OT Stories

Mary Louise Sedurifa

Reflecting on the evolution of occupational therapy in Australia, Mary Louise Sedurifa shares a significant advancement that has had an impact on her and the profession.

"This focus on a holistic and client-centred approach has not only enriched my practice but has also positively impacted the outcomes for my clients by honouring their individuality and promoting their engagement in therapy."

I migrated to Australia last year and received my general registration in February 2024. A significant advancement that has greatly impacted me as an occupational therapist is how Occupational Therapy Australia emphasises a holistic approach when treating multicultural clients. Coming from a strict cultural background in the Philippines, I have been impressed by the importance placed on co-regulation and providing clients with choices to enhance their experience during therapeutic activities. This approach differs from traditional methods of teaching skills like writing and self-care to children. It has taught me the importance of understanding and respecting each client's unique cultural and personal needs, fostering a more inclusive and effective therapeutic environment.

Caitlin Prince

Caitlin shares what part of being an occupational therapist makes her most proud, and why.

Two young Martu women work their way through the playgroup’s car safety-check, one popping the Landcruiser’s bonnet to check the oil while the other wrestled baby-seats into the back. The hose loosens from the vehicle’s water tank, and toddler Dee pads up to play in the mud, a dog at his heels licking up the stream. A grandmother hollers out for a cuppatea while she waits.

This simple scene is the culmination of thirteen years of learning to be an OT in Martu communities, of listening, relating, learning, unlearning, building confidence and voice.

"Somehow it all still circles back to the profound fundamentals of our profession: the power of doing together in place. These women mastered a new skill enabling them to navigate between worlds and to take their family out on country to learn their waterholes, collect bushfoods, belong to their heritage, culture, place and one another."

Sarah Jane Munn

Sarah shares a story where her work as an OT led to a transformative outcome for a client.

I work in a farm-based Animal-Assisted Treatment program. We had a young teenage client with anxiety secondary to learning issues at school and autism. He worked with OTs around the farm when he wouldn’t attend the clinic. As he got more skilled with the horses, he asked if he could do some work with their hooves. Our farrier and an OT assistant (who is very skilled with horses) worked with him weekly.

When he aged out of the service, we offered him a volunteer position to learn to become more independent. Then we interviewed him for a salaried part time job with us which he still has. He also works for a racing stable and is learning to ride.

"Without an alternative to clinic-based sessions, I do not know if this young man would be motivated to be at work for 5.00 am and doing a fabulous job with a future ahead of him."