Welcome to the Creative Concepts in Occupational Therapy Blog where Debra Battistella writes about all things occupational therapy. 

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: WHAT IS IT ANYWAY?

Despite the fact that the profession of occupational therapy (OT) has been around for 100 years, it remains mysterious to many. Unless you or someone you know has benefited from OT services, chances are good that you are among those who think occupational therapy practitioners help people get jobs....READ MORE


MIRROR THERAPY: AN EFFECTIVE INTERVENTION FOR TREATING NEUROLOGICAL DEFICITS FOLLOWING STROKE 

Mirror Therapy, also known as Mirror Visual Feedback, is an evidence-based treatment approach that can be used with people who experience brain injuries such as cerebrovascular accident (CVA)/stroke or TBI. To understand what mirror therapy is...READ MORE

OPTIMIZE RECOVERY WITH HOME PROGRAMS & UP-LEVEL YOUR OT PRACTICE

HOME EXERCISE PROGRAMS

Occupational therapists often recommend and establish home exercise programs when clients are ready for discharge. Is this the best time or even the right time? I don’t think so and I’ll tell you why....

People need time and practice to learn and build habits. This is especially true of occupational therapy (OT) clients experiencing interruptions in health. People in the midst of a health crisis or...READ MORE

Brain Primers 

Stroke Recovery

Brain Primers


Stroke recovery can be challenging for clients and clinicians. As clinicians, we sometimes feel challenged in finding interventions that work, making our jobs feel hard and leaving clients feeling hopeless. This article describes three simple and effective brain priming interventions you can use right away so intervention selection doesn’t feel so daunting. BRAIN PRIMERS are simple and effective...READ MORE

THANK YOU, OLIVIA...

I'M INSPIRED TO LET MY LIGHT SHINE

This is for Olivia. She will never know the depths of inspiration she gave me, and likely, those around her. Or...Maybe she was too much for some.

 

Olivia worked in a nearby coffee shop. I like to order ahead so I can slip in and out quickly with coffee in hand. Until Olivia came and changed that. I started hearing, “Have a good day, Debra” as I left the building. Soon, the excitement advanced as Olivia greeted me upon entering. Her beautiful smile and bright energy were magnetic – taking up big space. I LOVED going for coffee when Olivia was there. She ignited my mornings in a fantastic way. I started looking forward to seeing her.

And then she was gone. Just like that...READ MORE

Reframing Resilience: Embracing Adaptability in the Professional World

July 1, 2024

By: Heidi MacAlpine and Debra Battistella


REFRAMING RESILIENCE: Has the word resilience become a buzzword that makes you cringe? Resilient people embody strength and flexibility; they grow when times are tough. Resilience is a valued trait embodied by successful people. In this ever-changing world, being “resilient” is now being used against us. Some organizational leaders create abusive cultures and simultaneously promote strength and resilience. It feels manipulative. Does this bother you as much as it does us? We have some thoughts...


SHIFTING TO ADAPTABILITY: What might happen if we shift...READ MORE

Head with sad face, top removed with bandaged brain

TRAUMA & PHYSICAL MEDICINE PRACTICE

Trauma is a prevalent topic these days, impacting everyone in some way. Its effects can vary, with some individuals being more vulnerable to its negative consequences than others.

 

I find this subject deeply fascinating. My interest began during my teaching years...READ MORE

STAY TUNED...

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Do you love OT and want to write for us? 

Reach out with a sample of your work and let's see if you're a good fit! 

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Email: debrabattistellaot@creativeconceptsot.com


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Make it a great day 

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