Hello Barbara:
Thanks for writing back.
I'm still kind of stuck because using a reacher is well, pretty
mindless. Heck, you can buy them at Home Depot and they are advertised
on TV. So, I guess I just don't see where OT skills are needed for
continued training on how to pick something up with a reacher.
I agree that use of self, what Carl Rogers might call a "therapeutic
relationship", is CRITICAL to achieving outcomes. But, I whole-heartedly
believe that relationships should be formed while engaged in
medically-necessary therapy. And no, that doesn't mean that every minute
of every session is 100% therapy, but in my mind, if a treatment session
is spent on playing "reacher games", that's sort of wasted time and
dollars.
Based on my education, social interaction is not an occupation. Social
interaction is broad category that includes such occupations as playing
cards, playing bingo, going to church, etc.
Lastly, I have interactions with people all day long. Sometimes, I feel
like a whole person, sometimes like a 1/2 person and sometimes I just
feel like I don't matter. So, I'm not sure that I agree with the
statement:
"Having an interaction with some one is allowing the person to
be recognized for their ability to be a thinking whole person."
I've also seen many therapist and patient interactions leave patients
with feelings of helplessness, confusion, disrespect, etc.
By the way, these are great topics for discussion and I hope others will
join in.
S
----- Original Message -----
From: Barbara H. Hale <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2009
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subj: [OTlist] Game using reacher
BHH> I understand what you are saying Ron. However, I would much rather play a
BHH> game with the reacher to get a pt. to demonstrate they have the skills to
BHH> use it. To dump out a container of blocks and have the patient pick them
up
BHH> and put them back into the same container is a mindless thing. Having an
BHH> interaction with some one is allowing the person to be recognized for their
BHH> ability to be a thinking whole person. Attention from a therapist while
BHH> building a relationship will make a huge difference in the outcome, "use of
BHH> self" was important in my training. Social interaction is in my view an
BHH> occupation, important for providing a sense of accomplishment, trust in
BHH> another person, a few laughs, making life a little more enjoyable. I cannot
BHH> imagine it would be a negative to payers, professionals, or patients. Is
BHH> everyone supposed to sit around and look depressed because it is a
medically
BHH> necessary piece of equipment? I believe the therapist is able to make a
BHH> decision about the appropriate use of a game with a patient vs. practice of
BHH> a skill. Just my opinion!
BHH> --
BHH> Options?
BHH> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com
BHH> Archive?
BHH> www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
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