Alternative Job Shadow Report: Occupational Therapy

Alternative Job Shadow Report An occupational therapist has many options when it comes to areas of practice. One venue, that I could potentially work in, that sparks my interest, is mental health. Someone who is struggling with mental health is in a very vulnerable position and I think my disposition would be beneficial in this setting. I have struggled with depression myself and I realize how important an empathetic listener can be.
Occupational therapy in the mental health field was historically carried out in hospitals and inpatient facilities. However, since the early 1980’s there have been changes in how treatment is administered to those with mental illness. Today, it is believed that the majority of care should take place out in the
This means that occupational therapists job is two-fold. First, they must assess the client and have them engage in a treatment plan and participate in purposeful occupations during their hospital stay, while also concentrating on the clients re-entering the community after their admission. Because there is a focus on multiple aspects, therapists frequently include both assessment intervention and treatment in their care plan.
Occupational therapists in the acute setting tend to practice four core elements of therapy. These include: individual assessment, individual treatment, therapeutic groups, and discharge planning (Lloyd, 2010). Each element tackles a different aspect of therapy.
Individual assessment is one of the therapist’s primary roles. It is the assessment of the client’s relationship between their health, their mental illness, and their occupational functioning. This encompasses the client’s past, present, and future occupational roles. Through this assessment an OT can identify any conflict between the client’s past, present, and/or future occupational roles and the strengths and obstacles he/she must focus on to achieve their desired roles. If this assessment is carried out well it can mean the engagement of the client in the occupational therapy
Unfortunately, participation is affected by mental skills and ability. The best laid plans for a client will be far less effective without the client participation. An article written by Kirsten Petersen further explains the logistics of client participation. Client involvement has been recognized as favorable and important in the progress of therapy. Those who utilize health services are encouraged to participate and commit themselves to the services being provided. Choice and involvement are stated rights in the International Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and the Mental Health Declaration (Petersen, 2008). The perception of participation is different from therapist to client. Most clients view participation as taking part in the planning of treatment, having adequate knowledge of their health, and having a say in what care is administered (Petersen, 2008). Participation can influence the way a client views their quality of care. Therapists see therapy from a very different angle and sometimes show resistance to the concept of greater client involvement. “Among many reasons for not involving users, therapists mentioned: lack of treatment options, little time left to involve users and lack of capability among users to make informed choices” (Petersen, 2008, p.