When I first began my journey as an Occupational Therapist, I was nervous – actually, more than nervous. I was scared that I wouldn’t be good enough, that I might make mistakes, or that I didn’t know enough to truly help the people depending on me.
Occupational therapy is such a vast and deeply human field. One day, you might be assessing for specialised equipment to improve mobility, and the next, supporting someone living with a complex condition like motor neurone disease or stroke. Then there are children, families, older adults, and everyone in between – each person with their own story, their own needs, and their own challenges. It can feel like there’s an endless amount to learn, and at the start, that can be incredibly overwhelming.
I remember early on watching experienced OTs work with such confidence and ease. I wondered how they knew exactly what to say or do, how they could look at a situation and immediately start forming solutions that made such a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Back then, I didn’t realise that what appeared to be confidence wasn’t knowing everything – it was trusting in the process and in their ability to keep learning. Because truthfully, no one in this profession knows it all.
And that’s the beauty of it.
As OTs, we are part of a constantly moving, ever-evolving profession. New technologies, new research, and new ways of thinking emerge all the time. What we knew even a few years ago can shift and grow as science and innovation advance. Our world doesn’t stand still, and neither can we. Learning doesn’t end when we walk across the stage at graduation – it continues every day, through our patients, through collaboration, and through every new challenge we face. Feeling uncertain or out of your depth now and again isn’t a flaw; it’s a sign that you’re growing and expanding your understanding.
I’ve been very lucky to work for Seating Matters and Tierco Healthcare, where I get to specialise in seating, posture, and dementia care. It’s an area I’m passionate about because I’ve seen firsthand how improving someone’s seating and positioning can have life-changing effects on their comfort, function, and quality of life. Specialising in one area allows me to go deeper – to really focus on small details that make a big difference – but it has also reminded me that occupational therapy thrives on teamwork. Those of us who specialise can share our expertise with generalist OTs, just as they share insights from their own wide-ranging experiences. This collaboration is the true strength of our profession: we lift each other up, bridging knowledge gaps and providing better care together than we could ever do alone.
At a recent conference, I had a moment that made me pause. I looked around the room at a sea of faces – some familiar friends and mentors, many new graduates just beginning their journeys, and others who have spent decades in the field. It was a powerful reminder that no matter how senior or experienced you are, everyone is still learning. The discussions weren’t one-sided; ideas flowed freely between new and seasoned OTs alike. There was such a sense of community, of shared purpose, and of mutual respect. That, to me, is what makes occupational therapy so special – it’s not a solo endeavour. We grow by supporting, encouraging, and teaching each other.
It reminded me of the Japanese concept of Yokoten – freely sharing information across an organisation or group – which we practise every day at Seating Matters. I think we, as OTs, are generous with our experience and knowledge, and that generosity is part of what makes this such a special profession.
To every OT who might be reading this, especially those just starting out, know that moments of doubt are normal. They don’t mean you’re not capable; they mean you care. Growth doesn’t come from having all the answers, but from being willing to keep searching for them. Each client you meet, each challenge you face, and each professional interaction you have adds another layer to your understanding and confidence.
So embrace the uncertainty, and get comfortable with learning – because you will never stop doing it. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, ask questions, attend courses, and keep sharing your knowledge with others. In a world that’s changing faster than ever, staying open and humble is one of the most powerful skills you can have.
We may never know everything, but together we can keep striving to be better and ensure an elevated experience for our service users. In doing so, we’ll continue to raise one another up – one lesson and one person at a time.
