Kate Christmas – Occupational Therapist – Glen Austin

Kate Christmas – Occupational Therapist – Glen Austin

Kate Christmas – Occupational Therapist – Glen Austin serves as both practice manager and lead clinician at CL Stander & Associates, bringing a wealth of expertise to mental health care. She earned her BSc(OT) from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2013, then completed her MSc(OT) at WITS in 2023, specialising in group therapy for mental well-being ot4mentalhealth.co.za. Additionally, Kate has held roles as an adolescent unit manager, where she honed leadership skills and deepened her understanding of youth mental-health challenges.

Furthermore, she pursued advanced certifications in OT Grow group therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Functional Capacity Evaluations (PsyFCE), and Parent-Infant Psychotherapy. Consequently, her practice integrates rigorous functional assessments with creative, evidence-based interventions. Kate’s professional philosophy centres on collaboration and empowerment, since she believes therapeutic success arises from respecting each individual’s unique story. In 2024, she presented her master’s research at both the OTASA Congress and INSTOPP, contributing to the Depression SOP Committee and various OTASA projects.

Ultimately, Kate remains committed to unlocking potential and fostering connections. Outside work, she embraces her playful side—“Mrs. Christmas”—spreading joy and laughter whenever possible.

Services

• Functional Capacity Evaluation to assess work-related capabilities and guide return-to-work planning

• Group Therapy using experiential and projective techniques, designed to foster peer support and skill development

• Sensory Integration Interventions for clients with trauma, neurodivergence, or affective dysregulation, utilising tailored tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive activities

• Cognitive Rehabilitation programmes that strengthen memory, attention, and executive functions via structured tasks and digital platforms

• Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Retraining, focusing on self-care, meal preparation, and community participation, through graded task practice

• Parent-Infant Psychotherapy to support early attachment, emotional regulation, and family dynamics

• Stress-Management Workshops, teaching mindfulness, time-management, and coping strategies in both one-on-one and group settings

• Assistive Technology Prescription, including selection and training in adaptive utensils, mobility aids, and home-modification recommendations

• Vocational & Job Simulation Services, offering ergonomic assessments, task adaptation coaching, and career-readiness training

• Caregiver Education & Support, equipping families with home-based strategies to reinforce therapeutic gains

• Teletherapy Consultations via a secure video platform, ensuring continuity of care for clients with mobility or scheduling constraints

Schedule a consultation today.

Additional Information

CL Stander & Associates operates from a contemporary day-clinic in Glen Austin, featuring private therapy suites, a dedicated group room, and a sensory-integration space equipped with swings, mats, and tactile stations ot4mentalhealth.co.za. Moreover, the practice utilises a secure electronic medical record system, which streamlines multidisciplinary communication with psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.

In this supportive setting, Kate leads a team of fourteen permanent therapists, ensuring that every client receives cohesive, personalised care. Furthermore, the clinic adheres to strict infection-control protocols, including thorough sanitisation of all equipment and treatment areas between sessions. Patients appreciate the warm décor, comfortable waiting area, and flexible scheduling—including extended evening and weekend slots—to accommodate busy lifestyles.

Moreover, Kate actively contributes to the broader OT community by mentoring final-year students, serving on OTASA committees, and presenting workshops for organizations such as INSTOPP, OTGrow, and the University of Pretoria. Consequently, she fosters an environment of continuous professional development and excellence.

Overall, under Kate Christmas’s leadership, CL Stander & Associates provides a welcoming atmosphere where every individual receives undivided attention, compassionate guidance, and measurable outcomes. Finally, take the first step toward unlocking your potential by scheduling a personalised assessment with Kate today.