While in school, we too were challenged in come up with an individualized definition of occupational therapy so we could easily explain to others what the profession is...of course, some people began their definitions with "It's like PT, but..." and I saw that as simply giving the other person a frame of reference or some more familiar to grab onto. However, I found that defining OT is much clearer to the general public when beginning... Occupational therapy focuses on the activities one does in a day or what "occupies" ones time....
give examples...to increase independence in everyday life skills.
By beginning the description of OT with focus on the verb -to occupy, helps create a picture of what "occupies" his/her time...then you can easily edit the definition to fit the area of specialty you work in (i.e., give examples of activities you would adapt for that person and a strategy that would increase independence for a geriatric client).
I have found the greatest success with this beginning and that way I don't have to specifically mention other professions, however, I may include that OT is an allied health that works closely with SLP and PT. Just depends. OT is so vast...I have learned to simply describe my area of specialization as not to confuse the person. The person you are talking to doesn't want to know EXACTLY what EVERY OT can do.
Just wanted to put my two cents in. As for that OS student...I was disappointed that he/she was so opinionated about how OT presents itself. There is plenty of occupation to be had out there...it is important that our (as clinical OT practicioners) definition of what occupation means to us is clear to both the other professionals with work with and their clients/families as it guides our clinical reasoning/treatments and shapes the future of OT.
Hope to see many of you at the AOTA conference in Miami. However, I will only recognize you by your email address!
Take care, Alysa
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