Lizi Mattacola, BSc

What drives me

I love being an OT and have a deep desire to enable people to live their best life despite the challenges life can throw our way.  I find it highly rewarding to be part of someone’s journey to restore wellbeing, function and independence.  OT is based on the belief that we all deserve the chance to participate in meaningful occupations, this is what brings purpose and meaning to our lives.  For me that sometimes means being an artist and engaging in as many creative activities that I possibly can, going paddle boarding with my husband and two daughters, or sometimes its simply relaxing at home.  Meaningful occupations are different for each of us, but my approach is, if it matters to you, it matters to me.

 

If you have experienced change due to illness or disability it may feel like there are many new barriers affecting the way you want to do things.  This may range from difficulty getting showered and dressed, cooking a meal, going to work or school, looking after your children or engaging in a hobby.  This is where I use my skills as an OT to help you overcome these challenges. This may require relearning a skill that has been lost, learning new strategies, adjusting the way you engage in an activity, modifying your environment or using adaptive equipment to meet your needs.

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My approach

An OT assessment is holistic and looks at how symptoms of your health condition affect how you manage on a day to day basis.  I will ask questions about what activities you want to participate in and area’s where you feel most affected by your health. 

 

An assessment will look at any physical changes in your body restricting function, problems with cognitive skills such as memory and concentration, mental health and psychological changes, or physical barriers in your home or workplace. 

 

I will devise a personalised treatment plan with recommendations and strategies to enable you to reach your goals.  These may be simple changes to the way you carry our a task or it may be strategies that you may need to work on over a period of time.  It may also include recommendations for equipment and aids, or adaptations to you home that promote safety and independence.  I often work alongside other health professionals to ensure your treatment is optimised and coordinated.

 

My assessment and intervention is based on clinical experience, application of theory and current evidence based practice.  I will use a solution focused approach based on your unique circumstances I will advise on preventative strategies to consider your long term health.

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Clinical interest

• Fatigue management (task and energy analysis, identifying triggers, compensatory strategies, treatment plan to improve energy levels, managing brain fog)

• Self management strategies to improve quality of life for people with long term pain e.g. relaxation to reduce pain and anxiety, managing low moods, improving sleep

• Cognitive therapy – strategies to compensate for memory and cognitive impairment, or rehabilitation to restore

• Older adults – keeping safe and active, advice to promote independence, managing self care and home tasks

• Falls prevention

• Equipment, aids and home modifications

• Tai Chi therapy for mental and physical wellbeing

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