Welcome to the Creative Concepts in Occupational Therapy Blog where
Debra Battistella & guests
write about all things occupational therapy.
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INTRODUCING...
THE ALIGNED PROFESSIONAL EMPOWERMENT MODEL
THE ALIGNED PROFESSIONAL EMPOWERMENT MODEL: What is it?
By: Debra Battistella, MS, OTR/L and Heidi MacAlpine, OTD, M.Ed.
2.19.25
In response to professional discontent and emotional well-being challenges, Heidi and Debra present the Aligned Professional Empowerment Model. This model guides The Aligned Professional (TAP) programs. It is born from our personal experiences and offers a strengths-based approach to foster growth, adaptability, and strong relationships.
This blog series explores the seven different components of the model to help you understand and apply its principles.
What is An Aligned Professional?
An Aligned Professional is someone who works with others in a flexible, open-minded way. They have a growth mindset, meaning they always learn and adapt to new challenges. They can manage when their beliefs or values clash with others, which helps prevent misunderstandings or conflicts. Instead of letting disagreements cause problems, an Aligned Professional stays aware, accepts differences, and focuses on finding solutions. This approach helps them build stronger relationships with colleagues and clients, leading to better results for everyone.
Being An Aligned Professional Isn’t Always Easy: When we're overwhelmed or stressed, it can be so hard to stay in alignment with what we truly value, right? It's like the noise of everything going on drowns out what’s most important to us. But here's the thing—feeling overwhelmed is human, it happens to all of us at some point. What matters is how we handle it.
Heidi and I noticed that when we get anxious or stressed, we tend to react impulsively or, at times, shut down altogether. It’s easy to get caught in the moment, and harder to take a step back to consider what we want to be doing. It takes effort and focus to be intentional; to slow down and check in with ourselves: “Okay, what’s going on here? What’s most important to me right now?”
What about you? When you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, what do you notice about how you respond? Or, do you react?
Our Solution Aligned Professional Empowerment Model: The Aligned Professional Empowerment Model shows us different aspects of an Aligned Professional through a strengths-based lens.
The center of the model takes the professional on a journey of self-discovery to gain greater awareness of their wholeness for confidence and clarity. This guides them towards continued expansion and growth, fostering a deeper connection to themselves, their purpose, and their potential.
When you look at the model, what, if anything, resonates with you?
Stay with us as we continue our journey through the TAP Empowerment Model. In our next article, we’ll explore ‘Assets,’ the very foundation that fuels this transformative approach. There’s so much to uncover and we can’t wait to share it with you!
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”
John Quincy Adams
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: WHAT IS IT ANYWAY?
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: 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
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
Brain Primers
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Stroke Recovery
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
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
BLOG SERIES
BLOG SERIES
WHEN PROFESSIONALS LOSE PASSION
This four (4) part blog series is the fictitious recollection of a successful, seasoned professional named, Alex. Alex has found herself in an environment that is in direct contradiction to her personal values and is negatively impacting her health. She is searching for solutions to reignite the passion she once felt as a strong professional woman who was an inspiration to others.
This is a powerful story that rings true for many now. It won’t surprise us if you find yourself or someone you know resonating with Alex’s story.
This story captures the gradual erosion of passion, motivation, and morale when leadership fails to show integrity, accountability, or empathy. It highlights the emotional and professional toll it takes on professionals while also offering a path forward for both personal recovery and small steps towards positive change. Read Part 1: The Rise and Fall
Be sure to read to the end for reflection questions! HINT: Feel free to use the story and questions to facilitate conversation with others!
Read Part 2: The Strain And Burnout
Be sure to read to the end for reflection questions! HINT: Feel free to use the story and questions to facilitate conversation with others!
Be sure to take full advantage of this article by using the reflection questions at the end! HINT: If you're an OT, this can be part of your Professional Development Plan (PDP)!
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Email: debrabattistellaot@creativeconceptsot.com
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