Occupational therapy starts with the person, not their illness. It’ s about recognising that everyone has the potential for growth and meaning, even when facing adversity. Through meaningful occupation, we help people reconnect with their identity and what makes life worth living.”
Q
A
From your perspective, what makes OT unique in the way it can help people discover – or rediscover – their potential?
Occupational therapy starts with the person, not their illness. It’ s about recognising that everyone has the potential for growth and meaning, even when facing adversity. Through meaningful occupation, we help people reconnect with their identity and what makes life worth living.
Occupational therapy is about creating space for people to reimagine their lives and explore what can be, not just what’ s been lost.
Often, individuals come to us at a point when they feel hopeless or stuck. They can’ t always see the way forward and that’ s when we step in, not to direct them, but to walk beside them. That’ s where real change begins.
Q
A
Do you see a connection between your own journey with art and the therapeutic use of creativity in occupational therapy?
Absolutely. My own recovery has been shaped by creative engagement. Art has been a way to express, reflect and rebuild my confidence. I’ m living proof of how creativity can be a powerful therapeutic tool.
That’ s why I’ m so passionate about incorporating creative practices into occupational therapy. It’ s not just about making – it’ s about having a creative outlet for expression, connecting with meaning, identity and possibility, especially during times of struggle.
Q
A
What does recognition from the Royal Academy mean to you personally and professionally?
It’ s been an incredible experience. Being accepted into the Royal Academy Summer Show – and later into the Royal West of
Occupational therapy starts with the person, not their illness. It’ s about recognising that everyone has the potential for growth and meaning, even when facing adversity. Through meaningful occupation, we help people reconnect with their identity and what makes life worth living.”
England Academy with two more paintings – was both surprising and validating that it wasn’ t a fluke.
Personally, it helped me reconnect with my identity as an artist. Professionally, it’ s shown me how art and healthcare can work side by side, that creativity and clinical work aren’ t separate, but complementary. It’ s opened up new conversations about the role of creativity in recovery and mental wellbeing.
Q A
Looking ahead, what’ s next for you as both an artist and a healthcare professional?
I’ m continuing to apply for creative opportunities and am preparing for a solo exhibition next year. At the same time, I’ m beginning my third-year placement in oncology, finishing my dissertation, and preparing to apply for the Master’ s in Research.
I’ m also hoping to explore how I can combine my research, practice and art in a way that allows me to travel and share these ideas more widely, continuing to bridge the worlds of creativity and occupational therapy.
Words LEILA NELSON, in conversation with Tracey Samuels, Editor, OTnews
34 OTnews September 2025