Why I am training to be an OT

1 min read

I am an BSc Occupational Therapy student currently in my final year. Here’s a little bit about my journey to OT and why I love it…

Like many people, when I first came across Occupational Therapy I had no clue in the world as to what it was. In college I knew I wanted to go to university and study something health-care related. But I wasn’t sure what. As the time slowly approached to write up a personal statement for UCAS, my dad who works in a hospital told me to just to do a five day work-experience within the Occupational Therapy department and see where this takes me. Before this point I had never even heard of Occupational Therapy.

This is the bit where you think I’m going to say I went there and knew it was the career for me. NOPE. Although the Occupational Therapists were nice and insightful, I was more confused than ever – unsure of what exactly it was they did (I just thought it was about providing equipment to whoever needs it!). Nevertheless, I stuck with it and decided to apply for the course. I went on to secure my place at the University of Derby. 

As I started the course I slowly learned about the diverse nature of this profession and how broad it can be, this is one of the reasons why I love Occupational Therapy. You can work in hospitals on various wards, social services, GP practices, schools, care homes, even prisons, and the list goes on. I was amazed at how much depth there actually was to learning about occupation, never would I have envisioned it to be that deep and interesting. 

After completing two very different placements (one on an acute physical ward and one at a perinatal mental health unit) I soon realised Occupational Therapy is one of the most rewarding careers out there. As it enables patients and service users to reach their potential and improve their health/wellbeing no matter what they are going through, by using the act of ‘doing’ to help facilitate this – and no not by ‘just’ handing out equipment. It is so much more than that, so why not ChooseOT?

Testimonials

Amber Mason

Working with Kate throughout this last academic year has been brilliant. From Secondary work to Primary transition work in our local schools across the Blaby District area has been really helpful, in depth and inspiring for our children and young people. Kate always ensures she creates thorough plans and presentations for the work we request and always presents with a smile and answers any questions the students may have. We have built a strong rapport with Kate as have members of staff from several schools across South Leicester and I would highly recommend her services as she is very good at what she does and very reliable!

Annie Rea

I attended one of Kate’s Mental Health First Aid courses online last month and I can say it was such a sensitive handling of tricky and often very personal subject matter. The environment felt safe and supportive and the small group size meant it felt manageable and not overwhelming. The course materials are really comprehensive and there is plenty of opportunity to ask questions and double or triple check if you are uncertain of anything ! Thank you Kate for making me feel so welcome and your support whilst we grappled with a sensitive topic.

Feedback from Kate’s Supervisee

Kate provides a calm, reflective place where I can make my own agenda and discuss the things that are important to me. With Kate’s support, I have grown my independent practice and built confidence as an Occupational Therapist. Kate is supportive, non-judgemental and makes me feel heard. I look forward to our monthly sessions, which hasn’t always been my experience with other supervisors.

Sarah Loates

We have worked with Kate at Wellbeing Therapy Solutions to deliver our MHFA First Aider Adult Programme.

Kate is super easy to work with, very professional and delivered the course to a high standard.

We hope to work with Kate and her team again in the future.

MHFA course learner

Overall experience was great. There were some sensitive subjects covered and Kate handled these tactfully. The sessions were extremely inclusive and Kate made everyone feel at ease.

Claire Pinchess

I have known Kate professionally for a number of years so feel confident when I say she is excellent at what she does. I recently contacted her about support for a friend whose child is struggling with anxiety and low self esteem. When I was asked if I knew of any suitable professional help I immediately thought of Kate and Wellbeing Therapy Solutions, without hesitation. I contacted her initially and she responded straight away. She couldn’t be more helpful and I would absolutely wholeheartedly recommend her and Wellbeing Therapy Solutions.

Rachael Dyer

Kate at Wellbeing Therapy Solutions has been an asset especially through the last year. She has offered not only essential guidance to support people struggling through the lockdown, but also support and workshops including mindfulness, anxiety, sleep and mental health. She delivers training for Mental Health First Aid, as well as offering Occupationally Therapy. I would whole heartedly encourage all to contact Kate at Wellbeing Therapy Solutions, for support and guidance to improve your mental health and wellbeing.

Feedback from Kate’s Supervisee

Finally after several years, I found individual supervision with a fantastic OT, it was (and still is) ‘gold dust’.

Clear agreements were laid out from the start, dates were set to meet and it has been independent of the employer. Kate understood the demands of the role, the context. She listened, without judgment, is human, gives real advice and is not just from a text book. That is who I want to be. She is flexible, she lets me set the agenda, pushes me gently to follow through on my many ideas. She really helps me to take time for myself.

That relationship has kept me sane, kept me from resigning , she has heard it all, seen my tears, shared the glimmers, the good stuff and talking to her I feel lighter, feel more confident, feel empowered. She really does embody my ideal supervision, someone I can talk OT with. And she cares.

I want to be an inspiring role model like Kate is to me.

Hussein Khan -LSLSSP

Kate delivered a fantastic workshop to 10 schools in South Leicestershire. The students really enjoyed it and learnt lots.
Thank you

MHFA course learner

I really enjoyed taking part in the course. It has helped me understand Mental Health in a lot more detail and be able to use the right knowledge and skills to help/ support anyone in need.

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