Leisure Exploration and Creativity with Veterans and Service Members

I was given the opportunity to listen to the Glass Half Full podcast about “Leisure Exploration and Creativity with Veterans and Service Members.” This podcast was hosted by Natalie Barnes and Jessica Kersey, who are both occupational therapists. Natalie and Jessica talked with Rusty Noesner, a US Navy Seal veteran, about using creativity in therapeutic sessions. Rusty is the developer of War Paints, which is a non-profit program that helps service members explore artistic talents, sell artwork, and learn about creative expression. Throughout this podcast, Rusty discussed how creative practices allow service members to experience an internal reflection. Once their creativity becomes reactivated, they have the ability to grow and rediscover different aspects of themselves. 

During this podcast, Rusty offered imperative advice to occupational therapists. First, he said that service members may experience PTSD symptoms after returning from combat: prolonged stress, reliving traumatic experiences from the past, and a chronic fight or flight mentality. Second, Rusty suggested that occupational therapists should use caution with our language towards service members. Service members do not wish to be pitied; they want to be treated like normal people. Next, Rusty said that veterans benefit more from group therapy sessions rather than individual sessions. Group sessions allow the opportunity to discuss experiences and relate to one another. Lastly, Rusty suggested that occupational therapists could foster creative processes by introducing clients to different creative mediums.

 After listening to this podcast, I thought that it was interesting to discover that when creativity is involved, it can bring the brain back to life. Likewise, I thought that it was inspiring that Rusty said, “creativity is not weakness, but it is a strength.” Now, I see that creative stimulation can be used as a tool for therapeutic intervention, and creativity offers a way to process internal feelings. Additionally, creativity is not limited to artwork; it could be woodworking, photography, or music. Overall, I thought that Rusty gave important advice regarding therapeutic approaches for our service men and women.

Blissful Ordinariness

Blissful ordinariness describes the joys that are gained by the independent completion of daily tasks. As a future occupational therapist, I feel thankful to use my skills and abilities to help clients complete meaningful goals. Additionally, it is important to understand that goals are based on the client's wishes. Some goals might seem ordinary, but to the client, the goal means everything. Likewise, goals may seem small on the outside, but to certain individuals, the small goals are the biggest obstacles. Therefore, it is important to view the client holistically. By using a holistic method, occupational therapists guide and support the abilities of the client. The therapeutic relationship between an occupational therapist and the client is special because the occupational therapist looks at the whole person instead of just the injury or disability. The ordinary tasks of daily life are very important to occupational therapists. Small details in the client's story help the occupational therapist gain insight into potential treatment options. In this way, the occupational therapist is able to develop a unique plan for the particular client. Each client has a story to tell and has barriers that may not be the same as another client. Moreover, each person should be treated holistically since everyone has different goals and daily routines.

Overview on Era Presentations

After listening to the era presentations, I was pleased to learn a few interesting facts. First, in the 1940s, Rosie the Riveter was a campaign to recruit female workers. Furthermore, the Second World War created new job opportunities for women and a demand for occupational therapists. In 1943, there was an emergency need for occupational therapists. At this time, people only had to complete two weeks of courses under direct supervision of another occupational therapist to be official. Second, in the 1980s, it was interesting to learn that two recessions happened in just three years. Moreover, this caused people not to spend money and hurt economic growth. In an effort to cut costs, outpatient, nursing, and personal care facilities were offered. Additionally in the 1980s, I enjoyed learning that children focused on video games. In the effort to combat the negative outcomes of video games, occupational therapists helped children with poster and manual dexterity. Lastly, in the 2010s, I thought that it was interesting to learn about children and handwriting skills. Furthermore, this era showed that typing notes could have a negative outcome with handwriting. In fact, thirty-three percent of people can't read their own handwriting. Moreover, this gives occupational therapists the opportunity to help with fine motor skills.

The History of Disabilities

After listening to Dr. Kiesling's presentation, I feel more informed on the history of disabilities. To begin, it was daunting to learn about the abuse and misfortunes at institutions. Also, it was frightening to learn that people with disabilities were viewed as burdens, criminals, or dangerous human beings. Eventually, after institutions were closed down, people with disabilities began to grow in self-care, adaptive skills, and community living. This demonstrates the importance of possibilities and not limitations. As a future occupational therapist, it is necessary to focus on what the client can do and not what they can't do. Furthermore, I will help and support my future clients on their journey towards independence by using people-first language.

The most influential person that stood out to me during this presentation was Ed Roberts. Roberts contracted polio and was paralyzed from the neck down. Although, he had a disability, he did not allow that to define him. This man showed people that with the right amount of support, anyone is capable of success. Even though Roberts was rejected by many, his mother supported him throughout his educational journey. For example, Roberts' mother had his teachers call him via phone to discuss educational assignments. After years of persistence, willpower, and support, Roberts became the Director of the California Department of Vocalization Rehabilitation. Overall, this presentation demonstrated that all people are worthy and deserving of respect. A disability is not an identity, nor a limitation. Each person in this world makes mistakes and fails, but it is the job of occupational therapists to lead others towards a pathway of desirable independence.