Caitlin Barry, MS OTR/L (She/Her)

I began my career as an occupational therapist working in hospital-based rehab, supporting patients through neurology, orthopedics, cardiac rehab, oncology, and ICU care. What drew me to OT—and continues to ground my work—is the understanding that health needs to be addressed in a way that considers how all aspects of life affect overall well-being. It’s about supporting the whole person in living a fulfilling life.

This meant addressing physical challenges like strength, endurance, and mobility. It also meant offering strategies for cognitive shifts—like memory, problem-solving, and concentration—and supporting clients as they moved through grief, loss, and stress. All of this happens within the context of identity and environment. No one exists in a vacuum, yet traditional models of care often treat health in isolation. One area that I found was consistently overlooked? Sex and intimacy. Despite how foundational they are to well-being, these topics were rarely acknowledged, let alone explored with care. I also found that the settings I was working in left little space to fully address what clients truly wanted to talk about.

As I navigated my own experiences with chronic illness and physical disability, these professional observations became deeply personal. I wanted to do better.

With a strong interest in women’s health and intersectionality, I pursued additional training through the University of Michigan’s Sexuality Counseling program. That education—combined with my background in Occupational Therapy—allows me to offer a unique blend of practical strategies, emotional support, and inclusive, evidence-based care.