SG the Future OT

In a client-practitioner relationship, it is important to find the perfect balance. A practitioner should respect the client's preferences, actively listen, and make the client feel empowered, but there is also a line that practitioners need to be aware of so that they can maintain a therapeutic relationship. A therapeutic relationship does not mutually benefit the client and the practitioner as a friendship does-- it focuses on helping the client. As a future practitioner, I will remember to be conscious of my body language by making eye contact, keeping an open posture, and nodding. Both verbal and non-verbal communication are essential skills in a therapeutic relationship. Empathy will help allow me to be more present with my clients and empower my clients.

            Dr. Kiesling’s presentation on the history of disability was very insightful. My main take-away from the presentation is that the fight for civil rights for people with disabilities has come a long way, but it is important for us to keep advocating for people with disabilities. He brought up a good point that many of us, if we live long enough, will become disabled when we get older, so it is interesting to take that approach to fuel your desire to advocate for people with disabilities. Additionally, accidents happen, and anything could happen in the blink of an eye.             During the Era Presentations, quite a few groups talked about the events that sparked occupational therapy. Many of these events were related to soldiers coming back from war which caused an increase in people with disabilities and injuries from the war. We discussed that it was very difficult for these people to return to their jobs and daily activities that they had left behind when they went