Question 1

What is occupational therapy?

Accepted Answer

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".

OTs recognize the person–environment–occupation (PEO) model — how our surroundings directly influence our ability to function and feel well. Disorganization, visual clutter, and inefficient setups can create cognitive load, stress, and barriers to activity performance. Functional organizing, space planning, and organizational skill development reduce those barriers and promote calm, focus, and independence.

Question 2

Will our sessions be confidential?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Which services do you NOT offer?

Accepted Answer

I am only able to offer services within my areas of expertise, my scope of practice, and my level of comfort. 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 14
- Orthopedic injuries and hand therapy
- Hospital discharge planning
- Assessment and treatment within Ontario's motor vehicle accident benefits insurance system

I would be happy to connect you to other professionals, services, and resources that could help you. Feel free to reach out via the Contact form to share what sort of help you're looking for.

Question 4

Which payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

I accept e-Transfers sent to: info@elizabetheacrett.ca (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.

Question 5

Can you actually make progress with virtual sessions?

Accepted Answer

Virtual sessions can offer a convenient, cost-effective therapy option and be just as effective as in-person sessions. 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 (i.e. for showing different spaces). Full instructions will be provided to you before we get started to help you prepare for our sessions.

Question 6

What supplies will I need for decluttering and organizing sessions?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Will our sessions be like home organizing shows I've seen on tv?

Accepted Answer

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, developing skills, and making intentional decisions. 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.

Question 8

Can't I just learn how to declutter or organize myself on my own without professional help?

Accepted Answer

While it’s definitely possible to learn how to organize on your own, working with a professional may offer several key benefits. Organizing can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially if you’ve been struggling for a while. I bring expertise, a fresh perspective, knowledge of products and resources, 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 disorganization, which can make a big difference in creating lasting change. It’s not just about getting organized—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.

Question 9

Will you be removing belongings for donation or selling items for me?

Accepted Answer

No. For several reasons, I do not remove or sell clients’ personal belongings. My role is to support and empower you to make and carry out those decisions yourself so that you can continue to do so independently in the future. I provide guidance with both the practical steps (such as where and how to donate or dispose of items) and the emotional process of letting things go.

ELIZABETH EACRETT

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST & PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER

FAQs

ELIZABETH EACRETT

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST & PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER

Serving Ottawa in person and Ontario virtually