The importance of emotional vulnerability in OT

As occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs), we are often called upon to render our clinical, professional opinion regarding a client’s situation and then come up with the most effective treatment plan. What if you said, “I don’t know?” Would you feel like an imposter, or as a less capable version of yourself? Would you feel safe to even mention misgivings, for fear of being viewed as incompetent? Maybe counterintuitively, what if showing such emotional vulnerabilities were helpful to your professional development? In rethinking your professional opinion, or acknowledging your uncertainty, you may be opening yourself up to a viewpoint that you haven’t even considered—possibly causing you to reassess your treatment protocol for the client. Similarly, showing your vulnerability may facilitate connection with your client or their caregivers, which may be invaluable in garnering trust and improving client outcomes. Maybe cognitive malleability can reframe our arsenal; instead of feeling threatened by the unknown, we can view it as an opportunity to learn and hone our skills.