In Occupational Therapy, “Occupations” refer to the everyday activities that people do each day to occupy their time. These are things that hold our interest & attention; things that we need to do, want to do and things we are expected to do: purposeful activities that bring value & meaning to our everyday life.
As an OT, I am trained at the master’s degree level to break down daily activities into their smallest component parts and then evaluate what it is that’s standing in the way of optimal performance. The “occupational performance” can be around any life area—I address the tools & skills needed for healthy behaviors & self-care, career satisfaction, or developing fulfilling & healthy relationships. I carefully observe the interplay between the context, process, and ability to perform the activities desired to enhance a person’s quality of life.
There are three main angles I address as an OT—this is something’s refer to as a “frame of reference”. It is the vantage point through which we view each unique situation. When I coach, I am looking at the client—that’s you(your thoughts, behavior patterns, beliefs, language, motivations, confidence, resilience,etc.); I look at the task itself (what it is you say you want and all the real & imagined obstacles that hinder progress) and last, I am curious about your environment (your literal physical environment and also—your social & emotional environment, spiritual environment, financial environment, etc. We grow or shrink in proportion to the environment we surround ourselves.
Lastly, as an occupational therapist, I am trained to suggest specific purposeful activities that will move you to your goals. These are mutually agreed upon action steps, that facilitate internal shifts in your thinking & awareness or cause an external result.