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Low motivation (strategies)

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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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

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.

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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

Paul

Norfolk, East Anglia

Paul provides specialist Occupational Therapy across Norfolk, with expertise in hand therapy, splinting and functional rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, Norfolk, Suffolk

Specialisms

Hand Therapy, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

CBT

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Counselling, Fatigue management, Pain management, Daily living skills, Fine motor skills, Self care, Splinting, Anxiety management & relaxation

Charlotte

Cambridgeshire, East Anglia

Charlotte is an experienced Occupational Therapist specialising in Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling and Rehabilitation across East Anglia.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills

Helen

Birmingham, West Midlands

Based in the West Midlands, Helen helps adults maximise independence through specialist Occupational Therapy, rehabilitation and equipment assessments.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, Warwickshire, West Midlands

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, DFG Assessments, Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Planning & execution, Self care, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health

Jackie

Conwy, Wales

Jackie is an experienced Occupational Therapist specialising in Housing, Equipment, and Moving and Handling across Wales and North West England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Wales, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Shropshire, Bridgend, Cardiff, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Isle of Anglesey, Merthyr Tydfil, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Swansea, Wrexham, Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff, Coventry, Swansea, Salford

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Self care, Mental Health

Joanne

Cardiff, Cardiff

Qualified since 1997, Occupational Therapist Joanne uses her extensive rehabilitation experience to help clients manage complex conditions and maximise independence.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Wales, Avon, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Swansea, The Vale of Glamorgan

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, PIPs, Fatigue management, Pain management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Planning & execution, Self care, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health, TBI

Angela

Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

Angela is an experienced Occupational Therapist specialising in Neurological Rehabilitation. She visits clients across North-West England and Scotland.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Scotland, Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Planning & execution, Self care, Anxiety management & relaxation

Shona

Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

Shona is an experienced Occupational Therapist specialising in housing, equipment, moving and handling and functional rehabilitation across South Scotland.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Scotland, Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway, East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Glasgow

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

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

Julia

London

Visiting clients across London, Julia is an experienced OT with expertise in orthopaedic conditions and brain injuries.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Self care, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Elena

Cardiff, Cardiff

Based in Cardiff, Elena helps children develop confidence, independence and everyday skills through Occupational Therapy.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Wales, Bridgend, Cardiff

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

CO-OP Practitioner

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Fine motor skills, Self care, Postural management, School Based Therapy/Support, Learning disability

Catherine

Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Working across Yorkshire and the East Midlands, Catherine is an expert OT working with clients with Vocational Rehabilitation needs.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, North East England, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, East Midlands, Derbyshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

AMPS

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Fatigue management, Daily living skills

Carlie

Lancashire, North West England

Carlie is an expert OT in neuro and functional rehabilitation based in Lancashire, providing specialist interventions for adults.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Manchester, Salford

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

AMPS

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Visual perception, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Andrea

London - South, Kent

Andrea is a specialist Neuro Occupational Therapist providing rehabilitation for acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury and neurological conditions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

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

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Postural management, Splinting, TBI

Gaynor

Northamptonshire, East Midlands

Gaynor is a highly skilled OT providing expert neurological, vocational, and functional rehabilitation to clients in the East Midlands

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, East Midlands, East Anglia, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, South Yorkshire, Warwickshire, London - North, Nottingham, Leicester

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BOBATH

Specialist skills

PIPs, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Helena

West Sussex, South East of England

Helena, an experienced Occupational Therapist in the South East, specialises in equipment and home adaptation assessments to support independence.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

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

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Zoe

London - South, Surrey

Experienced Occupational Therapist and EMDR Therapist, Zoe supports children and young people with complex mental health, trauma and neurodiversity needs.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

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

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

Counselling, Motivational issues, Behaviour management, School Based Therapy/Support, Anxiety management & relaxation, Learning disability, Mental Health

Bethany

Staffordshire, East Midlands

Covering a large client base across the Midlands, Bethany is an expert OT who supports with rehabilitation and equipment provisions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, North East England, West Midlands, East Midlands , Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester, Derby

Specialisms

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

Jamila

London - South, London

Jamila specialises in neurological rehabilitation, helping adults maximise independence through expert Occupational Therapy across London.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London , London - South

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Splinting

Alison

Birmingham, Warwickshire

Alison is an experienced OT based in Warwickshire. She supports clients of all ages with progressive neurological and life-limiting conditions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, East Midlands, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire, Birmingham, Bristol, Coventry, Wolverhampton

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation

Kirsty

Liverpool, Cheshire

Based in Chester, Kirsty is an experienced OT specialising in Housing & Equipment and Moving & Handling interventions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Wales, Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Shropshire, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Powys, Wrexham, Liverpool, Manchester, Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Salford

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, PIPs, Fatigue management, Community access, Self care, Social integration, Postural management, Learning disability

Rebecca

Surrey, South of England

Based in Dorking, Surrey, Rebecca is a specialist OT who supports clients with a range of orthopaedic injuries and conditions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

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

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Daily living skills, Self care

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

Richard

Southampton, Hampshire

Richard, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in seating and postural management, functional rehabilitation, and neurological rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Dorset, Hampshire, Southampton

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Wheelchair accreditation

Roisin

Southampton, Hampshire

Roisin is an OT that specialises in Paediatrics, Seating, Functional Rehabilitation and Moving & Handling throughout Hampshire, specifically Southampton.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South of England, Hampshire, Southampton

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

Sensory Integration, AMPS

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Sensory integration, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Visual perception, Balance, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Learning disability

Lucy

Norfolk, East Anglia

Lucy is an experienced Occupational Therapist specialising in mental health and physical rehabilitation, delivering holistic, patient-centred interventions across East Anglia.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Anxiety management & relaxation

Hugh

Berkshire, South of England

Qualifying in 1988, Hugh specialises in housing, equipment and community rehabilitation for adults with complex physical disabilities and long-term conditions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, South of England, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, London - Central, London - West

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Therapeutic listening

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills

Amber

Birmingham, West Midlands

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Birmingham, Coventry

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Mental Health

Deborah

London - North, Hertfordshire

Deborah is an experienced Occupational Therapist specialising in neurological and functional rehabilitation across London, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, Cambridgeshire, London - North

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

CBT, Train the trainer

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Balance, Planning & execution, Postural management, DMO (Lycra) Splinting, Dysphagia management, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health

Alex

West Yorkshire, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Alex is an expert OT specialising in the field of Neurological Rehabilitation, covering Yorkshire and the North of England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Wakefield

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, 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, Postural management, Splinting, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Anna

Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Based in Northern Ireland, Anna specialises in Neurological Rehabilitation, Housing & Equipment, and Seating & Postural Management.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Northern Ireland, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Tyrone, Belfast

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

BOBATH

Specialist skills

TBI

Fateha

London - East, London

Fateha is a Senior Occupational Therapist in London specialising in neurological rehabilitation, functional assessments, equipment provision and moving and handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

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

Specialisms

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

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