The main objective of an occupational therapist is to enable individuals to engage in their usual daily activities, such as work and leisure. Therefore, it is beneficial for both clients and therapists to recognize and accept psychology's inherent place in occupational therapy treatment.
The majority of graduate programs in occupational therapy do not mandate that applicants hold an undergraduate degree in any particular field or major. Nevertheless, the Department of Occupational Therapy at Regis College states that taking biology and psychology courses can be beneficial.
Students accepted into Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) graduate program frequently have backgrounds in psychology, biology, exercise science, and other subjects.
There are several parallel courses needed to earn a degree in occupational therapy and psychology. Statistics, psychology, medical terminology, and patient care are just a few of the subjects that are needed for both degrees.
If you have a bachelor's degree in something other than psychology, such occupational therapy, you can apply to graduate psychology programs. You might be a step ahead of the typical psychology graduate student because occupational therapy education includes psychology—becoming an occupational therapist psychologist in the process. The same holds true for psychology majors who wish to apply to occupational therapy graduate programs.
Gaining a psychology degree will benefit your occupational therapy career by expanding your knowledge base, which will ultimately aid in giving patients with complete care. On the other hand, having experience in occupational therapy might provide you with an alternative viewpoint when it comes to addressing the objectives and results of a client's psychological treatment plan.
What Distinguishes Psychology from Occupational Therapy?
"If occupational therapy and psychology have so much in common, then what are the differences between the two?" may be on your mind. This is mostly due to the perspective that each profession uses to assist others.
Occupational therapy examines how occupational-based performance and self-regulation connect to daily function, while psychology focuses on how feelings and emotions relate to everyday function.
Although they concentrate on distinct contributing variables, both professions are related to how humans’ function. It is believed that psychology is the branch of medicine that focuses mainly on mental health. The main objective of occupational therapy, notwithstanding its psychological component, is to assist a client in engaging in daily activities.
The main objective of occupational therapy, notwithstanding its psychological component, is to assist a client in engaging in daily activities. Occupational therapy should be given the credit it deserves in the field of mental health, and psychology should be given the credit it deserves in the field of occupational therapy, notwithstanding the discrepancies that may exist.
Occupational therapists assist clients in moving forward and accomplishing their objectives by collaborating with other mental health specialists. In order to enhance function and address self-regulation, psychologists and occupational therapists collaborate. Examining the Connection Gaining a deeper understanding of your clientele may always be achieved through studying a relevant area.
It can help you gain a deeper comprehension of how people behave and think. This is especially clear in the multidisciplinary ways that psychology is used in occupational therapy.
The connection between occupational therapy and psychology has been brought to light by the increased awareness of mental health issues. More than ever, patients are looking for services that incorporate both modalities as they understand the link between their physical and mental health issues.
Psychologists possess the necessary training to enter the field of occupational therapy. They already know the medical jargon and the theoretical underpinnings needed to address motivation, emotional control, and day-to-day functioning in their patients. Additionally, they have clinical and academic credentials in the treatment of individuals who exhibit maladaptive behaviors.
More than ever, occupational therapists with a background in psychology are essential. The American Occupational Therapy Association states that fulfilling work can improve one's physical and emotional health.
An occupational therapist must take into account the close connection between a patient's physical and mental health when assisting them in regaining their physical functionality.
Because of their training in both the assessment of everyday activities and the observation of physical presentation, occupational therapists are ideal collaborators with mental health specialists. Restoring function is aided by occupational therapists, and this has a direct impact on mental wellness.
Occupational therapists can also recognize when a patient might require more extensive behavioral health care. Since self-regulation and emotional regulation are known to be linked, occupational therapists also assist clients with their self-regulation, particularly in the pediatric population.
Occupational Therapy and Psychology It can be simple for a psychologist to move into occupational therapy because psychology and occupational therapy are complementary fields.
Psychologists already possess the fundamental instruments required, such as a comprehensive client-centered methodology. Additionally, a lot of them have experience with evidence-based practice, which is vital in both fields. Psychologists can work with both adult and pediatric populations, and they are skilled in treating individuals, groups, and entire communities.
Psychology's Occupational Therapy Using a comprehensive approach, mental health occupational therapists focus on both the client's physical and mental well-being at the same time.
Occupational therapists employ their abilities in goal-setting, assessment, environmental modification, and teamwork to assist clients in participating in activities of daily living, just like they do in other settings.
An occupational therapist can help adults with home management, leisure activities, and social relationships, as well as young students with their school and community engagement.
The integration of senses is equally relevant to mental wellness. Occupational therapists can aid with anxiety and depression management, arousal regulation, cognitive function enhancement, and social skill development.