Adapting the Practice of OT

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.