Why OT?

Occupational therapy (OT), not to be confused with Old Testament (my husband’s seminary friends will appreciate that one!). I began this journey to become an OT when I was a freshman in college…just trying to figure out what career path to take. I’m a total science nerd, so I knew that I wanted something involved with science. I remember talking to a professor who asked if I liked to work with people, and of course I said “yes” and she mentioned occupational therapy.

What I loved most about OT at that time, was that it brought my two loves together, science–more specifically anatomy and the workings of the human body–and creativity when adapting or changing a person’s way of doing something. Cue a few years where my sweet grandma, one of the most stubborn people I know, had OT at her home. I was fascinated and loved what the OT suggested to help my grandma live an independent life (now what my grandma followed through with was minimal..) but nonetheless, I was hooked!

What I have learned through this grueling OT school journey, is that occupational therapy is all about helping others, and we have a unique lens through which we see. We see a person holistically, meaning we want to know what your home looks like, what roles you play in your family, what support you have, and what you like to do for fun. All of these things, along with getting dressed and going to the bathroom, make up your occupations that make you, well you. And that to me, is the most fun of all.

Now a little bit of church. I don’t want this blog to be pushy, or to make you feel like you have to follow Jesus, because that’s not my job. My goal is to help us see that these two worlds that I love and hold so close to me, can be meshed together in some small way. So, I thought a blog was a good place to start.

I was involved in church from a young age, and continued that pattern throughout college. I joined my religious life staff, had the best chaplain guiding me, and was enjoying my life. Church was always going to be apart of what I wanted in my life, I just wasn’t sure how. Enter…my now husband, who is a pastor. When we first began dating, he told me he wanted to be a pastor, and I said okay, thinking it would be a year or so until this gig started. About 5 months later…he began serving his first church. Needless to say, church has become a central part of the DNA of our household. I love being married to my husband, I love the work and calling his has on his life. And I am happy to share wisdom (minimal maybe), science, and some OT into his lovely life, just like he shares ministry in mine.

• How church buildings can be accessible
• Some laws that are currently out that share how buildings can be accessible (more on how church fits into that later)
• How to help create spaces for those with sensory issues
• what are sensory issues?
• How can you help older adults in your congregation get the most out of worship?
• What kinds of tools can an OT brain bring or think to help make your church safer or more inclusive to any of the above

And more as I think of them or as you have questions.

Thanks for reading this. Thanks for joining me on this journey. I hope you learned a little more about me. I have a voice, and I want to advocate for OT and for the church. We need to know we are all loved. As an occupational therapist, I see beauty in what makes us all unique, what makes us children of God. I hope you join my musings while I look at some things on my heart and advocate for the profession I love so dearly.

Much love,

Lauren