Meet Pierce: Building Skills, Confidence and Independence Through Meaningful Therapy

Pierce is an Occupational Therapist who joined Forbes Care with a passion for helping people build the skills, confidence and independence they need to participate more fully in everyday life.

Before becoming an OT, Pierce worked as a swimming instructor, where he saw firsthand how developing one skill could create opportunities far beyond the activity itself. Learning to swim could mean greater confidence around water, swimming with friends, going to the beach, trying surfing or simply feeling more comfortable participating in the community.

That experience helped shape Pierce’s interest in Occupational Therapy and continues to influence the way he approaches his work today.

“I liked the idea of helping people build skills, confidence and independence so they can participate more fully in the things that are meaningful to them.”

Practical Therapy for Everyday Life

Pierce is particularly interested in working with adolescents and adults across neurological rehabilitation, mental health, ongoing therapy and home modifications.

For Pierce, therapy should be practical and connected to everyday life. He enjoys working collaboratively with participants to identify meaningful goals and break larger goals into smaller, achievable steps.

Depending on the individual, this might involve developing routines, building confidence with everyday activities, practising skills in the community, modifying tasks or environments, exploring assistive technology or considering home modifications.

Putting the Person at the Centre

Pierce describes his approach as practical, collaborative and person-centred. Rather than focusing solely on a diagnosis, he values getting to know each person, understanding what is important to them and developing strategies that realistically fit into their life.

His practice is strengths-based, and he is continuing to develop his skills in neuro-affirming and trauma-informed approaches. He is also interested in Occupational Performance Coaching and motivational interviewing, particularly in supporting participants to play an active role in identifying their own goals and solutions.

Building genuine relationships is an important part of this approach.

“For me, rapport starts with being genuine, listening and taking the time to understand the person beyond their diagnosis.”

This is particularly important when working with teenagers and young adults. Pierce believes therapy should feel relevant to the person and that they should be actively involved in decisions about their goals and therapy.

When families and multiple stakeholders are involved, Pierce values open and collaborative communication while ensuring the participant remains at the centre of the process.

Growing at Forbes Care

Pierce was drawn to Forbes Care by the opportunity to work in community Occupational Therapy and support participants over time, rather than seeing only one part of their journey.

As an early-career Occupational Therapist, he also valued the opportunity to join a supportive team where he could continue learning from other clinicians, develop his skills and gain experience across a broad range of presentations.

Pierce is particularly looking forward to continuing to develop his knowledge in neurological rehabilitation, mental health, ongoing therapy and home modifications.

Most importantly, he is excited to build relationships with participants and work alongside them towards goals that genuinely matter in their everyday lives.

“More than anything, I’m looking forward to helping people build confidence, independence and get more involved in the things they want to be doing in everyday life.”

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