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Maria, OTD, OTR/L

@thecreativehealer.co

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Psych OT | TU ‘22 🐯 |📍DMV | 🇦🇬
Do what makes your soul smile🌻🌱

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I realized that I shared that I am now a psychiatric occupational therapist, but I never really explained what that meant, so in honor of World Mental Health Day (yesterday), I wanted to share some insight into psych (mental health) OT.

As a psych OT, I work with patients with a variety of diagnoses, from depression to schizophrenia to dementia. Oftentimes, these illnesses make it difficult for individuals to care for and manage themselves as needed to carry out everyday tasks.

My goal is to help patients to develop the skills necessary to do what they need to and want to do so that they can be productive members of their communities.

Swipe to learn more :) by @thecreativehealer.co

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4 years ago

I finallyyyyy have all my letters 😩🙏🏾

Maria A. James, OTD, OTR/L!

So about that NBCOT… a monster lol but definitely something that’s doable!

I spent my summer in the library 5 days a week for about 5-6 hours a day learning and relearning information, testing my knowledge, dropping the ball, regrouping, and trying again.

My biggest advice for studying for the NBCOT:

1. Make a schedule/study plan 🗓
There’s soo much information and so many different topics to learn and relearn and if you don’t organize yourself, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I found a study service that had information organized into modules, which was super helpful, and I worked on one module per week.

2. Listen to yourself 👂🏾
There were days when the information just wouldn’t stick. There were days when I thought there was no way I would pass. There were days that my head was just not in the game. On these days, it was often difficult to focus and although I pushed myself, I learned and realized the value of rest. Instead of forcing, I took ✨breaks✨when I was feeling like this.

3. Maintain balance ⚖️
It’s easy to get consumed with feeling like you have to study alll the time because there really is a lot of information to cover. However, ✨occupational balance✨is just as important for us as it is for our patients. I made sure to stay active and still make time for leisure time with family and friends to make sure my sanity remained intact (for the most part).

4. Keep a positive mindset 🧠
This is obviously easier said than done, but mindset is everything! Every single day before I studied, I would write out an affirmation. Throughout my study session, if I felt myself getting discouraged, I would remind myself of that affirmation over and over. The process of studying and taking the test is not easy, so it is helpful to encourage yourself throughout. by @thecreativehealer.co

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4 years ago

A peek into some of the things that fill my cup and remind me that I’m okay 💚

What fills your cup? #psychot #mentalhealth #copingskills #ottools by @thecreativehealer.co

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4 days ago

Because accessible care starts with meeting clients where they are. 💊🧠

#PsychOT #MentalHealthOT #OccupationalTherapy #MedicationManagement #OTTools by @thecreativehealer.co

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10 days ago

8/22

Happy 4th OT birthday to me 🥳

Consider this proof of life, OT life lately, and everything in between. I finally feel like I kinda know what I’m doing when it comes to this OT thing, but tbh, I’ve kinda been going through the motions. Some days, I feel highly motivated to do and be all of the things, but other days, I literally go to work and do what I can.

After getting injured and being on light duty for what has felt like forever, I was really worried that I would begin to lose my passion. Transitioning into a new role that could accommodate my needs has ended up surprising me in the best way. In this process, I’ve also been reminded that health is true wealth. Inasmuch as I have goals and aspirations, at the end of the day, none of that can happen if I am unwell.

I am physically and mentally in a better place, but of course, it’s a marathon and not a race. I’m working on healing so that I can show up as an even better OT because I know there’s so much more to come 😎 by @thecreativehealer.co

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2 months ago

Note to self 📝 by @thecreativehealer.co

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9 months ago

In the midst of all my dysregulation, I didn’t take the time to celebrate my 3rd OT birthday. Time flies like a patient after they’ve stolen a contraband material 🤭 I’ve grown into such a different person in these past three years. The girl that was once a timid new grad is now commanding rooms, setting limits, facilitating interdisciplinary staff education, and even helping patients find meaning in their final days of life.

I’ve experienced a lot of work related change over the past 3 years. It’s felt weird and confusing and uncomfortable sometimes, but I’d like to think I’m a better person for it.

OT life still feels hard sometimes and I still struggle to find balance, but at the same time I’m happy to be here — employed and paid in a world where job certainty is not a thing and where healthcare feels like a privilege rather than a right.

There’s still more to come and I know it. I’m certain that my career can take me far if I always remember that I’m good enough, smart enough, bold enough, blessed enough. This season is giving pray, wait, trust. by @thecreativehealer.co

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10 months ago

I’ve been veryyyy dysregulated recently. Between juggling work and personal responsibilities and still trying to have a life and show up for my friends and fam, I’ve been feeling like my brain is short circuiting. My nervous system has been in questionable condition.

While taking some time to slow down, I discovered @comfrt . This lightly weighted sweatsuit helped regulate my nervous system in more ways than one. Not only did I get the serotonin release of making a fun purchase, but it literally feels like a warm hug 😌

How do you cope? #psychot #mentalhealth #copingskills by @thecreativehealer.co

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a year ago

“May the [veggies] remind us why the rain was necessary”

Here’s a reminder to stay hopeful even if it’s raining right now 💚🌱 by @thecreativehealer.co

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a year ago

Life lately
I keep disappearing 🥴🫣

Lol nobody told me how hard it would be to balance caring for myself and caring for patients. Or how hard it would be to show up for my patients when I really don’t have it. But we move.

Even though I’ve been feeling like a fork in the soup of life, I’ve still been growing and learning. I’ve been needing to psych OT myself sometimes, but we’re getting it together.

Rumor has it I’m getting promoted 🤫😅 Lol jk, no rumors, all facts 💁🏾‍♀️ Looking forward to this new year with new opportunities and experiences.

Of note, I live in Maryland so I occasionally pass by the AOTA. Can you believe I’ve never been inside?? That’s gotta change. Also, yes, I was very afraid of that iguana named Jennifer Lopez. by @thecreativehealer.co

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2 years ago

It’s my OT birthday! 🥳

Two whole years practicing as an Occupational Therapist is crazy! I’ve learned a lot and I’ve grown so much, but honestly, I’m still figuring it out. Overall, I am grateful for the journey and proud of the progress I’ve made. Looking forward to lots more opportunities for growth and impact. ✨

Please enjoy me trying to wink on my first day two years ago 😂 by @thecreativehealer.co

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2 years ago

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, here’s your reminder to take care of yourself. Life is not easy and struggles seem almost inevitable sometimes, but remember that you are not alone. In the midst of whatever you might be experiencing, I encourage you to find one thing that makes each day ‘good’. 💚💚💚

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 for support 🛟 by @thecreativehealer.co

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2 years ago