What is Occupational Therapy?
Let’s delve into a brief history of occupational therapy. As World War I ended, countless individuals returned home grappling with what was known then as shell shock, now recognized as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This era marked the genesis of occupational therapy, pioneered largely by women. These compassionate practitioners sat with soldiers, who often bore a thousand-yard stare captured in countless photographs, and guided them in engaging their hands to reconnect with their minds and the present moment. In the past, occupational therapists were known as recreational aids and were mainly associated with mental health. However, with time, the role of occupational therapists has expanded immensely and now encompasses a wide range of specialties. From providing handwriting and behavior therapy to children in early intervention and school settings to helping patients recover from a stroke or hand injury to developing lifestyle programs and addressing sexual health concerns, occupational therapy has become a ubiquitous presence in healthcare. This dialogue brings us to the intersection with OutCare Health, because just how LGBTQ+ communities exist in every stage of life, occupational therapy can be there to help too. While most physical rehabilitation fields are limited by their scope of practice, the scope of practice of occupational therapy opens the possibilities for holistic practitioners to follow patients through multiple stages of life and across multiple barriers to happiness and acceptance.
A Need for Support of LGBTQ+ Communities
In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness of the unique needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ people within healthcare systems, including occupational therapy. LGBTQ+ individuals face a range of barriers and challenges that can impact their ability to participate in meaningful activities, including discrimination, stigma, social isolation, and mental health concerns. The guidelines and domain of practice for occupational therapy supports intervention in advocacy and self advocacy of clients. Occupational therapists can play crucial roles in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals to overcome these challenges and improve their quality of life if they are knowledgeable and trained in LGBTQ+ care and equity.
Promoting Acceptance
One of the critical ways that occupational therapy can support LGBTQ+ individuals is through promoting acceptance, inclusivity, and understanding in healthcare settings. Occupational therapists are trained to provide client-centered care, which means that they consider the unique needs and identities of each individual they work with. By creating safe and welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ clients, occupational therapists can help them feel comfortable and supported in seeking the care they need. They are also trained to help advocate for patients or to assist them in advocating for themselves.
Navigating Social and Environmental Barriers
Occupational therapists can also help LGBTQ+ individuals navigate social and environmental barriers that may impact their ability to participate in daily activities. For example, gender diverse individuals may face challenges accessing gender-affirming healthcare services, changing their name and gender marker on legal documents, and/or finding appropriate clothing that aligns with their identities. Occupational therapists can work with LGBTQ+ individuals to identify these barriers and develop strategies to overcome them, such as providing education and advocacy, connecting clients with resources and support networks, and/or assisting with adaptive equipment and modifications.
Addressing Mental Health Concerns
Additionally, occupational therapists can help LGBTQ+ individuals address mental health concerns that may be affecting their ability to participate in daily activities. LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions compared to cisgender, heterosexual populations, often as a result of the discrimination and stigmatization faced by LGBTQ+ individuals Occupational therapists can provide counseling, coping strategies, and support to help LGBTQ+ clients manage their mental health and improve their overall well-being.
Personal and Professional Development
Occupational therapy can also support LGBTQ+ individuals in their personal and professional development. LGBTQ+ individuals may face unique challenges in finding and maintaining employment, accessing education and training opportunities, and/or pursuing their hobbies and interests. This includes roughly half of LGBTQ+ people reporting facing discrimination at work, up to and including termination of employment. Reports show a lower percentage of LGBTQ+ youth participation in sports with 24% compared to 68% of heterosexual and non gender diverse youth. Occupational therapists can work with LGBTQ+ individuals to develop skills, build confidence, and navigate social and vocational challenges to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Advancing LGBTQ+ Rights and Social Justice
In addition to providing direct care and support to LGBTQ+ individuals, occupational therapists can also contribute to advancing LGBTQ+ rights and promoting social justice in healthcare and society at large. Occupational therapists can advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices within their organizations, collaborate with LGBTQ+ community organizations and advocacy groups, and participate in professional development and education on LGBTQ+ topics. By raising awareness, challenging stereotypes and marginalization, and promoting equity and respect for LGBTQ+ persons, occupational therapists can help create more inclusive and supportive environments for all clients.
A Call to Action
Overall, occupational therapy has a valuable role to play in supporting the unique needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. By promoting acceptance, inclusivity, and understanding, addressing social and environmental barriers, supporting mental health and personal development, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, occupational therapists can help LGBTQ+ individuals overcome challenges, improve their quality of life, and achieve their full potential. But this leads us to where we exist now. Occupational therapy is drastically underrepresented in directories like OutCare’s OutList® of LGBTQ+ affirming providers. With only a few occupational therapists registered, there is much room for growth in this field and outreach to LGBTQ+ patients. Please share the OutList® with providers in the occupational therapy specialty so that we can grow and improve resources for LGBTQ+ people worldwide.
Author: Madison Oberg, OTS, COTA/L, Occupational Therapy Public Health Doctorate Fellow. Madison is an Occupational Therapy doctorate student at Howard University based in Washington, DC. Madison is focused on increasing occupational therapy’s involvement in LGBTQ+ affirming care, and improving education provided to active occupational therapy practitioners and student of these practices while partnering with OutCare. She is passionate about using occupational therapy’s holistic approach for treatment of gender dysphoria, and the intersectionality of the whole person. Madison received a B.S. in Health and Exercise Science, Sports Medicine from Colorado State University, and an A.A.S. in Occupational Therapy from Green River College.
