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OFFERING SERVICES IN-HOME IN OTTAWA & VIRTUALLY ACROSS ONTARIO & BC INSURANCE RECEIPTS AVAILABLE

FAQs
Scroll down for answers to commonly asked questions.
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What is occupational therapy and how are OTs suited for professional organizing?Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession focused on helping individuals develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living. It emphasizes holistic well-being, considering the physical, emotional, and social aspects of a person's life to support their independence and quality of life. OT is a regulated health profession and we are trained in subjects, such as anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, psychology, biomechanics, environmental adaptations, and complex health conditions. A quote from a respected Australian OT, Rhiannon Crispe, captures what OT is beautifully: "Occupational therapy is both a complex science and a compassionate art, where knowledge and care converge to create meaningful change". Occupational therapy is a perfect fit with professional organizing because both fields aim to enhance functionality and well-being in daily life. Occupational therapists have a deep understanding of how environment and routines impact mental and physical health. By integrating this expertise with organizing services, clients receive personalized solutions that not only declutter their spaces but also promote a more supportive, stress-free environment tailored to their unique needs and abilities.
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Will our sessions be confidential?As a licensed occupational therapist in Ontario, I take confidentiality very seriously. I adhere to strict privacy standards and ethical guidelines, ensuring that all information shared during our sessions remains confidential. Your trust and privacy are my top priorities. Before starting our work together, you’ll review my Intake Form, where you will read more about my commitment to confidentiality.
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What is the difference between your service offerings?Both Home & Life Organizing and Wellness & Daily Living Support services are occupational therapy services. The two services are related in that they both aim to improve functioning in day-to-day activities and evaluate how a person's environment can better support productivity, focus, and wellbeing. The main difference between the services is that Home & Life Organizing involves more hands-on, practical attention to the physical home environment and is for those struggling with clutter and disorganization. For example, we may set up a functional "zone" for placing mail, keys and wallets, we may declutter kids toys and store them by type, or we may set up a colour-coded filing system for office paperwork. In our sessions, we will identify organization systems, habits, and routines that are tied to and informed by the newly organized spaces. We may also explore root causes of clutter and disorganization and underlying emotional issues, such as grief, anxiety, or trauma related to attachment to possessions or life transitions. Wellness & Daily Living Support focuses on supporting clients to engage in daily activities that are most important to them and emphasizes developing skills and strategies that support wellbeing. For example, we may work on establishing a consistent sleep routine, we may develop coping skills for anxiety, or we may practice pacing for energy management. If you are not sure which service you require, please reach out to me to ask questions via the Contact page!
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Which services do you NOT offer?Please note that I do not offer services for the following: - Services for extreme hoarding situations - Junk removal or estate clean ups or sales - Mobility/wheelchair/ADP assessments - Pediatric services for children under age 16 - Orthopedic injuries and hand therapy - Hospital discharge planning - Assessment and treatment within Ontario's motor vehicle accident benefits insurance system Feel free to reach out via the Contact form so that I can offer you resource information on services matched to your needs.
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Which payment methods do you accept?I accept e-Transfers sent to: info@elizabetheacrett.ca or credit card. I use the Jane App for scheduling, billing, and video sessions. When you set up your Jane App account, you will have the option of adding a credit card number to your file for easy payments. I will send you a detailed invoice that you may submit to insurance upon receiving your payment.
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Who are your Home & Life Organizing services best suited for?Home & Life Organizing services are for anyone seeking a calmer, more organized life, but typically, I work with individuals with the following situations and challenges: Busy professionals and students: those with demanding careers or workloads who lack time. Parents of young children: those struggling with an abundance of "stuff" and managing chores and establishing routines. People facing life transitions: those who are going through divorce, loss, or grief, those dealing with chronic health challenges or injuries, or those who are returning to work-- all situations where reorganizing their space can aid in the adjustment. Individuals with mental health challenges: those who struggle with energy, focus, and motivation and need support to create a calming environment. Individuals with brain-based difficulties, i.e. ADHD, mild concussion, executive dysfunction, neurodivergence: those who struggle with focus, planning, prioritizing, managing time, and multi-tasking.
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Why are your fees more than other professional organizers?My fees reflect the specialized training and expertise I bring as a licensed occupational therapist. With a comprehensive understanding of mental health, clutter psychology, cognitive functioning, and organizational strategies, I offer a unique, holistic approach that addresses the root causes of disorganization. This ensures not only practical solutions, but also long-term improvements in well-being, quality of life, and daily functioning. The investment in these services supports personalized, evidence-based care designed to create lasting change in your home and life. My fees also factor in my time spent travelling to you for in home sessions, supporting you in between sessions for accountability, and offering you information about resources that may benefit you. Notes: My services may be covered by some insurance plans; please check with your insurance provider. I am a Blue Cross provider, which offers coverage to RCMP and Canadian Forces Veterans. I provide detailed invoices for you to submit to your insurance.
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Can you actually make progress with virtual sessions?Virtual organizing sessions can be just as effective as in-person sessions, offering the same personalized guidance. With video calls and step-by-step plans tailored to your needs, we can work on your living spaces, organizational skills, daily routines, and coping strategies no matter where you are located in Ontario or British Columbia, Canada. It is most helpful if you use a laptop or tablet with a built-in camera for mobility (e.g. showing different spaces). Full instructions will be provided to you before we get started to help you prepare for our sessions.
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Will I be forced to get rid of all my stuff?Definitely not! You will remain in charge of the decluttering process at all times and I do not impose expectations or decisions about your valuables. My role is to guide and support you in making choices that align with your goals and vision for yourself and your home. I can help you decide what home aesthetic you are going for! Some people want spaces are minimalistic and pared back, while others want to display some of their personal items and collections. So long as your space allows you to function well and creates a sense of calm and harmony for you, that is what matters.
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What supplies will I need for decluttering and organizing sessions?For our decluttering sessions, you’ll need: cardboard boxes, garbage bags, recycling bins, pens or markers, and labels (optional). When it’s time to organize and store the items you’re keeping, we’ll prioritize using containers and storage that you already have. I may suggest products to enhance your home’s organization and aesthetics, but any purchases are entirely up to you. I will let you know ahead of time how to prepare for our sessions and which supplies you'll need.
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How long will it take to declutter and organize my home?My not so helpful answer is, "it takes how long it takes"! In reality, many people underestimate how long decluttering and organizing a home actually takes, especially when it has become very cluttered. The length of time depends on many factors, such as the size of space (i.e. one closet vs. the whole home), the amount of items you have to sort through, and the complexity of the storage solutions needed. How long it will take also depends on your comfort level and readiness to let go of items. When items have emotional ties (which is valid and common!), this can slow down the process. If we are working together for Home & Life Organizing therapy sessions, we may explore underlying emotional issues related to attachment to possessions or life transitions, and this work can take time. As we begin organizing your home, it’s important to understand that things may look messier before they get tidier. This happens because organizing often involves unpacking, sorting, and addressing connections between spaces (e.g., the laundry room and linen closet). Additionally, we may not always complete a project in one session. Rest assured, we’ll follow the organization plan we developed during your initial consultation and work steadily toward an end goal that works for you.
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Will our sessions be like home organizing shows I've seen on tv?TV often glamorizes home organization, making it look effortless and quick, but there’s so much more to it! Regardless of which of my services you choose, my approach emphasizes pacing ourselves, working on tasks in manageable chunks, and making intentional decisions about belongings. This isn’t about tossing everything into bins, clearing space for the sake of it, or making a home look like a magazine all in one day. My hope is that a gentler, more gradual approach to organizing will help you adjust to your new environment more easily and will yield longer-lasting results.
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Can't I just learn how to declutter or organize myself on my own without professional help?While it’s definitely possible to learn how to organize on your own, working with a professional organizer and occupational therapist offers several key benefits. Organizing can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially if you’ve been struggling with clutter for a while. I bring expertise, a fresh perspective, and tailored strategies that are designed to work with your unique needs and goals. During therapy sessions, I can help you identify and address any emotional or behavioral challenges that might be contributing to the clutter, which can make a big difference in creating lasting change. It’s not just about organizing your space—it’s about helping you develop sustainable habits that improve your overall quality of life. Sometimes, investing in professional support can save you time, energy, and frustration in the long run.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? DON'T HESITATE TO REACH OUT!
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