Occupational therapy Consultation services

Fiona Burbeary MSc, MRCOT, FHEA

My career as an Occupational Therapist began in 1996 and I have spent 19 of those in Higher Education . Prior to my academic career I worked with mentally disordered offenders in secure settings and also as a locum in older person's mental health services. I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of health professionals in post graduate studies as well as a wonderful diversity of undergraduate students studying to become Occupational Therapists. My involvement in placement, practice education and research have provided rich opportunities for insights and appreciation for the challenging demands of practice. My experience of working with practice models and professional reasoning gives me confidence to reason across fields of practice and to support others at any stage of their career. 

Beyond the depth and breadth of student facing support, both learning and pastoral, which I have been privileged to provide, I have taken opportunities to develop individuals and organisations to meet the challenges of their time with thrift, ingenuity and pride. My experience of sharing this precious space with others has taught me a deep respect for the value people have the potential to bring. It has also given me insights into how creative capacity to address challenges can wax and wain through life and in different situations. I have observed the physical and mental toll that over commitment and reach can bring as well as the ambivalence that can develop in the absence of hope. Because I believe in the potential of people to contribute value to others I support them to make their best contribution whilst taking good care of themselves.