What is occupational therapy? The question every OT, OTA, and student finds themselves constantly answering. I know that early in my OT career, as an occupational therapy assistant, I dreaded this question. At the time, I found that it felt very stressful to try to explain to clients, families, and other healthcare providers constantly what the difference was in occupational therapy and physical therapy. I avoided answering the question as much as possible and felt discouraged every time it was asked. Looking back I realize that I did not feel confident in explaining what OT was or why the services I was providing were beneficial. I blamed my profession for not advocating enough and I blamed other professions for what I perceived was a lack of respect.
Fast forward 25 years. I am not sure that much has changed in regards to occupational therapy being recognized by the public or healthcare professionals. The one thing I do know is that I have changed, and I cannot wait to be asked what occupational therapy is! I have a different perspective for several reasons.
First, it's not about me. I think when I was less experienced I felt that questions regarding OT were actually doubts to my competence or value. My age and experience has helped me to realize that it has nothing to do with me; that question really has to do with clients trying to be active participants in their own care. It has to do with healthcare providers trying to provide best care to their patients. I now realize that when a healthcare professional asks me to explain occupational therapy, they are showing interest and seeking knowledge and for that I am grateful.
Second, I now realize how my own explanations of what OT is have not always reflected our profession's foundational principles rooted in the value of engaging in meaningful occupations. I realize that in the past my explanations did not convey the scientific process by which OT practitioners therapeutically use occupations to maintain or restore an individual's physical and mental health.
Third, I am now much more informed to the evidence that supports not just occupational therapy but the interventions that I use as an OT practitioner. I am so grateful to every occupational therapy researcher for providing the scientific data that supports the value of occupational therapy and occupational engagement. It is this information that gives me confidence to answer that question and those that will follow.
Fourth, it is now so clear to me, that every time I am asked that infamous question, I have the opportunity to change things. Every time I answer that question, I am promoting my profession. Every time I answer that question, I may be changing someone's life by providing an opportunity to have access to occupational therapy by increasing awareness. Every time I answer that question, I have the opportunity to engage in productive conversations with other disciplines that ultimately result in better outcomes for those we serve by improving interprofessional relationships.
Fifth, I can't wait to answer that question because I get to talk about a profession that I truly love. Answering that question allows me to be reminded of why I chose this profession. I get to remember all of the times I have been allowed to be part of some of the most vulnerable and challenging moments in a person's life. I get to talk about how I have been able to celebrate other's successes but also walk with them in their grief.
As OT practitioners we understand that no two individuals have the exact same journey in life. This is equally true for OT practitioners. The one constant is that you will surely be asked, "What is occupational therapy?". I hope this blog has helped you see that you can find joy and opportunity with each request, if you are willing to look for it!
Written by: Kimberly Breeden, Occupational Therapist, Coach, Continuing Education Instructor, Founding Partner
Fast forward 25 years. I am not sure that much has changed in regards to occupational therapy being recognized by the public or healthcare professionals. The one thing I do know is that I have changed, and I cannot wait to be asked what occupational therapy is! I have a different perspective for several reasons.
First, it's not about me. I think when I was less experienced I felt that questions regarding OT were actually doubts to my competence or value. My age and experience has helped me to realize that it has nothing to do with me; that question really has to do with clients trying to be active participants in their own care. It has to do with healthcare providers trying to provide best care to their patients. I now realize that when a healthcare professional asks me to explain occupational therapy, they are showing interest and seeking knowledge and for that I am grateful.
Second, I now realize how my own explanations of what OT is have not always reflected our profession's foundational principles rooted in the value of engaging in meaningful occupations. I realize that in the past my explanations did not convey the scientific process by which OT practitioners therapeutically use occupations to maintain or restore an individual's physical and mental health.
Third, I am now much more informed to the evidence that supports not just occupational therapy but the interventions that I use as an OT practitioner. I am so grateful to every occupational therapy researcher for providing the scientific data that supports the value of occupational therapy and occupational engagement. It is this information that gives me confidence to answer that question and those that will follow.
Fourth, it is now so clear to me, that every time I am asked that infamous question, I have the opportunity to change things. Every time I answer that question, I am promoting my profession. Every time I answer that question, I may be changing someone's life by providing an opportunity to have access to occupational therapy by increasing awareness. Every time I answer that question, I have the opportunity to engage in productive conversations with other disciplines that ultimately result in better outcomes for those we serve by improving interprofessional relationships.
Fifth, I can't wait to answer that question because I get to talk about a profession that I truly love. Answering that question allows me to be reminded of why I chose this profession. I get to remember all of the times I have been allowed to be part of some of the most vulnerable and challenging moments in a person's life. I get to talk about how I have been able to celebrate other's successes but also walk with them in their grief.
As OT practitioners we understand that no two individuals have the exact same journey in life. This is equally true for OT practitioners. The one constant is that you will surely be asked, "What is occupational therapy?". I hope this blog has helped you see that you can find joy and opportunity with each request, if you are willing to look for it!
Written by: Kimberly Breeden, Occupational Therapist, Coach, Continuing Education Instructor, Founding Partner
What is OT? Nailing Your OT Elevator Speech
1.0 Contact hours, 0.10 CEU
AOTA Approved
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AOTA Approved
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Occupational Therapy CEs to Increase Your Confidence With Your OT Explanation
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