Embarking on the professional journey as a new graduate Occupational Therapist (OT) has been both exciting and rewarding, but at times the shift from theoretical learning in academia to applying concepts in real-life situations has posed many challenges.
As a new graduate, I experienced moments of uncertainty about my abilities. However, I’ve come to understand that with the assistance of my professional support networks and both formal and informal reflection, I have often been able to effectively problem-solve, navigate challenges, and in turn support my clients to the best of my capabilities.
Clinical supervision has been crucial for my growth as a practitioner, providing a safety net that I can always rely on. When I first started practicing, I was eager for immediate solutions & answers, and often looked to my supervisors for this support. I believed that being told specific instructions and having all the solutions handed to me would make my work easier. However, through the course of this year’s supervision, I began to appreciate a different perspective, which is the role of supervisors in supporting new graduates to problem solve and self identify solutions through reflection and critical thinking.
Supervisors serve as more than just fountains of knowledge to give immediate solutions; rather they are mentors who facilitate growth and foster independence through insightful questioning and gentle guidance. During my supervision, I’ve been empowered to delve into my challenging experiences, analyse these situations, and find my own potential solutions without receiving explicit instructions, fostering a sense of ownership and confidence in my abilities. I’ve discovered that integrating this approach into supervision nurtures the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which I believe crucial for long-term success as a therapist.
I recognise that the journey of being a therapist is continually shaped by new learning, challenges, and personal growth. Despite occasional feelings of being overwhelmed or lost during the week, reflecting on my progress and acknowledging how far I’ve come instills in me a deep sense of accomplishment and determination. Embracing these challenges fuels my passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of my clients, driving me to strive for excellence in my practice.
Embarking on the professional journey as a new graduate Occupational Therapist (OT) has been both exciting and rewarding, but at times the shift from theoretical learning in academia to applying concepts in real-life situations has posed many challenges.
As a new graduate, I experienced moments of uncertainty about my abilities. However, I’ve come to understand that with the assistance of my professional support networks and both formal and informal reflection, I have often been able to effectively problem-solve, navigate challenges, and in turn support my clients to the best of my capabilities.
Clinical supervision has been crucial for my growth as a practitioner, providing a safety net that I can always rely on. When I first started practicing, I was eager for immediate solutions & answers, and often looked to my supervisors for this support. I believed that being told specific instructions and having all the solutions handed to me would make my work easier. However, through the course of this year’s supervision, I began to appreciate a different perspective, which is the role of supervisors in supporting new graduates to problem solve and self identify solutions through reflection and critical thinking.
Supervisors serve as more than just fountains of knowledge to give immediate solutions; rather they are mentors who facilitate growth and foster independence through insightful questioning and gentle guidance. During my supervision, I’ve been empowered to delve into my challenging experiences, analyse these situations, and find my own potential solutions without receiving explicit instructions, fostering a sense of ownership and confidence in my abilities. I’ve discovered that integrating this approach into supervision nurtures the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which I believe crucial for long-term success as a therapist.
I recognise that the journey of being a therapist is continually shaped by new learning, challenges, and personal growth. Despite occasional feelings of being overwhelmed or lost during the week, reflecting on my progress and acknowledging how far I’ve come instills in me a deep sense of accomplishment and determination. Embracing these challenges fuels my passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of my clients, driving me to strive for excellence in my practice.
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