Lizl Retief – Occupational Therapist – Die Wilgers

Lizl Retief – Occupational Therapist – Die Wilgers

Ms Lizl Retief – Occupational Therapist – Die Wilgers co-founded BrainLife’s Die Wilgers centre in 2005, bringing over eighteen years of specialised practice. Moreover, she earned her B Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Pretoria, where she graduated cum laude, and completed advanced training in neurorehabilitation and sensory integration.

As a Neurological and Cognitive Occupational Therapist, Ms Retief applies a holistic, patient-centred approach. She assesses each individual’s motor, sensory, and cognitive abilities, then crafts personalized intervention plans that restore function and promote independence. Consequently, clients recovering from stroke, brain injury, and neurodegenerative conditions receive cohesive care tailored to their unique needs.

Furthermore, Ms Retief leads BrainLife’s multidisciplinary team—collaborating closely with physiotherapists, speech-language therapists, and clinical psychologists—to ensure seamless continuity of care. She also mentors junior therapists and regularly hosts professional workshops on neuroplasticity and activity analysis, thereby elevating regional standards of occupational therapy. Ultimately, her mission remains to empower every client through clear communication, compassionate guidance, and evidence-based strategies.

Services

• Neurological Assessment using standardized tools to evaluate ADLs, IADLs, and cognitive function

• Cognitive Rehabilitation employing computer-based exercises and real-world task simulations to bolster memory, attention, and executive skills

• Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Retraining, focusing on self-care, home management, and workplace task adaptations

• Sensory Integration Therapy to recalibrate responses to tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive input

• Ergonomic & Environmental Assessments for home, school, and workplace to optimize safety and accessibility

• Adaptive Equipment Prescription and training, including mobility aids, orthoses, and assistive technologies

• Fine Motor Skill Development through task-specific training and adaptive tool use

• Fatigue Management Programs, teaching energy conservation and pacing strategies for chronic neurological conditions

• Caregiver Education & Training, providing strategies to support therapy carry-over at home

• Group Workshops on brain health, stress management, and cognitive wellness

• Teletherapy Consultations via secure video platform for ongoing follow-up and program adjustments

Schedule a consultation today.

Additional Information

BrainLife’s Die Wilgers centre features a dedicated therapy gym equipped with adaptive equipment, balance platforms, and computer-aided cognitive training systems. Moreover, the clinic includes a sensory room designed for graded exposure therapies, which enhances outcomes for clients with complex processing challenges.

In addition, the practice employs a secure electronic medical record system, ensuring cohesive documentation and seamless communication among the multidisciplinary team. Consequently, each client benefits from timely adjustments to their intervention plan based on collaborative assessments.

Furthermore, strict infection-control protocols—including thorough equipment sanitization and room disinfection between sessions—maintain a safe environment. Families appreciate the centre’s flexible scheduling, with extended evening hours and weekend slots that accommodate diverse lifestyles. Accessible parking and wheelchair ramps guarantee barrier-free entry for all individuals.

Staff members pursue ongoing professional development by attending national and international workshops on advanced neurorehabilitation, assistive technology innovations, and evidence-based OT interventions. As a result, BrainLife remains at the forefront of client-centred occupational therapy.

Overall, this modern, supportive setting fosters a welcoming atmosphere where every individual receives undivided attention, expert care, and compassionate encouragement. Finally, take the next step toward renewed independence by scheduling your personalized assessment today.