Hello, everyone! It’s Hoang Tran, and I’m excited to share some insights about the Therapeutic Use of Self in occupational therapy. Recently, a professor at my occupational therapy university asked me to create a video on this topic, and I thought, why not share it on my YouTube channel and blog for everyone to access?
I’m an occupational therapist and a certified hand therapist. I also own Hand Therapy Secrets, an online educational platform for hand therapists, as well as Hands-On Therapy Services, my private clinic.
The Importance of Therapeutic Use of Self
I love the concept of Therapeutic Use of Self! When I went through occupational therapy school, I never imagined I would take so much away from it. You learn countless things, but you often wonder how you’ll apply them once you’re out in the real world. Therapeutic Use of Self is one of those tools I rely on constantly.
Every time I start talking about it, it cracks me up a little. I think to myself, “Oh, so this is how you use therapy!” It always makes me smile. I often pull from concepts like MOHO (Model of Human Occupation), and it’s fun to recall how these ideas played out during my training.
Little Stories Matter
One element I frequently use in my practice is humor. I consider myself a funny person who enjoys cracking jokes and making people laugh. It’s essential because patients come to me during challenging times—they’re hurt and, let’s be honest, no one really wants therapy. They need it, but it’s often not the first choice on their list.
Using humor helps patients loosen up and see the brighter side of occupational therapy. Over time, I’ve gathered a collection of little stories—funny anecdotes from my experiences—that I can share to lighten the mood during sessions.
Sharing My Favorite Story
Let me share one of my favorite stories that I use repeatedly. I was working at a hospital with a coworker, and while I was sitting at a table doing wound care, my coworker had a patient nearby. The patient started talking to her in Spanish and asked where I was from. When my coworker replied, “Oh, she’s from Vietnam,” the patient exclaimed, “Oh, I love those Chinese people! They do great nails!”
As I’m doing wound care, I couldn’t help but think, “What? Is she doing someone’s nails?” I was in a sterile field, wearing gloves and using a suture removal kit while tending to a wound! This story always brings laughter to the room, but I recognize that it’s not appropriate to share in every situation.
Using Humor to Relieve Tension
It’s crucial to know your audience and determine if your jokes fit the moment. Sometimes, when I sense a patient is tense or stressed about the upcoming procedure, I might say, “Let me tell you a funny story!” It helps them relax and fosters a better environment for healing.
I have a collection of these little stories stored in my brain, almost like a digital library. Depending on who walks in and what they need, I can pull out the right story to engage them and create a more enjoyable experience.
Creating a Positive Experience
Ultimately, that’s how I use humor in Therapeutic Use of Self. It’s not something I do all the time, but when the moment is right, it allows me to connect better with my patients. I want them to enjoy their time with me, so they look forward to coming back, which gives me the opportunity to help solve their problems.
I often discuss this approach with my staff, sharing strategies and stories to enhance our collective practice.
Embracing Lightness in Therapy
Finding moments of humor can brighten your day and enhance your interactions with patients. Incorporating laughter into therapy allows for a more enjoyable experience for both you and your clients. As you explore these ideas, consider diving deeper into this topic to discover practical examples and insights.
How To Use Humor With Patients | Therapeutic Use Of Self | Hand Therapy Secrets
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing more valuable tips and experiences in the future!
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