Occupational therapist Lisa Bowker explains how 1 + 4 + 3 equals “I love you”

In this episode of Moments in Mind, we meet occupational therapist (OT) Lisa Bowker.
After sharing a little about her origin story and why she chose to become an OT, Lisa vividly describes the profound impact that OTs can have on the lives of their clients. She emphasises the importance of tailoring therapy to each client’s individual goals – such as a young woman’s desire to apply makeup independently – and how this has led to several breakthrough moments.
Lisa tells several remarkable stories of people’s courage and determination to fight back after serious injuries and during life-changing illnesses. This includes a tear-jerking moment when she helped a man with motor neurone disease to communicate his devotion for his wife.
Along the way, Lisa explains how she has used standardised assessments from early in her career, right up to the present day. And she reflects back on the moments that will stay with her forever.
This is a must-listen for anyone curious about the power of human beings to survive and strive, even in the most difficult circumstances.

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Running order:

• 0:03 - Explaining what occupational therapy (OT) is
• 0:04 - What led Lisa to choose OT as her career
• 0:05:45 - Lisa’s early career and how mentors and standardised assessments helped her
• 0:06:40 - Lisa’s approach to OT and tailoring therapy to each client’s aspirations 
• 0:07:45 - Working with a young person who had a spinal cord injury
• 0:09:30 - The circumstances that lead people to seek Lisa’s help
• 0:11:45 - How Lisa uses standardised assessments to personalise and target her therapy
• 0:12:40 - Using a sensory profile tool to help a little boy with a spinal cord injury
• 0:15:00 - Supporting a young man after an acquired brain injury to travel on the train to work
• 0:17:00 - A breakthrough moment for a man with motor neurone disease
• 0:18:45 - A breakthrough moment for a young boy after a spinal-cord injury
• 0:20:00 - Memorable career moments that Lisa will always remember  

Disclaimer
Client details and narratives presented in this podcast have been altered or omitted to protect confidentiality and privacy. Any similarities to actual individuals, events, or circumstances are entirely coincidental. Each client interaction is unique, and the outcomes or breakthroughs described are specific to the individuals involved. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as guarantees or promises of similar results for others.

Episode Transcript

Lisa (20:51):
Thanks Andy, appreciate it. 43 00:21:00,000 --> 00:22.0:35.0,000 Andy