We truly believe that OTs make great coaches!

…and we truly believe that OT is the only profession, which looks at all aspects of a person’s life. As well as understanding the occupational nature of human beings, we also get how important having a future vision and goals are and how self-belief can inhibit achievement. Although OTs often understand the barriers that people face, coaching enables us to form a different working relationship.

Don’t we do this coaching thing already?

Many OTs feel that they already “coach” their clients and patients but whilst occupational therapy and coaching have a similar philosophy, coaching in its purist form is very different to OT.  Take a look at this infographic “Therapy v Coaching” ⇒

So what is coaching?

The essence of coaching is to develop a conversational relationship with the intention of the client working towards a future vision or goal. Working with a coach provides a sounding board, reflection and structure from a professional who will be objective, honest and on your side. Coaching can help enormously in enabling someone to make difficult changes in their life, working to unlock dreams, boost creativity and build a meaningful future based on balance and purpose. Occupational therapists can use a “coach approach” within their OT work or use coaching as a stand-alone intervention. 

How can I start coaching as an OT?

There are literally hundreds of courses,  many of which will cost you thousands of pounds/dollars which is fine if you want to become an accredited coach. However, you don’t have to take a hefty course to use coaching in your OT work – you can start doing “it” with some basic skills which is why back in 2006 we developed a coaching skills course for OTs, and in 2013, we took it online. Since then, hundreds of OTs have taken the course. Here is what one participant has to say about our “Coaching Skills for Occupational Therapists“ online course: 

‘A very refreshing and lively opportunity to dip my toes into a new way of thinking! The Coaching Skills for OTs has already proved invaluable and I have been able to transfer learning directly into the workplace. It will build confidence in OTs at all levels”