The beautiful thing about occupational therapy as a profession is its adaptability. It thrives in an environment that is multi-dimensional where the profession morphs according to the client. "Client-centered" and "top-down approach" are all key terms when describing OT. Instead of being a rigid process with little adaptation, the profession molds into the best fit for each specific client. Occupational therapists are more than just practitioners. In a way, OTs are detectives, teachers, and companions. One theory that capitalizes on the adaptability of OT is Frame of Reference (FoR). FoR implements the strengths of OT by allowing the practitioner's roles to adapt to each individual client. Using the client's FoR aids the therapist to develop an intervention that best suites his specific needs. This is where solving mysteries and applying reasoning to the situation is useful. Deducing the client's motivations and context are key in the development of the client's intervention. Now that detective strategies have been used to create an approach that best addresses the client's needs and wishes, the therapist must effectively train the client in the techniques involved. Teaching not only involves an ability to talk but also an ability to listen. The practitioner must be able to adapt the "lesson plan" (intervention) based on the progress of the student. Here is where supportive and motivational abilities are instrumental. Having the abilities to deduce the issue and formulate a plan is only a fraction of the therapy. Tied into this is an ability to provide the comfort to the client that his needs and wishes are truly of value to the practitioner. If the client cannot express himself, then the intervention will not allow optimal performance due to discomfort or an inability of the client to fully apply himself to the therapy. Ultimately, occupational therapists must allow for the client to have the final say and feel that his wishes are what is truly valued overall. This is effective occupational therapy. When I hear stories of OTs falling into a routine of the same treatment for the same symptoms, I think how this is a disservice to the basis of occupational therapy. We as practitioners have the capability to adapt and change the profession to each special case. This is something that should be exciting and encourage practitioners to always sharpen and adapt their practice.
Today we talked about Stephen Hawking, renown scientist and lecturer, and his fight with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The incredible thing about him is that while he now is completely dependent on the help of others, he is still pursuing his passion of writing, science and speaking. While he is dependent on a tracheotomy for breathing functions and cannot actually speak, he has found ways to communicate and live life to the fullest. In fact, Assistive Technology (AT) has helped him to communicate by use of cheek movements in selecting words and phrases on a computer. Even though his AT has helped, Hawking's therapy should focus on continued effort to find the most advanced AT and adaptive equipment so that his continued loss of function will not impede his ability to pursue his desires and interests. Goals for OT involve training caregivers on how to us AT, discovering new techniques and methods to incorporate in his daily life, and helping him to f...
Wonderful post, Lauren! "Occupational therapists are more than just practitioners. In a way, OTs are detectives, teachers, and companions." Spot on!!
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