Hello:
This is a long explanation followed by a couple of questions. Please give
me feedback and opinion. Thanks!
The other evening I was having a discussion about OT with a physical
therapist. Somehow the topic of mental health came up and she asked about
OT's role when working with dementia. So, using an OPPM (Occupational
Performance Process Model) approach, I tried to explain about how I would
treat the dementia symptoms as they manifested themselves with regard to
occupational performance deficits. The PT was very unimpressed by my
explanation and felt like I wasn't really addressing the problem but rather
the symptoms of the problem. Well, I agreed that I don't DIRECTLY treat
dementia but that through occupation-based treatment, dementia's symptoms
may be reduced.
The next topic was about a disabled (secondary to depression) judge whom I
treated in my previous private practice. I explained that I saw the judge
because she was having occupational and vocational difficulties secondary to
her depression. I outlined to the PT that I facilitated the client to set
goals, prioritize these goals and acted like a 'sounding board' for her. The
PT had several negative comments including:
1. And you billed for this?
2. OT's are NOT mental health counselors are they?
3. How much counseling training did you get in school?
The PT made one last comment, which is the subject of this e-mail. She said
that it seems like OT's are generalist and that "they know just enough to be
dangerous".
Now, I countered all the above with my own interpretations of
our profession but I REALLY want/need other readers opinion about OT being
generalists and knowing just enough to be dangerous. Do you guys agree?
What might be your response to this person? What is OT's speciality?
Thanks,
Ron
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