Private occupational therapy in the North East

Katy has worked as an OT for over 15 years, attaining an invaluable breadth of knowledge and skill to assist children with a variety of needs. Katy works with children and their families across North East England, including Durham, Tyne and Wear, and Northumberland. She has extensive experience with both the physical and sensory needs of a child, providing bespoke and creative treatment plans.

Katy has worked with many different physical disabilities, conditions such as cerebral palsy, and acquired brain injury. In particular, she works on the development of fine and gross motor skills, helping a child to build up the strength, balance, and coordination to perform activities and maintain independence.

Alongside rehabilitation, Katy will also advise on home adaptations and equipment required to meet the child’s functional needs. For example, this could include a specialist chair or bed to assist with posture and comfort. Katy is an expert in this field, undertaking specialist training in the Chailey Approach to Postural Management.

Katy is dedicated to her continual professional development, regularly attending conferences and lectures to keep up-to-date with the most innovative research. She has completed additional qualifications in Sensory Integration and The Listening Programme, which is music-based therapy to help with mental, physical, and emotional health. Katy has also organised and delivered a range of training programmes for parents, carers, other healthcare professionals, and education staff on topics including handwriting difficulties, sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills.

Katy is a professional member of the Independent Practice section of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

Victoria is a specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist from Chester-Le-Street in Durham. She supports children aged 0-18 years presenting with developmental, neurological and sensory processing difficulties. She works in both home and school environments across the North East of England including Newcastle and Sunderland.

With over 15 years of experience, Victoria has a vast knowledge and skill-set relating to different disabilities and conditions including autistic spectrum disorders, down's syndrome, developmental coordination disorder, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and developmental delay. She provides highly specialist assessments using a variety of standardised, non-standardised and observational assessments, depending on the individual needs of the child.

Victoria utilises both in-person and virtual therapy sessions, focusing on the areas that matter the most to the client such as fine and gross motor skills, balance and coordination, and self-care tasks. Victoria consistently demonstrates advanced clinical reasoning skills and knowledge of evidence-based practice within her goal setting and intervention planning. She also has extensive experience of completing EHCP assessments and reports.

Lucy is a highly skilled Paediatric Occupational Therapist located Chester-Le-Street, County Durham. She visits children and their families across the North East of England, covering Durham, Sunderland, and Newcastle. With over 10 years of experience, Lucy delivers expert and comprehensive assessments, analysing a child’s functional and cognitive needs.

Lucy works with children with a wide range of conditions including cerebral palsy, brain injury, muscular dystrophy, learning disabilities, global developmental delay, and autism. She helps children to develop their fine and gross motor skills, supporting them to complete every day tasks such as dressing and feeding. Her aim is to enable each child to reach their maximum potential and develop skills of independent living. She can also help children with handwriting needs, having undertaken a specialist training course on the subject.

Supporting children with sensory needs, Lucy has completed training in Sensory Integration and The Listening Programme. She is able to offer holistic interventions, addressing a child’s every need both physical and cognitive. Lucy has also completed training on the Chailey Approach to Postural Management, supporting children, their families, and carers with seating and postural needs.

Fran is a dedicated Occupational Therapist specialising in housing & equipment, moving & handling, as well as pediatrics and sensory integration. Fran is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of her clients in North East England, North Yorkshire, and Newcastle and with over 10 years of experience, she enjoys working to help those with Neurological Conditions, Cerebral Palsy, Orthopaedic, Developmental Delays and Learning Disabilities.

Fran thrives in challenging situations, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability. She is skilled in providing effective and calm solutions to help individuals overcome obstacles and improve their overall well-being.

Jess has more than ten years' experience as an occupational therapist working in paediatrics, child, and adult rehabilitation. Based in the North East and Northumberland areas Jess offers a wide range of experience with EHCP writing, handwriting, fatigue management and sleep health, self-care, continence and bed wetting, postural support and specialised seating, gross and fine motor skill development, behaviour management, chronic pain management, success with sensory supports, daily living skills, child development, gait, balance and coordination, and falls injury rehabilitation. Jess is expert in supporting complex caseloads, and paediatrics cases with physical, learning, behavioural, and sensory difficulties, and in managing cases with children aged 0-19 who present with a range of special needs such as neurological, developmental and Autistic Spectrum disorders in a variety of settings. She has also worked with adult stroke cases requiring a range of specialist assessments; in stoke policy development; and on rotations for respiratory and palliative care, trauma and orthopaedics, and general medicine. Jess is passionate about the education of schools in paediatrics occupational therapy and how to streamline service delivery, having developed an online CPD training and webinar series for teachers, schools and therapists.

Kate is a highly skilled Occupational Therapist based in Newcastle, providing expert assessments and treatment plans to help her clients live as independently as possible. She visits clients at home and in the work place across the North of England including Durham, Cumbria, and Northumberland. Kate has over 20 years of experience, helping clients in a variety of settings and with a wide range of conditions and needs.

Kate specialises in Seating & Postural Management as well as complex disability aids and adaptations. She prescribes relevant equipment to her clients depending on their individual needs as well as providing bespoke treatment programmes to support her clients in gaining independence. Kate also conducts holistic assessments and supports her clients with activities of daily living and self-care tasks.

Kate is a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section for Independent Practice.

With over 15 years’ experience, Kathryn has expertise across a range of conditions and disabilities, specialising in stroke and neurological rehabilitation. Kathryn uses a range of treatments including cognitive exercises, self-care, upper limb rehabilitation, functional skills, driving, and vocational rehabilitation. She is based in Newcastle and visits clients across the North of England.

Kathryn carries out holistic assessments of a client’s needs and works closely with the client and their families to create a bespoke treatment plan and ensures every client has the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential. Kathryn focuses on a client’s ability to safely undertake daily tasks at home including cooking, dressing, and washing. She can also recommend equipment and minor adaptations to support a client’s rehabilitation and to assist with day-to-day tasks. Kathryn can support clients plan and undertake a return to work, liaising with employers to implement a suitable phased return to work and effective pacing strategies.

With over two decades of experience as a practising Occupational Therapist, Clare specialises in Moving and Handling, as well as Housing and Equipment adaptations, serving clients across North East England. She has extensive experience working with a wide range of conditions, including Brain Injury, Stroke, Spinal Injury, Motor Neurone Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Orthopaedic Trauma, Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, frailty, multiple sclerosis, dementia, amputations, Down’s Syndrome, Autism, and Learning Difficulties.

Clare's approach is client-centred, focusing on personalised solutions to enhance independence, safety, and quality of life. Her deep understanding of adaptive solutions and her ability to anticipate clients’ long-term needs make her a valuable resource for those with progressive or complex conditions.

Beyond her clinical practice, Clare has taken on supervisory roles and is a passionate educator. She served as an academic assistant at Northumbria University, focusing on Moving and Handling techniques, and continues to support the professional development of new Occupational Therapists. Clare is fully registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and is committed to delivering tailored, holistic care that empowers her clients to achieve their highest level of independence.

Lynn, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in seating and postural management, holding additional qualifications in AMPS and CBT. Residing in Durham, she extends her expertise to Middlesbrough, the North East of England, North Yorkshire, Tyne and Wear, Newcastle, and Sunderland. Lynn is dedicated to assisting clients with daily living skills, community access, postural management, and addressing challenges related to learning disabilities and mental health. Her comprehensive approach encompasses tailored interventions, fostering independence and well-being. Lynn's commitment to serving diverse needs is evident in her work across various regions, ensuring individuals receive effective occupational therapy support for their unique circumstances.

Covering North East England, including Tyne and Wear, Cleveland, and Durham, Deanne delivers Occupational Therapy for adults, focusing on Moving & Handling, and Seating & Postural Management. Deanne has worked as an OT for over 10 years in many different settings, assessing and treating functional needs relating to rheumatology, orthopaedics, respiratory conditions, and elderly rehabilitation.

Deanne focuses on equipment and adaptations to maximise function and independence in a client’s own home, as well as making recommendations for future care when required. She is passionate about helping people reach their maximum potential and ensures all of her interventions are client-centred and provide positive outcomes for clients and their families.

Deanne is an experienced OT in the management of chronic long-term conditions, understanding how to manage a client’s fatigue, suggesting energy conservation techniques, improving daily living skills, and managing anxiety and stress.

Deanne is also a professional member of the Independent Practice specialist section of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

Since qualifying as an occupational therapist in 2019, Ellen has worked in acute hospitals, neuro community rehabilitation, physical and mental health, community rehabilitation services, and forensic secure settings. Based in Lincolnshire, Ellen helps clients with and makes comprehensive assessments for fatigue management, financial management, daily living skills, equipment provision, moving and handling (supporting carers), community access, gross and fine motor skills, self-care, and social integration with those diagnosed with Parkinsons, Multiple Sclerosis, Strokes, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and Motor Neurone Disease. In mental health settings, Ellen offers neurological services and environmental settings assessments in personal care, anxiety and cognitive behavioural therapy, schizophrenia, psychosis, diet and nutrition uptake, and TBI. Ellen has worked with complex clients and cases, and joins the OT Practice as a Complex Case Assessor offering assessments and comprehensive reports. In both individual and community settings, she aims to maximise the independent level of function individuals can have inside and outside the home environment. Ellen is highly skilled with neuro rehabilitation, moving and handling, housing adaptations, education – for in-process training, strategy development, and functional applications – taking into account the individual's daily activities and how to make positive contributions to their physical, social, and emotional wellbeing.

Rebecca Collins is a highly skilled occupational therapist with a specialisation in Functional and Neuro rehabilitation. Based in Yorkshire, Rebecca brings a professional and compassionate approach to her practice. Her expertise lies in addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals recovering from Neurological conditions and injuries such as Fatigue Management, Postural Management and Activities of Daily Living.

With a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to improving the lives of her clients, Rebecca is dedicated to helping individuals regain independence and enhance their quality of life.

Stephanie, an accomplished Occupational Therapist residing in Nottinghamshire, serving regions across the North West, East of England, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, West and East Midlands, West and South West of England, East Anglia, London, and Wales. With expertise in paediatrics, housing and equipment, seating and postural management, moving and handling, and complex paediatrics, Stephanie holds a distinct qualification in sensory integration. Her specialised skills encompass pain management, sensory integration, gross and fine motor skills, and learning disabilities. Stephanie's holistic approach and dedication ensure comprehensive support, tailored to individual needs, fostering well-being and optimal development. Stephanie provides expert guidance in enhancing lives through occupational therapy.

Bethany is a dedicated and passionate Occupational Therapist with an extensive knowledge of rehabilitation, specialist equipment, and moving and handling. She supports clients with a range of physical and neurological conditions such as osteoporosis, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, autism, stroke, and learning difficulties. Bethany is located in Burton-on-Trent and visits clients across the Midlands including Birmingham, Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester.

Bethany provides specialist assessments and recommendations for clients to promote and enable independence living. She prides herself in providing in-depth and holistic assessments and treatment planning specialising in falls, frailty, moving and handling, cognitive assessment, rehab, and specialist equipment provision. Bethany particularly enjoys working with clients and their families to maintain independence in their own homes and promoting engagement in meaningful occupations.

Bethany is a committed professional who believes Occupational Therapy is an essential part to any healthcare setting and a truly client centred service that focuses on enabling and empowering people, promoting independence and positive health and well-being. She has an inbuilt creativity in approaching her clinical work that means she thrives to always find a solution to her clients’ needs.

Thelma is an experienced Occupational Therapist specialising in Moving and Handling, Functional Rehabilitation, and Housing and Equipment. She covers a wide area in North East England, including Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Lincolnshire. Thelma has a strong background in working with a diverse range of conditions, including Arthritis, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Dementia, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Anxiety, and Depression. Her expertise also extends to addressing challenges related to gross motor skills, falls, self-care tasks, and the planning and execution of activities.

An enthusiastic professional with strong reasoning, negotiation, and communication skills, Thelma thrives on new challenges. She possesses excellent attention to detail and is adept at prioritising and implementing diverse interventions to meet tight deadlines. A vibrant and resourceful team player, she establishes and maintains positive interpersonal relationships while committing to ongoing professional development. Thelma’s open-mindedness, compassion, and sense of humour enable her to connect effectively with others, fostering a positive and supportive environment for her clients.

Helen is an experienced housing Occupational Therapist based in the North West and North East of England as well as the East Midlands. She covers a wide area including Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Bradford, Derby, Hull, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Salford, Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent and Wakefield.

With a focus on housing and equipment adaptations, Helen has a wealth of experience in supporting individuals to maintain their independence and live safely in their own homes. Her expertise includes assessing individuals' needs, recommending and sourcing equipment and adaptations, and providing ongoing support and training to ensure they are used effectively.

Helen is committed to providing a person-centred approach and works closely with her clients and their families to understand their unique needs and preferences. She is passionate about empowering her clients to take control of their lives and achieve their goals.

Catherine is an expert Occupational Therapist with over 20 years’ experience in a wide range of areas in physical health, including over 10 years in the employment field. Catherine is based in Sheffield and visits clients across the North of England including Greater Manchester, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire. She is a specialist in Vocational Rehabilitation, supporting clients with a wide range of conditions such as cancer, arthritis, chronic fatigue, and anxiety to return to and remain in work.

Catherine is a Matheson trained UK functional capacity evaluator and regularly uses functional assessments for clients. She is experienced in carrying out workplace visits, job analysis, and work rehabilitation. Catherine's Master’s Degree in design research has assisted her to devise innovative and unique solutions to functional problems and her advanced communication and motivational interviewing skills are utilised when liaising with clients, employers, and stakeholders to enable change.

Alongside Catherine's highly specialist assessment and rehabilitation skills she has a range of experience in service development, business planning, team leadership, and research. She has published and presented work and is a Health and Work Champion for the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. She is also a member of two Specialist Sections at RCOT, in Independent Practice and Work.

Fiona is a highly skilled Occupational Therapist, specialising in Neurological and Functional Rehabilitation, as well as Moving and Handling. Based in the Scottish Borders, she covers areas such as Edinburgh and Glasgow. Fiona has extensive expertise in working with a range of Physical and Neurological Conditions, including Stroke and Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Orthopaedic Injuries, Respiratory Conditions, and Frailty. She provides expert functional assessments, rehabilitation, and tailored strategies to meet her clients' unique needs, ensuring they regain independence and improve their quality of life.

With experience in both acute and community settings at an advanced and team lead level, Fiona excels in delivering patient-centred care in complex situations. She is dedicated to helping clients identify the everyday challenges they face and works closely with them to overcome barriers and achieve their rehabilitation goals.

Fiona is HCPC registered and holds a BSc Honours in Occupational Therapy with Psychology, which she earned from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2007.