Holistic Care Defines Occupational Therapy Practice

10 April 2026
Students engage in equine-assisted therapy as part of occupational therapy training, learning a holistic approach to care by working with horses to support clients’ physical, emotional, and functional needs.
Occupational Therapy Month highlights learning a holistic approach to care through exploring different therapeutic modalities, such as equine-assisted therapy (pictured above): using horses to help address occupational therapy needs and support meaningful outcomes.

Occupational Therapy Month is celebrated during the month of April. The ³Ô¹ÏÍø Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program celebrates OT month by sharing about occupational therapy and all the great that it does and celebrating our students and practitioners.

Occupational therapy is a uniquely holistic healthcare profession, which treats the individual as an integrated being rather than a set of symptoms. The holistic focus in occupational therapy is important because it addresses the hidden barriers to recovery that a strictly medical approach might miss. By treating the "entire person" rather than just a specific injury, OTs can achieve better long-term outcomes and a higher quality of life for their clients! The ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s OTD program teaches a holistic approach by integrating clinical science with social and environmental aspects that may shape a person’s life. Through coursework, students have focused on occupational justice and learned to treat the "whole person" by addressing mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This comprehensive training, paired with unique opportunities, ensures that students feel confident in empowering our clients to find meaning and independence in any environment they desire.