Skip to main content

  Therapeutic    Relationships 

Therapeutic relationships are defined as relationships between the client and the practitioner. These relationships we develop with our clients are very crucial to providing the best environment for change. Studies show that clients thrive when a clinician is empathetic to their individual situation. All of this intervention is for the intent of gaining trust and agreement which can facilitate the use of the person’s latent inner resources and abilities to maximize function and safety. When therapist put themselves in the shoes of the client they can really provide the best treatment to their client. Sometimes people just need a listening, caring, compassionate ear. To be able to use your own life experiences and own hardships really allow you to be vulnerable and let the client know that you care. Developing these therapeutic relationships is one thing I am BEYOND excited for in my future career as an OT. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Hierarchy of Mobility

The hierarchy of mobility begins with bed mobility. Improving a client’s overall bed mobility is extremely important to ensure that the client is not in one position for too long resulting in pressure wounds over their boney prominences. Next, is bed to mat transfers. Followed by wheelchair transfers, to bed transfers, to functional ambulation for ADL’s, to the toilet, to the tub, eventually working up to car transfers, and then beginning working on functional ambulation for community mobility, and then lastly driving. As you restore confidence in mobility and move up the client has more and more of a sense of independence.  Speaking firsthand, from someone who suffered a traumatic accident and has spent 2 months in a wheelchair secondary to a non-weight bearing orders. The hierachy gave me something to look forward to. Something minor like getting out of the bed and moving to a mat is not minor at all for someone who otherwise would have no choice. It gradually works to give ...
During Dr. Keisling’s presentation today on The History of Disability I had one of my “why moments.” It’s no secret that gross anatomy has been taking over all of our lives, and it is really easy to get discouraged and overwhelmed. Today reminded me why I love occupational therapy.  In America, individuals with disabilities are the LARGEST minority group. Being able to see how far we’ve come and know the struggles that we, as a country, have overcome in the movement for a fully inclusive environment.   When Dr. Keisling said “be brave enough to tell the client and/or the client’s family that you don’t know answers.” I sometimes get so discouraged because I want to be able to helpful and informative but somethings aren’t always black and white. I also LOVE that he mentioned that sometimes the answers aren’t always there, but that doesn’t mean that is a solid definite answer that can’t be resolved. The world is always changing, just because the task at hand is impo...

Man from the South

In the story, “Man from the South,” a soldier who was training to be in the U.S Navy was betting the destiny of his pinky finger based on a cigarette lighter.  If he loses the bet, and loses his pinky finger, he would most certainly have routine changes that would affect his occupations. Along with losing his pinky finger, he would also lose 50% of his grip strength. If he lost his dominant pinky hand then firing a firearm would be more difficult than if he lost on non-dominant hand however both affecting stabilizing the firearm thus creating poor accuracy. Soldiers have PT which usually involve pull-ups etc. this grip would be significantly affected. With the help of an occupational therapist to modify the handling of a firearm, a sling to help hold the gun in place and have better aim. If the wife would lose grip power for instance holding a vacuum handle, and other various household chores.