Kim Mikalson
Passionate and empathic occupational therapist.
Currently collaborating with clients with mental health issues promoting their participation and engagement in meaningful activities
Statements
Professional Value Statement
My first experience with occupational therapy was working as a summer student at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. I was given the opportunity to shadow an occupational therapist and I was captivated by the client-centered and holistic nature of the profession. I believe that health is influenced by many determinants, including psychological, social, biological, and environmental. Understanding how all contexts can influence an individual helps occupational therapists break down the barriers that impedes an individual from engaging in their life. Occupational therapy offers the unique perspective of focusing on all aspects of the person and their lived experience in relation to well being. Listening to clients and working with them towards a goal is something I truly enjoy. I love being able to engage individuals and clients in activities that they find meaningful and important!
It is also important to me that I provide evidence-based practice that is ethical and safe. In order to provide clients with the best care, I will need to critically reflect on the literature to determine its applicability and appropriateness. The growing evidence in many areas of occupational therapy literature is challenging and exciting.
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" There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more."
- Robert M. Hensel
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The above quote sums up what I have learned throughout my experiences at the Alberta Children’s Hospital to my time in graduate school at Queen’s University and is an attitude and approach that I will take forward and embrace in my daily life. There is no greater injustice than seeing individuals with disabilities as just that. It is important to treat all individuals with respect, recognize their strengths, understand their interests, and empower them to engage in what they find meaningful. It is the values of being empathetic, holistic, and providing client-centered care that I will bring into every interaction with my clients.