Meet and Greet: An Occupational Therapist

During my time interviewing Dr. Efaw, I learned how occupational therapy differs from other therapeutic professions. How even what looks like play can provide insights into cognitive processing, physical limitations, and socializing behavior.

The American Occupational Therapy Association defines occupational therapy as enabling people of all age groups to participate in daily living. When we hear “occupation,” it is easy to get stuck on the common use of the word, with synonyms including profession or vocation. But, when an occupational therapist says occupation, they are talking about “any meaningful activity that a person wants to accomplish, including taking care of yourself and your family, working, volunteering, going to school, among many others.” While an occupational therapist might help someone with tasks associated with their job, they are capable of so much more. Occupational therapy combines cognitive (mental), behavioral, and physical aspects to treat patients. Treatment plans are unique to the individual and aim to improve the patient’s ability to perform activities of daily life, such as personal care, home care, work, and transportation.

Dr. Efaw taught me how occupational therapy takes a step back to evaluate not only the patient but also their life goals and needs. By keeping the context of the patient’s daily life in focus, OTs are able to utilize treatment methods that mimic real life. This is why sometimes it seems like an OT might be playing with patients when in reality they are finding new and exciting ways to train everyday skills with tasks that are familiar to patients.

I hope that you learn as much as I did and more from my interview with Dr. Ashley Efaw, DSC, MOT, OTR/L, BCP.