My Journey
My name is Matt Varkulis, and I am very proud to say I’m a newly qualified occupational therapist working with Headsup Therapies. My journey into OT wasn’t quite a straight line, but it was one filled with valuable lessons, personal growth, and meaningful experiences that shaped who I am today.
After finishing school, I studied media at college but quickly realised my true interest lay in working with people, particularly those who were less fortunate or living with additional challenges. I went on to complete a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Social Care, with the goal of working with offenders, either adults or young people. During this course, I gained valuable insight into this population through placement roles with the probation service and a homeless charity.
After completing the HND, financial pressures and personal issues led me into a variety of jobs including construction, HGV driving and crane operating, as well as working on road gangs across the UK. While it wasn't my chosen field, this chapter of my life taught me practical life skills like cooking, cleaning, the importance of teamwork and a strong work ethic.
Eventually, I found my way back to the care sector, working for five years in a one-to-one residential unit for young people aged 11 to 17 with emotional and behavioural difficulties, many of whom were young offenders. This role was a turning point, and I developed key skills in de-escalating challenging behaviours, documenting daily progress, and most importantly, building therapeutic rapport. I began to understand how early intervention and meaningful relationships could really make a difference.
The next major shift in my career came through a family connection, which introduced me to the field of brain injury rehabilitation. I spent three years working as a support worker with adults who had acquired brain injuries, and it was during this time that I had my “lightbulb moment.” I saw the direct impact that occupational therapy could have. One particular client made significant progress, from struggling with basic routines to preparing meals, reintegrating into the community, and even securing paid employment. Much of this change followed the involvement of occupational therapist Ryan Price, and it was his work that inspired me to pursue OT as a career. Until then, I hadn’t even heard of occupational therapy, but I instantly knew it was what I wanted to do.
I later joined Ryan at Headsup Therapies as an OT Assistant, and that experience solidified my decision to go to university and qualify as an occupational therapist. Balancing full-time study, full-time placements, and working over 30 hours a week to make ends meet was a real challenge, but also deeply rewarding.
During my degree, I completed four diverse placements: a stroke rehabilitation ward, wheelchair services, a role-emerging placement in a Category C male prison, and a final placement in a personality disorder unit within a Category B male prison. These placements, alongside university teaching, gave me a well-rounded foundation in occupational therapy. I learned how to support individuals facing a wide range of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social challenges. My training included anatomy, physiology, psychology, and mental health, as well as occupational science and practical techniques for assessment and intervention. I also gained experience with assistive technology, environmental adaptations, communication, and professional ethics.
Now, as a fully qualified OT, I feel incredibly grateful to be doing the work I love, supporting people to rebuild their independence and improve their quality of life. I’m proud to be part of the Headsup Therapies team and look forward to continuing this journey, making a meaningful difference.
