Skip to main content

My Main Takeaway from OT 425

In a sense, I have always known that I had a knack for therapy, but it wasn't until I learned about the intricate details of OT that I realized I'm going to be a part of the perfect profession for myself!  Growing up, I have always been one of those people who has a higher standard for myself than for others (perfectionism runs deep), and something about OT that I respect is the fact that it requires its practitioners to continuously strive to better themselves through continuing eduction, evidence-based practice, and even learning from ethical dilemmas.  OT always strives to provide the best services possible, and I believe that is crucial in a field where health care personnel are called to serve others and enable them to live healthy lives.  While there are a lot of expectations placed on practitioners, I also feel there is an overwhelming amount of community and grace within the profession.  OT practice is a team focus with accountability and wisdom readily available.  Even from my few short months in school, I have seen the basis of OT revealed through relationships with professors and their genuine care and concern for their students.  Occupational therapy is a profession focused on who the person is and what that person wants out of life, and I believe this is how we can truly develop an effective health profession where client and practitioner alike are enabled to thrive.

Comments

  1. Dr. LancasterMay 16, 2017 at 12:41 PM

    Thank you for this heartfelt post! I am honored to have you as a student.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Stephen Hawking

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

Chucky Mullins

Chucky Mullins was a college football player who suffered a spinal cord injury in the cervical injury resulting in his loss of functioning in all four limbs.  Mullins went from a life of complete independence and success as a college athlete to complete dependence and reliance on caregivers.  After his injury he struggled with speaking and swallowing due to a medical trachea.  He hoped to still be able to attend college and get a degree. Occupational therapy services in this situation should be focused on adaptation in order to facilitate activity in meaningful occupations.  While his arms were unable to move, he still had neck and head control that could be used with adaptive equipment in operating a computer.  His intervention services should be focused on capitalizing on the movement he does have through the use of creative and innovative strategies.  Mullins may not be able to regain the ability to walk, but he definitely can return to the pursuit of a...
Post a Comment
Read more

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 deve...
1 comment
Read more