Observing OT Sessions

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Observing other occupational therapists and being able to watch them treat clients in various settings was a major confirmation to me that I wanted to be an occupational therapist.  I loved watching OTs practice and use occupation as a means and an end in their treatment and tailor their sessions to fit the occupational profile of their clients.  Now that I am in OT school, I am able to reflect on many of the things I saw during my observations and am able to understand some of the theories and processes behind their treatments and interventions. 

I spent a significant time observing in an outpatient pediatric clinic and thoroughly enjoyed learning and being in this setting.  As I have progressed through OT school so far I realize that there are some gray areas in what I saw.  One of our main focuses in OT school so far has been focused on becoming evidence-based practitioners.  We want all of our interventions to be based on research and the current best evidence available.  One thing I have learned since being in school is that there is potentially not much evidence to support that weighted vests can calm children down.  When I was observing, the OTs used weighted vests often and said that children with autism and other sensory-processing issues can benefit from weighted vests if they are struggling behaviorally.  It is a gray area because it is used often in practice, but there might not be that much evidence to support it. 

Overall, every OT practitioner I observed was very knowledgable and helped their clients participated in activities that were meaningful to them.  I am excited to be a part of this field, and I hope to impact my future clients as much as they have. 

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