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We’re sharing ten things that we’ve learned in the past 10 years! We’ve been certified occupational therapy assistants for just over 10 years and we’ve learned so many things, it was very difficult to pick just 10! We talk about mentoring, asking questions, referring out, and MORE!
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Reflecting on a decade of work as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs), Rachel and Jessica have gained invaluable insights through practice, mentorship, and collaboration. Whether you’re a new graduate entering this rewarding field or an experienced therapist seeking renewed inspiration, these lessons can guide and enrich your professional journey.
In a profession where you constantly absorb the emotions and challenges of clients and their families, self-care is more than beneficial—it’s essential for long-term success. Like the directive to put on your oxygen mask first on an airplane, prioritizing your well-being ensures you can effectively support others.
Regular outdoor activities, engaging in hobbies, and staying connected with loved ones nurture your resilience and sustain the passion needed for compassionate, high-quality care.
Admitting when you don’t have an answer, paired with a commitment to finding one, fosters trust and credibility. This transparency shows clients and peers that you value accuracy and are dedicated to providing the best care.
Lifelong learning enriches your skills and demonstrates your integrity and commitment to client well-being, encouraging collaboration and a culture of shared growth.
Trust is the foundation of successful therapy and the basis for meaningful progress. Invest time in establishing genuine connections by learning about your client’s interests, preferences, and potential triggers.
When clients feel understood and respected, they are more engaged, confident, and responsive to interventions, making therapy more effective.
A dysregulated child struggles with higher-level skills like attention, problem-solving, and coordination. Sensory processing is foundational for cognitive and motor development; learning and social interactions suffer without proper modulation.
Prioritize activities that promote sensory balance—whether calming or alerting—to create an optimal state for learning and growth.
Teaching and mentorship deepen your professional knowledge and expertise. Whether supervising a student or leading training, explaining concepts encourages reflection and uncovers insights that improve your practice.
Mentorship builds community and fosters mutual growth, boosting confidence and contributing to the field's collective knowledge.
Collaboration with specialists such as speech, vision, or physical therapists enriches your understanding of a client's needs and enhances their care. Referrals are strategic investments in comprehensive treatment, showcasing your commitment to providing high-quality support.
Working with other professionals also fuels continuous learning and broadens your expertise.
The versatility of OT allows you to explore paths that align with your interests and strengths, from pediatrics to clinical leadership. Embrace new challenges that spark your passion, whether specializing in assistive technology, early intervention, or community-based practice. Following your curiosity ensures a long, fulfilling career.
A demanding schedule with minimal breaks can lead to exhaustion and reduced effectiveness. Prioritizing a balanced workload enables you to approach each session with renewed focus and creativity, essential for quality care.
Negotiate your hours, set reasonable client caps, and schedule restorative breaks to maintain energy and improve therapeutic results.
Understanding the pressures families face helps you create practical, manageable strategies. Real-life trials, like trying home programs with your children, underscore the importance of empathy.
Recognizing these limitations allows you to design treatment plans that integrate into daily routines, emphasizing simple, achievable activities. Empathy guides collaboration with parents, fostering realistic, personalized solutions.
Dedicate time to collaborate with fellow therapists by observing sessions, co-treating, or sharing strategies. This shared learning broadens your perspective and enriches your practice.
Working with colleagues promotes a multidisciplinary approach that enhances client care, supports continuous learning, and fosters a culture of teamwork that benefits everyone.
These lessons reflect years of hands-on experience, reflection, and growth in occupational therapy. They serve as guiding principles for navigating the field's challenges and opportunities.
Embracing these insights helps build confidence, create a fulfilling practice, and, most importantly, support children and families in meaningful ways that empower them to thrive. Prioritizing self-care, collaboration, empathy, and continuous learning elevates your practice and strengthens the wider therapeutic community.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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