Sensory Systems Clinic West
Emily
Experience Information
Employer: Sensory Systems Clinic West, PLC
Job Title: OT Intern
Major: Allied Health Sciences
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Sensory Systems Clinic West is an Occupational Therapy Clinic that offers therapy to individuals of all ages and abilities. At Sensory Systems Clinic West an emphasis is on the client having an active role in his or her therapy session. In 2015, thus far, Sensory Systems Clinic has provided close to 1,500 therapy sessions growing substantially from 800 in 2011 when it first opened. "Occupational therapy is provided for individuals, and small groups, of all ages. Comprehensive evaluation and research based, client-centered therapy implements highly motivating activities in a sensory gym which utilizes suspended equipment. Treatment is provided for children and adults that may have difficulty with attention/focus, learning/handwriting, anger, socialization, attachment, coordination, feeding/eating, balance, self-concept and those who have diagnoses of the following: Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, LD, ADHD, and other difficulties with regulation and processing. Research based techniques provided include Sensory Integration, Therapeutic Listening, Handwriting without Tears, DIRFloortime, Interactive Metronome, and Cranial Sacral Therapy." -Sensory Systems Clinic West
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
On a daily basis I would observe therapy sessions and assist when appropriate or needed. I was essential in keeping clients safe on therapy gym equipment such as the rock wall, scooter board, or any of the various suspended equipment used at the clinic. I was able to participate in interactive play with clients and observe therapy techniques. Other duties of mine consisted of office tasks such as: filing, scheduling, answering the phone and taking payments/printing receipts for clients. It was also essential that I help keep the facility clean as it was a collective effort of all staff to maintain a safe and clean therapy environment. I completed projects throughout my time at Sensory Systems Clinic West which included but are not limited to: a new book checkout spread sheet, a parent resource list with alternative therapies, funding, camps etc., a binder for our picture schedule chart, informational flyers, a challenge chart for clients and a productivity report for the clinic.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Within my time at Sensory Systems Clinic West I was able to observe therapy techniques that I had not yet heard of such as craniosacral therapy and interactive metronome technology. I was able to observe countless therapy sessions while interacting with clients becoming part of their session. I was also able to ask the therapist's questions following sessions and was able to read over their notes to get a feel for effective ways to document therapy sessions. The therapists at Sensory Systems Clinic West never failed to impress me and offered me a vast amount of knowledge whenever I had questions. I had the opportunity to read about, and observe different evaluation programs like BOT-2 and M-FUN as well as different therapy tools like the "Zones of Regulation" and TV teacher. Another portion of my internship was spent learning valuable office skills such as billing and scheduling for the clinic. All of the knowledge in therapy techniques and skills I have learned I will carry with me to my next stage of schooling.
Favorite Part of the Experience
The best aspect of my internship was the sense of accomplishment and encouragement from the therapists I received when completing an assignment to improve the clinic. I loved the interactions with clients and learning new ways to interact with them as well as learning how to deal with difficult sessions. Having the opportunity to observe therapy techniques that most students have never heard of was beneficial to my learning and see for myself the improvement/parent testimonies to the improvements of their child was another aspect of my internship that I truly enjoyed. Being a positive part of a clients life and seeing the impact you can make is an wonderful feeling and as an Occupational Therapist I would be able to experience that feeling on a daily basis. I believe that is what I am looking forward to the most in my future career.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Through this experience I have solidified my passion for working with children, and I could definitely see myself working in a therapy clinic like Sensory Systems Clinic West. I was given wonderful networking opportunities and was offered a job by Sensory Systems Clinic West to continue working there for my winter semester. My confidence when interacting with clients, and their parents/caregivers improved immensely and I am extremely grateful for the experiences I had throughout my time as an Intern.