A season of hope: reflections from our occupational therapists
Tis the season - the season of hope. Discover reflections from our neurological occupational therapists...
Krysalis neurological occupational therapists often wish to inspire hope and motivation in those they work with. Whether an individual has a brain injury, neurological condition, or neurodivergent diagnosis, we focus on setting realistic rehabiliation goals - but we also aspire to bring an individual optimism for the future.
During the rehabilitation journey, hope can fluctuate and it can appear during big or small moments.
However, it is the role of occupational therapy to instil a nuanced balance of realism and optimism that inspires individuals to progress through their journey. This is something we work hard to obtain at Krysalis as we have a foundational belief in the endless possibilities and potential of people.
As the Christmas season begins, and everyone starts to reflect on the year that has passed, our neurological occupational therapists have shared their reflections on the rehabilitation journeys they've facilitated and supported, and they discuss what has given them hope this year.
Before, the world was a dark and sad place. However up steps Anna, and she has given me a purpose to life, focus, and a reason. 
Beneficiary living with a brain injury
The gift of reflecting on the year
When we spoke to neurological occupational therapist and sensory integration practitioner, Emilie, she had this to say about hope: "The children and young adults I've worked with fill me with hope every day. Even when school, play, leisure, or their connections with others feels challenging, they still carry a lightness, an ability to find joy, to laugh and to play."
Emilie often works with schools, helping children and young adults (who may be present or absent from an educational setting) to understand their strengths and challenges and how these impact capabilities, well-being, and learning outcomes.
She added, "Their resilience and delight in the smallest moments reminds me that hope is always alive, and often found in play."
Neurological occupational therapist, Vicky, spoke about the importance of finding hope even in the smallest of moments during rehabilitation. She said, "What's given me hope this year is reflecting on how we do make a difference every day."
We focus on realising potential and transforming lives, and with being a Krysalis neurological occupational therapist since 2013, Vicky embodies this belief.
She continued, "Sometimes it's a small shift to help a beneficiary manage their neurological symptoms a little more easily; other times it's supporting a person through major challenges and watching them adapt in ways they never thought possible. Those moments - big or small - remind me why this work matters."
You are the first person that I have met who has given me some hope! I think because I realised that you really know what you are talking about and genuinely care.
Mother of a beneficiary
Our sensory integration practitioner in-training and neurological occupational therapist, Anna F, spoke about the spaces she's witnessed hope over the past year: "I've had the privilege of supporting individuals through vocational and medico-legal rehabilitation, two areas that often come at a time of profound uncertainty."
During these times, Anna and the rest of the Krysalis neuro OTs work hard to provide individuals with the support they need to either stabilise or improve the symptoms they are experiencing.
Anna added, "These processes are not just about returning to work, or navigating long-term health challenges; they are about rebuilding identity, confidence, and purpose. In that journey, I've witnessed hope take root in valued and unexpected ways, through small milestones that lead to life-changing outcomes."
When talking to Anna O, neuro OT and self-proclaimed occupational therapy geek, she recalled what has been bringing her hope this year.
"By helping and supporting people to achieve small milestones and achieve personal goals, see them smile, and believe in their own abilities, reinforces my belief in the value of our work and gives me hope for them, their future, and hope for our profession."
It would be suggested, then, that hope is a two-way street - when an individual finds hope due to the value of occupational therapy, they're not the only one who gains the feeling of optimism.
Meeting your neuro OT for the first time is like someone has switched a light on, bringing a sense of anticipation and renewed optimism for the future.
Krysalis guest blogger, Anne Ricketts
Next week, you can learn more about Anne Ricketts as her latest blog will be released on Monday 8th December, where she'll be discussing her relationship with hope during her rehabilitation journey.
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References
[1] https://www.krysalisconsultancy.co.uk/resources/item/five-tell-tale-signs-that-you-re-an-ot-geek
Last updated: 1st December 2025