Working in the community I had flexibility to do my 37.5 hours around child care. With my new role based on a ward I am required to be on site for set hours per week. Doing 8-4pm I am generally the first into the office I share with 3 others. Being an early bird, after adjusting to having to leave home when it is still dark, I have grown to appreciate being at my desk when my brain is alert and bright. I find this time before checking emails or going onto the ward useful to reflect on my growing knowledge of life on Willow House and my new role in it.

Early in my career as an occupational therapist, I struggled to understand why so many patients seemed stuck. This is what drew me to the VdTMoCA approach. Its core belief – that with appropriate treatment, recovery and self-discovery are possible – resonated deeply. VdTMoCA emphasises the importance of providing patients with opportunities for growth.

Working in forensic mental health, I’ve come to understand that change is a slow and subtle dance. Many factors influence whether someone can overcome significant life events. Leaving the hospital and leading a fulfilling life free from past behaviours feels distant for many, a concept grasped with difficulty, if at all.

This is where the team I am part of play such a vital role. We have the responsibility and challenge of creating meaningful, personalised activities that can motivate patients to choose to move in this direction. 

Resources available to do this in Willow House include a garden, self-catering, an IT resource room and a transporter van. All of which at the time of writing for one reason or another, are opportunities we are not able to fully utilise. Because of this at times it has felt like being stuck in a car without any wheels, not able to go anywhere. 

One morning soon after the Christmas break, a MDT colleague knocked on my office door bearing new year/Christmas gifts for everyone. It was such a lovely surprise. Due to limited time, having the opportunity to sit down and chat are seldom. Through clinical meetings I had learnt how great she was at her job and I felt fortunate to have her as a colleague.  In the course of our 15 minute conversation before the day properly began, she shared her insights after 2 years of working in Willow House and the importance for her of accepting in the part time hours she does – to focus on what you can do, rather than what you cannot. She also shared with me the role her faith plays in her work, to see it more than just a job, but a way in which by working together we can make the lives of the patients we are responsible for better. 

What a gift!

My first official chat with my supervisor, a seasoned occupational therapist who’s been based at Willow House for sometime was a turning point. With recruitment challenges, she’s been the only OT here for two years. In that conversation, feeling safe, I opened up about my struggles related to my neurodiversity. Her advice resonated deeply: 

“to stroll not to run.”

A stark contrast to my previous experience as the sole OT on a ward, here I have a supportive team and a wise therapist willing to share her knowledge. This frees up mental space to focus on developing my clinical practice, away from the constant ward politics and overwhelming to-do lists. But perhaps the greatest gift is having the energy to actually enjoy my free time. Now, when I leave work, more days than not, I can be a positive presence in the lives of the people close to me, not just a shell needing to recover.

---

What has been the best piece of advice you have been given in supervision? Please share in the comments section.