Class Metaphor

My experience in OTD 450 this semester has been one of great learning advances as well as inspiration. Throughout the semester, I have learned what creative occupations are, when they may be used, and the advantages of using them in various therapeutic settings. The experiences I had in this class have inspired me to use creative occupations with my future clients in order to foster the highest possible quality of life while achieving therapeutic goals. I have also been inspired to look past individuals’ disabilities in order to find their abilities. I have seen the power of creative occupations to give individuals the much needed sense of productivity and success.

I would equate my experience in OTD 450 to landscaping a yard. Before being able to plant anything in the yard, a person must first go to the nursery to choose what is most attractive and able to fit in the designated space. Each person chooses different flowers, trees, shrubs, other plants to landscape with. These items are chosen depending on personal interest, style, and situation. This is similar to the process of selecting appropriate creative occupations depending on the interests and needs of the client.  What I will choose to use in my future therapeutic interactions will be different from what my fellow classmates choose to use.

When landscaping, a person must plant the items chosen, and tend to them in order to allow them to flourish. With the use of creative occupations in therapy, you must also tend to the experiences in the sense that simply engaging the client in one activity one time will not make a difference in his/her rehabilitation. I have learned that a therapist must be willing to find ways to continuously incorporate creative occupations throughout therapy sessions. The therapists must also tend to the clients by allowing them the opportunity to reflect on their experiences and explain their end products. These are some processes which can be used to allow the therapeutic interventions to flourish.

Anyone who has landscaped or planted knows that not all items planted will survive. Sometimes the soil is not ready for certain plants, sometimes the conditions are not optimal to the survival of certain plants, and sometimes there were mistakes in the planting process which cause a failure of the plant to survive. Throughout my experiences this semester, I have learned that not all creative interventions work for all individuals. Some interventions will be accepted by the client while others will be rejected. It is up to the therapist to discern the most appropriate treatment for each client and use creative interventions appropriately. This includes proper timing, preparation, and conditions.

Often, creative occupations cannot be used as the only means of therapy. However, they can be incorporated into treatment plans for many individuals. Just as landscaping has the ability to transform a yard into a beautiful place, the use of creative occupations can also produce beautiful end products while also facilitating personal advancements toward therapeutic goals. Though it may seem to be a challenge to find appropriate activities and develop ways to incorporate them into therapy, I have learned that it is a challenge every therapist should face.