Occupational Therapy Month!

Yesterday, a parent of a former client sent me a video of him kicking a ball five years ago at our therapy appointment in clinic. For one, I couldn’t believe it had been that long, but more importantly… I loved being reminded of why I love what I do so much. In the nine years I’ve been practicing Occupational Therapy (5 as a COTA … Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, and 4 as a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist), I have yet to experience the burnout and stresses that I see so many of my colleagues mention on social media forums and in casual conversation. That’s not to say I haven’t had weeks where IEP after IEP piles on, I get bogged down in paperwork, and difficult situations arise that spike my stress levels. There are times this job is mentally and physically exhausting. Absolutely, but the positive in my career thus far has far outweighed the bad. I get to play for a job! How many people get to say that? 

The importance of play and development go hand and hand and the primary occupation of all children is to play! This is how they learn and experience the world around them. It’s such a privilege to be witness to that process and help facilitate those experiences. The connections I have made while being an OT have been some of the most long lasting and meaningful – my first boss in the OT world became my professional mentor (whether she liked it or notJ) and great friend. Many parents of kiddos I’ve seen in the past have stayed in touch and sent videos and photos through the years of their continued progress, coworkers have become great friends and now, business partners. This OT world is one that touches every corner of my life, and I couldn’t be more thankful for those daily reminders that this is all because of the line of work I chose to pursue. 

As I made the transition through the years from clinic-based practice, to school-based, and now to teletherapy, these connections are the common thread that’s kept me excited and engaged in my field.  As Occupational Therapy month comes to a close, I just wanted to reflect on my excitement and love for this field that has adapted so amazingly during this global health crisis. So many OTs have been thrown into the unknown and have jumped into the teletherapy world with both feet and are thriving using this delivery service model. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this amazing community. 

Emily Washut, MOTR/L