thOughTs by Jess

Therapeutic relationships are a vital part of the treatment session as a whole. Without trust or interactions and communication from therapist to client, progress and improvement is harder to come by. In order to fully appreciate and understand the best plan of action for each client, the therapist must be empathetic. If you can't understand the situations the individual is going through and how they are going through it, how can you help them return to it or help them get through it? Along with communicating well with the client, it is imperative to be in their corner because in some cases you may be there alone. The overall goal of this profession is to help people attain the greatest quality of life possible for them, so let's cheer them on while they run this race.

Today's presentation brought light to and made several horrors we already knew to be true more of a reality. People with disabilities have always been treated differently and punished for something that they have absolutely no control over. Although this matter is starting to get dealt with and taking strides in the right direction, there are still many things that should be done for equality and the rights of those with disabilities. Decisions are typically made for them and they are not given the right or voice that should be given to every human no matter the intelligence and social participation.  There are still accessibility measures that should be taken on people's behalf. We have come a long way as a society, however, in the last century it was a struggle to have access to wheelchair ramps, handicapped public transportation, or even bathroom stalls large enough for wheelchairs to fit. There were little to no curb cuts in the sidewalks and people who were different a...

The OTPF or Occupational Therapy Practice Framework is a tool and manual of sorts that practicing clinicians can refer to and use for any questions or uncertainties that may arise in the field. This document serves as a translation and helps make the profession more understanding and creates a uniform language across the board. It is very crucial to learn about the OTPF, as an occupational therapy student, because it defines all things ot and discusses what is actually done in the career. It takes a client-centered or holistic approach in addressing issues that are faced in this field daily. The OTPF is an instruction manual on how to be a successful occupational therapist.

One role I take the most pride in is being an aunt. Anderson Lee, my nephew, is just over a year old and he is my absolute best friend. When I am home, there are many occupations I participate in that are just a part of the job. He can not care for himself and Aunt Jess is the first pick and a free babysitter. He loves watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and nap time in the recliner. Anderson is very busy and we always play with his many toys when I visit. A few tasks include participation in tossing the ball back and forth and rolling his car while he rides and holds on.

After reflecting on the era presentations, I couldn't help but notice the obvious trend of how personal of a career occupational therapy really is. From the 40s all the way to the present, the priority of the practitioner is the client and their needs. The therapists take it upon themselves to make whatever is important to their client important to them as well. Even though for a fragment in time occupational therapy started to deviate from its original course, the career has always found its way back to the roots and basis. This field maintains a holistic approach and strays from the medical model used by most health professions.

One of the main reasons I am so excited to move forward with OT as a career choice is because of the sweet lady pictured. Her name is Diane Stallings but I just call her Mimi. She is my grandmother and when I was in elementary school she had a severe stroke that affected mobility on her right side as well as sensory function and speech. Although she deals with several long term effects from her stroke, since 2009 she has come so far in her progression. She lives alone and does every day activities such as cooking, cleaning,  and even driving with complete independence. Some days she sees her journey as a weakness, however, I always see it as her biggest strength and tell her every chance I get. Nothing excites me more than knowing I get to be an encouragement to other people facing similar situations every day when I go to work as an occupational therapist.