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Put people at the heart of what we do as occupational therapists to achieve the best results
In an inspirational opening session that resonated with everyone watching , Lyndsey Barrett , Director and Lead Occupational Therapist of Sport for Confidence CIC , talked about her practice experiences and leadership journey , with a focus on applying an occupational perspective to tackling inequalities in physical activity participation .
‘ Occupational therapy is my absolute passion ,’ she told delegates while reflecting on her own lived experience of being diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease with a 98 % fatality rate that saw her spend a year in hospital as an occupational therapy student .
Prior to this , Lyndsey had played netball for England in the Under 21 squad , but ‘ overnight ’ she went from athlete to not being able to stand , hold a drink or clean her teeth .
Being on the receiving end of occupational therapy has clearly shaped Lyndsey ’ s career pathway and leadership journey , and through establishing Sport for Confidence she has extended occupational therapy practice into mainstream community-based settings , such as leisure centres .
But despite being co-founder of the charity , and the service growing in seven years from seeing just two people a week to over 3,000 a month in leisure centres across Essex and London , imposter syndrome has been a real challenge .
In a searingly honest reflection on how she has dealt with imposter syndrome during her career she said : ‘ I have to look back – especially when I am faced with challenges related to leadership – and see what ’ s been achieved , rather than looking ahead , because while it is important to look ahead there are times when it feels completely overwhelming .’
She added : ‘ I have to hold on tightly to certain things I know that ground me . And one of the important
Lyndsey Barrett things is being able to hold unswervingly to knowing what my scope of practice is , so that I know that I am using sport and physical activity therapeutically to enhance occupational performance .’
‘ I also know that our professional rationale for any intervention or activity , whether I ’ m in a diverse setting or not , is the enhancement of health and wellbeing through the promotion of occupational performance , engagement and participation in life roles .
‘ That ’ s in our professional code of conduct … so I know I am 100 % where I am meant to be , and that occupational therapy adds so much value in this space .’
That ’ s in our professional code of conduct … so I know I am 100 % where I am meant to be , and that occupational therapy adds so much value in this space .”
Innovating the profession
Imposter syndrome can be a real issue for many occupational therapists , but leadership is not about trying to be everything to everybody . You have to know your own strengths and skills and scope of practice and acknowledge what you might need support with . Being able to ask for help and surround yourself with people that share your vision and want to build you up and encourage you and come alongside you as you develop and grow is vitally important .
July 2022 OTnews 15