Learnings in this block

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change” (Brown, 2011).
I feel as though I have had to be vulnerable and have expressed many emotions throughout this block with the friends I’ve shared it with. I have had to expose my areas of weakness, lack of understanding and develop in vital areas, to create a more admirable therapist. This block was emotionally and physically draining, however my prac group were very supportive of each other and I am extremely grateful for them.

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure” (Powell, C). This block has taught me so much as a person and a developing therapist. As a person it has taught me to take every day as it comes and keep going, because the end is near. As a student OT, I have realized the great impact research, clinical reasoning and client context has on the treatment you provide and sessions you plan.

According to (Greenwood, Beth) these are the qualities which make a good OT. I will elaborate on how I have grown in these areas.

Communication and Listening

“Interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with your patients are vitally important. First, you must listen to your patients, who can explain how they feel or what their symptoms are”. I feel I have developed in my interpersonal skills, when communicating with my patients. I have learnt how to handle many new situations, when dealing with acute psychotic patient’s, such as using a therapeutic face when they dive into their world of delusions. I learnt how to express my concerns with empathy and how to ask my patients questions about their concerns, which are vital to gain context to formulate a problem list. I also learnt through midterms how important it is to receive collateral information, as Mr L’s sessions would have had a complete turnaround, had I gathered this information sooner. The client, blinded by the word ‘discharge’, barely answered any of my tests, or interview questions honestly.

Organization and Problem-Solving

“Much of OT work involves solving problems, according to OT Career Path. An OT needs organizational skills to manage her own daily activities and schedule as well”. As a student OT, I have come to terms with the fact that organization is the key to successful sessions. Even having a note written for reminders during the session, a notebook, pen and forms readily available allows created a more productive day. Organization in terms of researching and planning treatment also falls into this section. I have improved greatly in this area and will continue to grow through its value. Time management is also vital. I have definitely learnt to treat faster and use my time more wisely. Through this I have grown in my confidence and handling of patients during treatment sessions.

Compassionate Care

“Compassion, empathy and patience are necessary skills for an OT and are often driven by a desire to help others. A patient who is suffering from an illness may be grieving for her lost skills or the life activities she once enjoyed”. I do my best to develop therapeutic relationships with my clients so that they feel we have developed a safe, trustworthy relationship. I have learnt to show compassion for their struggles and develop aims alongside them. 

I learnt something valuable through my finals client, and I was mad with myself for doubting her strengths until the last second. Mrs J is a shizoaffective client and she explained in my first session with her that she had published a book. She mentioned the title and that it was on amazon. After having dealt with an extremely delusional client for midterms, I completed disregarded this achievement not believing it was true. After observing her writing strength through a poetry session, I decided to research the book she had mentioned. My client had a five star book published on Amazon. Not only would she possibly have felt saddened by me not ever mentioning that I had looked up the book, but it would have improved her mood and self-esteem too. This was an important learning experience.

My plan for my psychiatric block in fourth year is to not be as shy; to try more complicated activities, such as baking, cooking and extravagant art work. Psychiatry treatment, through occupational therapy, is abstract. I have always been frustrated by this, but I have realized this provides an opportunity for me to explore my strengths in psych and I should make the most of it! After fourth year, we will need to determine our OT path and I am undermining my strength in psych. I should therefore grab it by the hands and explore it on a deeper level, because I have finally discovered its great importance and worth. Dealing with Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder, Personality Disorders and Schizoaffective Disorders in third year will be an experience I will never forget. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity.

It is the first time I have effectively worked in an MDT, despite the difficulties a student faces with this important skill. When I called the client’s social worker for collateral and I was the first to inform her of  the client’s discharge, I began to experience the true feeling of being health professional.

In conclusion, this psychiatric block showed me the impact OT’s can have on psychiatric patient’s lives. The patient’s don’t realize how much they give to us as students, whilst we try our best to improve their quality of life and enrich their circumstances. This acute hospital taught me valuable life skills, taught me how to deal with discharge (haha) and forced me to understand patient’s context on a much deeper level, in order to do what is best for them. 

References:                                                                                

1. Greenwood, Beth. "Qualities of a Good Occupational Therapist." Work - Chron.com, http://work.chron.com/qualities-good-occupational-therapist-26306.html. Accessed 24 April 2019.

2.  Gibbs, M. 5 Powerful Quote’s from Brene Brown’s Ted Talk. http://empowerlounge.com/5-powerful-quotes-from-brene-browns-tedtalk-about-shame/

3.  Powell, C. Failure Quotes: Brainy Quotes. https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/failure