Karen Bridle

Provided Occupational Therapy in a specialist SEMH school , supporting pupils with complex emotional, behavioural , and sensory needs through a trauma-informed approach . Experienced in carrying out comprehensive OT assessments using standardised tools and functional observations , and in designing and delivering individual, paired, and group interventions to support sensory , motor , cognitive , emotional and functional skill development . Skilled in embedding sensory regulation strategies and therapeutic approaches such as Level UP, Zones of Regulation, Interoceptive Curriculum and Trauma Informed Practice , within a classroom setting including developing sensory circuits and calm spaces. Delivered in-house training for staff and presented to wider OT forums on a group provision model .

Led the development and implementation of student mental health and wellbeing services within a university setting, improving accessibility, triage pathways , and overall provision. Provided clinical leadership and supervision to a MDT, ensuring safe, effective, and responsive support for students with a wide range of mental health and wellbeing needs

Designed and facilitated therapeutic groups and psycho-educational workshops , including anxiety management, MOODfit, DBT-informed skills, and survivors support. Delivered risk assessment and crisis management , while working collaboratively with academic staff, support services, and external agencies to provide coordinated, student-centred care. Led on campus suicide prevention strategies promoting a suicide-safer university environment .

Managed a caseload of clients with complex mental health needs delivering both community and clinic-based individual and group interventions. Provided comprehensive generic and OT focused mental health assessments , risk assessment and care planning in line with NICE guidance.

Delivered a range of targeted 1:1 interventions including anxiety management, trauma stabilisation , relapse prevention, crisis planning, and vocational rehabilitation working within a recovery focused model . Played a key role in co-designing and facilitating psycho-educational and therapeutic groups , including CBT-informed interventions and structured DBT programmes for adults with developmental trauma .

Acted as a vocational lead within the team, embedding employment and education support into recovery planning. Worked collaboratively with statutory, healthcare, and third-sector agencies to ensure coordinated care, and provided crisis response and duty cover including urgent assessments and referrals to acute services. Also contributed to service functioning through coordinating clinical meetings, supervising junior staff and students, and supporting multidisciplinary formulation and review processes.

Worked with adults experiencing acute mental health crisis in community settings, supporting prevention of hospital admission and facilitating early discharge . Conducted comprehensive OT and risk assessments, implementing crisis care plans to promote safety, stability, and recovery.

Promoted social inclusion , and recovery-focused practice within a medically led service delivering a range of 1:1 OT interventions i.e. safety planning , relapse prevention , recovery planning, return-to-work support , and vocational rehabilitation. Provided out-of-hours on-call cover, including A&E liaison and crisis response.

Worked collaboratively within multidisciplinary and multi-agency teams, including psychiatry, psychology, social care, primary care, housing, education, and voluntary services. Took a lead role in coordinating CPA reviews , case conferences, and discharge planning to ensure safe transitions of care.

Provided supervision to junior staff and students, contributed to shift coordination and rota management.

Delivered occupational therapy within an acute inpatient mental health setting, completing assessments and interventions using a MOHO framework , including MOHOST and OCAIRS. Designed and facilitated a range of therapeutic group programmes focused on healthy living, relaxation, relapse prevention, creative activities, and daily living skills.

Worked closely within the multidisciplinary team, contributing to case conferences , reviews, risk management , discharge planning , and coordination with community follow-up services including CRT, CMHT, social services, and day hospitals. Also supervised junior staff and students, promoted the role of OT within the service, and represented the profession at locality and acute care forums.

Delivered occupational therapy across a range of acute and community mental health and physical health settings through multiple rotational posts, including older adults mental health , medicine for the elderly, Accident & Emergency , and working-age adult day hospital services.

Supported clients with functional and organic mental health conditions, as well as complex physical and cognitive needs, with a focus on enabling safe discharge , functional independence , and improved quality of life. Experienced in completing comprehensive OT assessments (e.g. MOHOST, OCAIRS, MEAMS, RBMT) and delivering both individual and group interventions across inpatient, outpatient, and community pathways.

Skilled in discharge planning, home visits, equipment provision , mobility and functional rehabilitation , and cognitive assessment . Regularly contributed to MDT meetings, case conferences, and reviews, and liaised closely with community services to ensure continuity of care.

Provided occupational therapy support within a specialist nursing home setting for retired RAF personnel with complex and profound physical disabilities. Focused on maintaining function , promoting independence , and enhancing quality of life through structured therapeutic and activity-based interventions.

Delivered individual interventions including mobility and transfer training , upper and lower limb rehabilitation , cognitive stimulation , and wheelchair/scooter training for residents and staff.

Worked collaboratively with physiotherapy and OT colleagues to support hydrotherapy, manual handling training , and safe moving and handling practice. Involved in assessment, recommendation, and training around specialist equipment including seating , pressure care , bathing systems, hoists , and transfer aids , as well as maintaining equipment records and providing staff training on safe use.