Ivy U
OT
HCPC Registration number: OT084355
Hello, my name is Ivy.
I am a UK-trained Occupational Therapist and graduated from the University of East Anglia in 2021. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to learn from Dr Susanne Smith and became a certified Sensory Integration Practitioner. I genuinely enjoy being an OT and have a particular interest in neurodevelopment, as well as trauma-informed and attachment-informed approaches.
I enjoy working with children because they often encourage me to see things from a different perspective. Through my studies and practice, I have come to believe that there is rarely one single correct way to understand or work with a child. I tend to take an eclectic approach, drawing on different ideas and perspectives depending on the child and the situation.
A lot of the work involves observing, listening and gradually understanding what works for each individual child. I also find it important to consider the wider biological, psychological and social factors that may be affecting their everyday life.
For me, OT is never only about working directly with the child. It also involves listening to families, learning from school staff and working closely with the wider team around them. I enjoy bringing these different perspectives together and finding practical ideas that can make everyday life feel a little easier and more manageable.
The Words First value that resonates with me most is keeping the student’s best interests at the centre of our work. There are many theories, approaches and ways of understanding the same situation, but I find it helpful to keep returning to one simple question: What does this child need in order to participate and feel successful in their everyday life? When that remains the focus, collaboration, flexibility and evidence-based practice tend to follow naturally.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, exercising and spending time with friends and family. I also love exploring new places, trying different cafés and restaurants, and sharing meals with the people close to me. Food is a big part of my culture, and eating together has always felt like one of the most natural ways to show care, share stories and stay connected.
