POST-SIM REFLECTION: SENSORY PROCESSING - Juliana Crossett MOT/S
Overall, I feel as though each SIM goes better and more smoothly. This could be accounted to just getting comfortable with the SIM process, but also could be attributed to the increased knowledge we have accumulated in our nearly one year of OT school. There were times that required us as the participants to think on our feet, implement empathy, and reach into our OT toolbox to provide the "client" with the best understanding of the information that was being conveyed.
If I was able to do the SIM over again, I would work more on the wrapping-up portion of the conversation. I oftentimes struggle with knowing when and how to appropriately let the "client" know that the session is complete and hope to get smoother in this regard through future experiences in Simulations and Fieldworks.
One way to demonstrate a caring attitude to the client/caregiver you are communicating with is letting them have a say in the therapy process. For example, say the caregiver is not comfortable with one of the therapy techniques you implemented in their child's routine, this would be a time to respect their choice and collaborate with the person who knows their child better than anyone else. Another way to let the client/caregiver know that you care about them is by not glossing over any signs of distress or anxiety they may be demonstrating. Sometimes it can feel awkward in a therapy session when a client breaks down or shows distress, but this is not something that can simply be brushed under the rug and as holistic practitioners it is our duty to (with their consent) to offer your comfort and empathy to your best ability.
For the future, I hope to use a large number of skills I had to put into forth during this SIM encounter. I hope to bring a level of comfort in being adaptable in sessions such as these and to always keep in mind where the client/caregiver is coming from. Looking at who you are working with not as another client, but as a mother or a daughter or a sister, ect. is beneficial to being a client-centered empathetic therapist. In addition, I hope to continue to improve my ability to convey to the client/caregiver information in laymen terms as opposed to using medical jargon. Sometimes, it is so easy to forget that unless you are immersed in a medical field then there must be an easier explanation given to ensure that miscommunication and a full understanding is put in place.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed getting the chance to participate in this SIM encounter and even though they can cause some nervousness prior to their occurance, I feel as though each time it gets a little less scary and I learn more about myself as a future OT.
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