Alice Hortop

Alice Hortop serves as a Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy within the Department of Allied Health Professions at the University of the West of England, Bristol, contributing to both academic instruction and specialized clinical research.

Her academic qualifications include:

• BSc Occupational Therapy Degree
• MSc Advanced Occupational Therapy Practice
• Post Graduate Certificate in Mentoring
• Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching
• Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Studies
• AMPS (Assessment of Motor and Process Skills) qualified
• Dementia Care Mapping Qualified
• Master Practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Timeline Therapy, and Hypnosis

Dr. Hortop's research centers on innovative therapeutic modalities, with primary focus on humor-based interventions and non-verbal communication strategies in dementia care. Her work explores how laughter, smiling, and therapeutic humor can enhance patient engagement, reduce agitation in neurodegenerative conditions, and improve occupational therapy outcomes through evidence-based communication frameworks. This research bridges clinical practice with psychological well-being in geriatric healthcare settings.

Her professional certifications demonstrate advanced expertise in cognitive-behavioral techniques and specialized dementia care methodologies, supporting her dual role in both clinical practice and academic instruction.