My Career As An Occupational Therapist: Helping Others Put Their Lives Back Together

By Author: Caitlin Roberts
Total Articles: 4762
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Shannon had an eating disorder. She had been suffering from this disorder since she was 18. She was so thankful to have met Cindy. Cindy is an occupational therapist working at the rehabilitation center. Cindy is amazing and most patients think she is a miracle worker. Everybody like Shannon admires Cindy's meticulous nature. She makes her patients feel that they are well taken care of.

"Shannon, try to concentrate on the glass and put all your force to the edge of your fingertips," Cindy said as she guided the glass to Shannon's hand. It seems just like yesterday since Shannon started her sessions with Cindy. Cindy always makes her feel supported. A year ago Shannon hit rock-bottom when she suddenly fainted and woke up in a hospital one morning. She had binged on anorexia. She had suffered some emotional trauma and her motor skills were affected as well.

Cindy was a good listener. Shannon easily opened up to her. Cindy would then make use of the things she learned from Shannon to create an activity that would be suitable for Shannon's needs. Cindy usually engages Shannon in activities that ...
... would enhance her self-esteem. Shannon needs to bring back her self worth. "You are very pretty and smart girl. You can do it," Cindy always assured her. Those simple words are enough to give someone a boost. Cindy sees to it that Shannon eats a balanced meal. Her diet was the most essential part of her session. She needs to introduce food back to her system again. At first, Shannon would throw up right after eating. Her stomach seems to always feel upset at the presence of food. Cindy slowly and patiently fed her. "You can do it," she always tells Shannon. "Don't rush. One spoon is alright if that's all you can take," Cindy said. Cindy never told her that she has to gain more weight instead she would convince Shannon how delicious the food tastes. Shannon then would feel curious about the taste and would take a bite. Shannon never felt compelled to do something she didn't want to. She does things because it is good for her. Cindy makes sure that she would never feel pressured to do so.

As the days turned to months, Shannon gained some weight and learned to be on her foot again. She felt a little light-headed the first time she took her first steps. It seemed impossible for her to be walking again. She could control her bodily movements every now and then. Every time Shannon looks into the mirror, she never feels like as if she is a big round bear. She could see a girl who needs to increase weight. Shannon also has improved her eating habits. Food is not the enemy but anorexia is, Shannon thought.

It is amazing when a person improves her life through the aid of a caring health practitioner. We hope that are more Cindy's out there to help people glue the pieces of their life back together.
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MedicalJobs.ORG (http://www.medicaljobs.org) covers many different medical careers. Occupational Therapist careers are described on the site. Explore more about Occupational Therapist careers at http://www.medicaljobs.org/careers/Occupational-Therapists.php