Above : An impromptu lecture theatre for Lizzie and Caoimhe ’ s case presentation development . The sheets also create a visual of calming exercises , notably square breathing and the five senses . Some of the children have autism or learning difficulties , so they would benefit from having a visual guide .’
She concludes : ‘ Non-verbal communication was a core aspect of this placement . Keeping a happy face and seeming confident for the children in difficult waves helped to keep everyone calm and relaxed in challenging conditions . Reading their expressions and body language was a crucial part in making sure they were enjoying the sessions , and if not , trying to work around the anxiety , coldness or apathy .
‘ From this placement , I ’ ll take away the importance of community , as well as engagement in meaningful occupations , even if it ’ s just to surf or play at the beach .’
Caoimhe reflects : ‘ This innovative charity uses surfing to support young people struggling with mental health issues and offers adaptive surfing for many age ranges with various disabilities , providing a unique and dynamic setting for applying occupational therapy principles .
‘ From the outset , it was a departure from traditional clinical settings [ and ] I was tasked with putting my “ OT thinking cap ” on . My role required creativity and adaptability , as I worked to tailor therapeutic approaches to fit the unconventional nature of the setting .’
A significant aspect of Caoimhe ’ s experience was the interdisciplinary collaboration that defined the project , working alongside surf instructors , volunteers and team members . ‘ I gained invaluable insights into holistic care approaches ,’ she says .
‘ This teamwork not only broadened my understanding of how different disciplines contribute to mental health and wellbeing , but also underscored the importance of communication and collaboration in achieving optimal outcomes for the service users .’
She adds : ‘ Throughout the placement , I was continuously challenged to step outside my comfort zone and apply my occupational therapy knowledge in various ways . Whether it was working one-on-one with service users in the ocean , to advocating and fundraising for the charity , each experience helped me grow both professionally and personally and brought plenty of unexpected joys along the way .
‘ These experiences reinforced my adaptability and problem-solving skills , key competencies for any OT practitioner .’
Recognising the potential to further enrich these therapeutic sessions , the two students embarked on creating a reflection booklet .
‘ This was designed to be integrated into the surf therapy programmes , providing participants with a structured way to process and reflect on their experiences , Caoimhe explains . ‘ Each section of the booklet includes guided prompts and activities aimed at helping participants articulate their feelings , set personal goals , and recognise their progress .
‘ The goal was to offer a tangible tool that could enhance the therapeutic value of the sessions , encouraging deeper self-reflection and personal growth , while also being used as an effective outcome measure for service user satisfaction and progress throughout the programme . ‘
Developing the reflection booklet involved close collaboration with The Wave Project team . ‘ By working alongside the team , we ensured that the content was relevant and supportive of the programme ’ s overall objectives . This collaborative process also highlighted the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives and expertise when creating therapeutic resources .’
She concludes : ‘ Overall , this was a transformative experience that significantly enriched my professional development . It not only enhanced my clinical competencies , but also ignited a passion for innovative and non-traditional OT practices .
‘ As I move forward in my career , I carry with me the lessons learned and the inspiration drawn from this unique and enriching placement , eager to explore new horizons in the field of occupational therapy . This placement has solidified my belief in the power of occupation-based , client-centred practice and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration .
‘ The experience has equipped me with the skills and confidence to advocate for and implement innovative therapeutic approaches in diverse settings , ultimately contributing to the holistic wellbeing of my future clients .’
‘ Having two occupational therapy students with us at The Wave Project in North Devon for their placement has been brilliant ,’ Jas and Ian fed back .
‘ Our project doesn ’ t have an office in North Devon and so they have both been great at adapting to a totally new situation . We ’ ve taken Teams calls with my colleagues across the UK at the back of the surf school , worked together in local cafés and talked about session plans in a shipping container .
‘ They ’ ve been an amazing asset to the delivery of all of the sessions in the water , working one-toone with young people , under the guidance of surf
48 OTnews November 2024