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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

Andrea

South Yorkshire, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Andrea is a dedicated Occupational Therapist based in Yorkshire and specialising in vocational and functional rehabilitation and mental health.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire, Sheffield

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Mental Health

Emma

North Yorkshire, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Rebecca Collins is a highly skilled occupational therapist with a specialisation in Functional and Neuro rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North East England, East Riding of Yorkshire, Humberside, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BOBATH, AMPS, Postgraduate cert. Vocational Rehab

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Fatigue management, Daily living skills, Planning & execution, Postural management, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Janie

London - South, Surrey

Janie, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in vocational, functional, and neurological rehabilitation

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, London, Surrey, London - Central, London - South, London - West

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Visual perception, Balance, Co-ordination, Self care, Postural management, Splinting, Wheelchair accreditation, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Andrea

Surrey, South East of England

Andrea is an experienced OT based in Surrey and provides expert rehabilitation to clients with complex needs.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Hampshire, Surrey

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Self care

Jessica

London - South, London

Jessica Smith is an accomplished Occupational Therapist from London.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Behaviour management, Visual perception, Self care, Splinting

Julie

Cheshire, North West England

Specialising in Functional and Neurological Rehabilitation, Julie is an Occupational Therapist based in Crewe, just south of Liverpool and Manchester.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, West Midlands, East Midlands, Wales, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Shropshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands, Conwy, Isle of Anglesey, Wrexham, Liverpool, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, PIPs, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Behaviour management, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health

Lorraine

Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland

Based in Northumberland, Lorraine is an expert Paediatric OT supporting children of all ages with physical and sensory needs.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Scotland, Cleveland, Durham, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, Borders

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

Sensory Integration, AMPS, Chailey Postural Management

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, DMO (Lycra) Splinting, School Based Therapy/Support, Learning disability

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

Laura

London - Central, Buckinghamshire

Lauren, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in housing and equipment, seating and postural management, and functional rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, South East of England, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Bridgend, Carmarthenshire, The Vale of Glamorgan, London - Central

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

Therapeutic listening

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Self care, Postural management, Splinting

Kate

London - East, Essex

Residing in Essex Kate, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in functional rehabilitation and neurological rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, London, Essex, Kent, Suffolk, London - Central, London - East

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Behaviour management, Self care, Learning disability, TBI

Morven

Edinburgh, East Lothian

Morven has over 30 years' experience as an OT in paediatric and adult hand therapy, neuro rehabilitation and more.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Scotland, Midlothian, Perthshire and Kinross, Stirling, West Lothian, Glasgow, Edinburgh

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Hand Therapy, Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Fine motor skills, Self care, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation

Sharne

Hampshire, South of England

Sharne is an Occupational Therapist specialising in Functional Rehab as well as Housing & Equipment. Sharne visits clients across Hampshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South of England, South East of England, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, West Sussex, Brighton, Southampton

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills, Self care

Emma

Gloucestershire, West and South West of England

Emma is a highly skilled Occupational Therapist specialising in Housing and Equipment, Functional Rehabilitation, and Moving and Handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, West and South West of England, Avon, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Somerset, Worcestershire, Cardiff

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

BOBATH

Specialist skills

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

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

Alice

Staffordshire, West Midlands

Alice, an Occupational Therapist based in the West Midlands, specifically Staffordshire, specialises in neurorehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

, Staffordshire

Specialisms

Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Daily living skills

Georgina

Somerset, West and South West of England

Georgina, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in functional rehabilitation, moving and handling, blue badges/mobility assessment, and fatigue management.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Avon, Bristol, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Bristol, Bath, Swindon

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Planning & execution

Claire

Staffordshire, East Midlands

Claire is a dedicated Occupational Therapist serving the regions of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and the West Midlands.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills

Sian

Birmingham, West Midlands

Sian's specialist areas include learning disability, sensory approaches and paediatrics

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, Worcestershire, Wolverhampton

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

AMPS

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Sensory integration, School Based Therapy/Support, Anxiety management & relaxation, Sensory attachment intervention, Learning disability

Leila

West Sussex, South East of England

Leila, an OT focusing on housing and equipment, functional rehabilitation, and moving and handling, brings her expertise to London.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, South East of England, East Sussex, Essex, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey, West Sussex, London - South, Brighton, Southampton

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Self care, Wheelchair accreditation

Dawn

Plymouth, Devon

Devon based OT Dawn has over 20 years of experience specialising in Functional Rehabilitation and Mental Health.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Devon

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Mental Health

Lois

Perthshire and Kinross, Scotland

Based in Scotland, Lois specialises in Functional and Neurological Rehabilitation, providing expert assessments to clients at home.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Scotland, Angus, Clackmannan, Dundee (City of), Falkirk, Fife, Perthshire and Kinross, Stirling

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BOBATH

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Fine motor skills

Sarah

Devon, West and South West of England

Specialising in neuro-rehabilitation, Sarah is an OT based in Devon, working with clients following neurological trauma or diagnosis.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

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

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Behaviour management, Postural management

Rachel

Gloucestershire, West and South West of England

Based just outside of Gloucester, Rachel is an expert OT working with adults across South West England and South Wales.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Wales, Avon, Bristol

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, TBI

Emma

Bristol, Avon

Emma, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in housing and equipment, vocational rehabilitation, moving and handling, and neurological rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Avon, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Bristol, Bath

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration

Jodie

Kent, South East of England

OT Jodie provides Neurological rehabilitation in the South East of England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, East Sussex, Kent, Surrey, West Sussex

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BOBATH

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Visual perception, Planning & execution, Self care, TBI

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

Jennie

London - West, Middlesex

Jennie, an accomplished Occupational Therapist, specialises in vocational and functional rehabilitation, she works in Middlesex, London and Hertfordshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, London - Central, London - North, London - West

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, PIPs, Fatigue management, Pain management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Anxiety management & relaxation

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

Catherine

Oxfordshire, South of England

Based in Oxford, Catherine is an OT with over 15 years’ experience and particular expertise in Trauma and Orthopaedics.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

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

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

Client feedback

Further reading

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

Our Experts' Blog

Managing Long COVID: The Important Role of Occupational Therapy

Alison is one of The OT Practice’s expert Occupational Therapists who specialises in Fatigue Management. Here, Alison discusses how Long COVID is affecting our clients and shares some practical guidance for recovery and long-term fatigue management.

Read more