You're back from surgery in Vancouver and the stairs to your Terrace home suddenly look like a mountain. Or you've been off work from the smelter or a job site in Kitimat and you're not sure your body is ready to go back. In northern BC, getting the right help close to home can be the hardest part. That's where our occupational therapists come in.
The short version
- Creative Therapy Consultants provides occupational therapy in Terrace, Kitimat and Smithers, with an office in Terrace.
- Our OTs see clients at home, at work, in the community and online.
- Five key services: home assessments, return to work, equipment, chronic pain and ergonomics.
- We work with WorkSafeBC, ICBC, insurers, employers and private clients.
1. Home assessments and modifications
Making a home safe and accessible can be the difference between living independently and not. An OT visits your home, looks at how you move through it, and identifies changes that would help. That might mean a ramp, wider doorways, grab bars or a modified bathroom.
In Terrace and Smithers, older homes and uneven terrain can make this especially important for staying independent.
2. Return-to-work programs
Going back to work after an injury or while managing a chronic condition can be tough. Our OTs build personalized return-to-work plans so you're physically and mentally ready. These often include a job site visit and recommendations for ergonomic changes or modified duties.
With manufacturing and industrial work common in Kitimat and Terrace, a careful plan helps people go back safely and stay there. Many of these files come through WorkSafeBC.
3. Assistive technology and equipment
The right equipment can make daily life much easier. OTs assess your needs and recommend what fits, from mobility aids like wheelchairs and walkers to devices that help with self-care or communication.
In rural and semi-rural areas like Smithers and Kitimat, having the right equipment matters even more, especially in homes with tricky layouts or for clients who live further from services.
4. Chronic pain management
Living with chronic pain affects work, sleep, mood and family life. Our OTs help clients manage pain using physical and cognitive strategies: pacing, exercises, ergonomic changes and adjustments to everyday routines that reduce pain triggers.
In communities where outdoor activity and physical work are part of daily life, managing pain well can make a big difference to quality of life.
5. Ergonomic assessments and workplace safety
Preventing injuries is better than treating them. OTs look at workstations, tools and job tasks and recommend changes to reduce strain and injury risk. That applies to desk jobs and physically demanding roles alike.
For employers, an assessment can also flag simple fixes before they turn into time-loss claims, such as adjusting a work height, changing how a task is rotated or adding the right lifting aid.
In Kitimat and Terrace, where manufacturing, construction and resource work are common, ergonomic assessments help reduce repetitive strain and other work-related injuries.
Who pays
Many clients are referred through WorkSafeBC, ICBC after a crash, long-term disability insurers, employers or lawyers. Private clients can also book directly. If you're not sure who covers your care, ask us and we'll help you sort it out.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an occupational therapist in Terrace?
Yes. Creative Therapy Consultants has an office in Terrace, and our OTs also travel to Kitimat and Smithers and offer online sessions.
Do I need a doctor's referral to see an OT?
Not always. Private clients can contact us directly, though WorkSafeBC, ICBC and insurers usually arrange the referral themselves.
Will an OT come to my home or workplace?
Yes. Much of our work happens where you live and work, because that's where we can see what actually needs to change.
Get started
Learn more about our occupational therapy services, our Terrace office and our work across northern BC. To make a referral, email referrals@creativetherapyconsultants.ca or call 1-888-880-3222. We'll contact the client within 1 business day.
David McInerney, OT, owner of Creative Therapy Consultants
Written by David M, occupational therapist and co-owner of Creative Therapy Consultants.