Post Sim Reflection

I am always very nervous waiting outside a client's door prior to the sim lab. I felt much more confident in my abilities as a future practitioner for this simulation. It is hard to prepare for the unknown questions that might arise. However, I was more confident in my abilities to answer questions and provide the standardized patient relevant information and explain the evaluation  I was mindful of body placement and making some form of physical contact this time compared to previous SIM's. I made an effort to incorporate the child's likes and interests into my sensory schedule. I wanted to make sure the mom knew that my suggestions were not rules. I told the mom the activities on the form did not all have to be completed. I tried to make the activities things that could be easily incorporated into their day and not set the child apart form peers. I felt better about my abilities to practice mindfulness for myself and also be mindful of my client. 


There are many things I could do better. Skills I can always improve are increasing my empathy, asking probing open ended questions, and making sure the client understands the information. In a real life scenario, these things might be easier to achieve. For example, the client seemed distraught, tired and overwhelmed when I entered the room. I should have taken the time to adequately address her feelings through probing questions and active listening techniques, instead of going through my mental checklist of the things I needed to address. If I could do things differently, I would make sure the mom completely understood all the information I was telling her. For example, I could have the mom tell me what she is going to tell her daughter's teacher regarding the child's sensory needs. This way, it is not belittling her, or assuming she does not grasp the concepts, to check for understanding. I would change the way I discuss the sensory schedule and tell the mom that the activities can be changed, substituted or removed completely. This is something that we would do in our next session or follow up. I would ask more open ended questions about their daily life and her child's routine. I would also put more emphasis on treatment being a team effort of the child, the mom and the OT. 

A caring attitude is communicated primarily through body language. Making conisistent eye contact with the client lets them know you are listening to what they are saying. Incorporating some of their personal details and interests into the session conveys a message of caring to a client. I personally know that if a doctor or therapist remembers a personal detail about me, it makes me feel like im more than just a patient. I am a real person to them. Sitting within close proximity to a client shows a level of caring and breaks down barriers regarding status. When a therapist can talk to a client in basic conversation form, this makes the encounter natural and can imply a level of caring. Another way to communicate an attitude of caring is to ensure they have your professional contact information for questions. Additionally, telling a client that questions are welcomed and encouraged can make them feel like you sincerely care about their outcomes and want to provide the best level of care. This way, they feel like they aren't just a client to check off for the day. They are someone with whom a therapeutic relationship can begin to form. 

This simulation taught me to be prepared for emotions in therapy. Parents might cry or ask if their child is "normal". I will remember to be honest with parents and clients regarding the status of their loved ones or themselves, but remain empathetic and positive. I will focus more on the clients strengths instead of focusing on what they cannot do. I will have empathy for client's situations and can use techniques to make sure they know they are important and that I care about them. This is what makes OT so unique and why I am so excited to begin my career as a therapist. I will remember to make physical contact at least once, ask more probing questions, check for understanding, and remember the perspective of the client.