FEATURE NEURODIVERSITY
was building the foundations of my house . I left that placement with a beautiful card with a house that said ‘ May you build solid foundations ’; this is exactly what I have carried on doing – building on those solid foundations .
Throughout my placements I was slowly and gently given more autonomy ; I was supported with a graded exposure approach and this genuinely enabled me to gain confidence in myself . At times , I felt like I was on the edge of a swimming pool , knowing how to swim , but that I just needed that gentle push and encouragement to jump into the water .
This is exactly what my educators did , with support and kindness they gently pushed me to go out and about by myself and take responsibility for my own caseload . This was so important for me , given how much I had struggled in the past to believe in myself .
At the end of one of my placements I was offered a job as a therapy assistant . I was delighted and thrilled , but there was only one small problem : I was required to drive .
I passed my driving licence when I was 20 years old , but I had never driven after that due to my difficulties with spatial awareness . I was so determined to get the job , that after 10 years of not driving , and with my husband ’ s encouragement , I was eventually able to drive again .
In this job , I built my confidence and again I received extensive support and learnt so much about the principles of rehabilitation , falls prevention and neuro-rehabilitation .
When I graduated , I was interviewed and offered a job with the local authority where I had done my second placement . I worked there for over two and a half years . This was my first job as a qualified occupational therapist ; I was provided with an access to work assessment , all the equipment and the reasonable adjustments I required to do my job successfully .
I received immense support from my managers and supervisors while working there . My supervisors really provided me with a supportive and nurturing environment where I was able to grow . I was taught how to write reports , manage my time and caseload and develop my clinical reasoning skills .
After a time , I decided to move on to employment in an area that I have always been passionate about – mental health .
I started as a band five occupational therapist for Central North West London Foundation Trust in 2018 , in an acute mental health unit . This work was different from my previous physical health jobs and I felt I had to learn everything all over again , which at times felt quite overwhelming .
I was fortunate to have another incredibly supportive manager and supervisor who encouraged and empowered me to develop as a mental health practitioner . This offered me the confidence to apply for a senior occupational therapy post in another Central and North West London NHS adult mental health unit and eventually led me to my present position as lead occupational therapist .
Throughout all my experience as a student , as a junior and senior , and now as a lead occupational therapist , what really helped me the most was the provision of regular high-quality supervision , where I was provided with a safe space that enabled me to reflect on myself and my clinical and professional work , and where I could discuss my ideal working and learning style .
I feel fortunate that I have always worked and still work in places where my difficulties are understood and I know where to find help when needed .
Supportive managers and colleagues allow me to feel there is a scaffolding of support behind me that contains me and where I can never feel afraid .
It is hard to describe specifically all the things that have enabled me to thrive in my career as an occupational therapist . However , I can say that what helped me the most , from all of these amazing occupational therapists , supervisors and colleagues , was the most precious gift of their time .
Support is the key ; being there , being present with the person , validating their difficulties and being able to reflect together for solutions is what changes everything .
References
Buzan T ( 2018 ) Mind map mastery . The complete guide to learning and using the most powerful thinking tool in the universe . London : Watkins .
Grieve J and Gnanasekaran L ( 2009 ) Neuropsychology for occupational therapists , cognition and performance ( 3rd ed ). Oxford . Blackwell Publishing
Liliana Mandal , lead occupational therapist , Northwick Park Mental Health Unit , Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust . Contact :
liliana . mandal @ nhs . net and follow on Twitter : Lilly OT @ butterflylilly9
28 OTnews July 2021