As a human being it is natural in the course of my day to day life to make mistakes, or to not to be able to respond to situations in the way I wish to. Sometimes I even make good decisions, like creating this blog and finding the time to maintain it. This blog has been such a helpful resource. It has given me objectivity, a better grasp of the VdTMoCA model and a creative outlet. It has also given me armour to carry on through the challenges of my setting with curiosity. 

Due to different factors it has not been possible to implement the VdTMoCA where I am now. For now, what I am finding most helpful in terms of my CPD, is applying the VdTMoCA to my own personal challenges. My reasoning is if I can use the model to enable me to grow for the level I am at – Passive Participation- to Imitatative Participation, it will give me invaluable experience to apply this model to patients in my clinical role.

“It’s not what a person does and how well (Action) that’s key, but WHY they do it (Volition) – the volition drives the action.” 

Thanks to this comment from Wendy Sherwood in response to the previous chapter of this blog, I have a better understanding of how the relation between “Action” and “Volition” is so key to me confidently establishing the level of creative ability I am at, in relation to learning and knowing the VdTMoCA. 

My volition is to be as effective an OT as possible. I see learning and knowing the VdTMoCA as the vehicle that I need to master, to be able to get to that destination. Due to my neurodiversity and other factors, I can confidently conclude that I am at the level Passive Participation where my ability to act is consistently “…directed towards constructive action but inconsistent, hesitant and unsure of eventual outcome”.

What can I do about this?

For the purposes of this learning tool I am going to imagine I have my own internal occupational therapist, who happens to be experienced in using the VdTMoCA. Let me introduce you. His name is Bob.

Bob has started working with me. He is at the ‘information gathering’ stage of the OT process. This is what he has learnt so far:

• Due to multiple factors he has learnt since I qualified nearly 5 years ago, I have struggled to follow the “norm” of how and what I have been expected to do as a Band 5 occupational therapist. 
• At different stages of my OT career, working for the same employer, senior management has felt it necessary to put me under performance review.
• Initially I respond by questioning my future as an OT and consider what else I can do, but then I am able to see being under performance review can be a gift to support me to be a better OT.

In response to this, moving from the ‘information gathering’ stage of the OT process to the ‘goal setting’ stage of the OT process, Bob has come up with the following recommendations:

To help me appreciate the importance of my “volition”, and to help me consider how much of my current situation is due to my disability/neurodiversity.

To ask a Band 7 OT to review how I write reports, and consider how to simplify my approach using headings and a different template, to help me with my time management.

To connect with my neurodiversity coach who I have been meeting on a fortnightly basis. What productivity approaches could I be introduced to that could potentially help me work more efficiently and effectively?

Finally, Bob could suggest if my current employer is not able or willing to support me to get supervision from a VdTMoCA informed OT, maybe another employer will?