housing and Equipment, and Seating and Postural Management.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, South of England, South East of England, Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, London - West, Swindon

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

AMPS

Specialist skills

Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Self care, Social integration, Mental Health

Ronda

Kent, South East of England

Occupational Therapist Ronda specializes in functional and neurological rehabilitation and moving and handling. She serves clients in the South East.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, South East of England, East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Surrey, West Sussex, London - Central, London - South

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Visual perception, Planning & execution, Self care, Splinting, TBI

Alyssa

Plymouth, Devon

Alyssa is an experienced Occupational Therapist specialising in neurological rehabilitation, functional rehabilitation, and moving and handling across the South West.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Plymouth

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Balance, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Stella

Kent, London

Stella offers tailored Occupational Therapy services, specialising in Housing and Equipment, Functional Rehabilitation, and Moving and Handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BIA

Specialist skills

Financial management

Eleanor

London - South, Surrey

Eleanor, an Occupational Therapist, operates in London, Surrey, and Kent, specialising in fatigue management and pain management.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, South East of England, East Sussex, Surrey, West Sussex

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Self care

Catherine

London - South, Kent

Located in London, Catherine is an expert Occupational Therapist who supports adults of all ages with rehabilitation needs.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, Kent, London - South

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BIA

Specialist skills

Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Community access, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Self care, Anxiety management & relaxation

Alison

Shropshire, West Midlands

Alison, an Occupational Therapist covering the West Midlands and Wales, provides client-centred care, supporting individuals to maximise independence and wellbeing.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, Wales, Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire, Gwynedd, Powys, Wrexham

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Sensory Integration, Train the trainer, Certificate in Education

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Co-ordination, Self care, Postural management, School Based Therapy/Support, Wheelchair accreditation

Chandrajeet

London - West, Middlesex

Specialising in Housing & Equipment, Chandrajeet is an experienced OT based in West London.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, London - Central, London - West

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills, Community access, Self care

Carly

Essex, South East of England

Specialist Occupational Therapist Carly provides neurological rehabilitation and housing adaptations across South East England, offering tailored, evidence-based interventions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Essex

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Routine planning, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Co-ordination, Self care, Postural management, Mental Health, TBI

Sherean

Buckinghamshire, South East of England

Based in Buckinghamshire, Sherean delivers specialist housing & equipment and rehabilitation assessments to clients at home.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Midlands, South East of England, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Sensory Integration, AMPS, BIA

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Sensory integration, Self care, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health

Janet

Birmingham, West Midlands

Working in the West Midlands, OT Janet specialises in Vocational Rehabilitation, Housing, Postural Management; Fatigue, Anxiety and Pain.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, East Midlands, Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Ergonomics

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Fatigue management, Pain management, Daily living skills, Postural management, Splinting, Anxiety management & relaxation

Sara

Flintshire, Wales

Sara is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist with over three decades of expertise in rehabilitation, adaptations, and independent living solutions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Wales, Cheshire, Liverpool

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

BIA

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Daily living skills, Self care

Joanne

London - East, Essex

Based in London, Joanne is a specialist OT offering neurological rehabilitation for clients with acquired brain injury and neurological conditions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Community access, TBI

Lara

Hertfordshire, London

Occupational Therapist Lara provides Neurological and Vocational Rehabilitation to clients in both Hertfordshire and London.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, South East of England, Essex, Hertfordshire, London - Central, London - North

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Wheelchair accreditation, TBI

Jordan

Birmingham, West Midlands

Jordan, a Specialist Occupational Therapist in the West Midlands, provides expert support in housing, equipment, rehabilitation, and moving and handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, West Midlands, Birmingham, Wolverhampton

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Daily living skills

Sophie

London - Central, Oxfordshire

Sophie is a highly experienced OT specialising in neuro rehab covering both Oxfordshire and London.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South of England, Oxfordshire, London - Central

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Michael

Merseyside, North West England

Housing & equipment, and functional rehabilitation OT Michael operates in the North West of England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, West Midlands, Flintshire, Wrexham

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Ergonomics

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, PIPs, Routine planning, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Balance, Planning & execution

Cheryle

London - South, London

Based in South London, Cheryle is a highly skilled OT who provides expert interventions to adult and elderly clients.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Tracy

Leeds, West Yorkshire

Specialising in Neurological Rehabilitation, Tracy is an expert OT working across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Wakefield, Hull

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

AMPS

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Sensory integration, Behaviour management, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation, Learning disability, Mental Health, TBI

Katie

London - South, London

Based in London, Katie provides expert Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling, Seating and Postural Management, and Functional Rehabilitation assessments.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London , London - Central, London - North, London - South, London - East, London - West

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

AMPS

Specialist skills

Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Community access, Behaviour management, Balance, Co-ordination

Client feedback

Further reading

Our Experts' Blog

CHARITIES: Mental health and getting back on your feet

In this edition of our Educational Series for charities, we explore how occupational therapy supports people whose mental health challenges affect everyday life and participation. We highlight how OTs work alongside individuals to understand practical barriers and identify realistic ways to promote recovery, independence and engagement in meaningful roles at home and in the community.

Read more

Our Experts' Blog

Self-Care and Mental Well-Being: Do we practice what we preach?

OT Claire specialises in enduring and complex mental health conditions. In this Expert Blog she shares her reflections, insights and advice on mental well-being, stress and resilience as a health professional.

Read more