About this author:

Laina Karosic

Laina Karosic, OTR/L, graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. in Rehabilitation and Human Services. She then completed her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy at Ithaca College. She has worked with children and adults in clinics, homes, schools and community-based settings. Laina presented at American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA’s) national conference in 2014 discussing the role of Occupational Therapy in Sustainability. The emerging practice area of ergonomics is a particular niche of hers, and she is continuing competency and certifications within this area.

A Typical Day in the Life of an Occupational Therapist

April 1st, 2015 by

Occupational TherapyWhat’s a day of work like for an occupational therapist? I’ve laid out my workday timeline for a closer look. [...] Read More

Debunked – 5 Myths About Occupational Therapy

March 11th, 2015 by

Occupational TherapyOccupational therapy has been around since 1917, but most people still get confused as to what it is. I’ve compiled a list of common myths about occupational therapy to clarify what it isn’t. [...] Read More

Little Ways to Make Your Occupational Therapy Sessions More Effective 

February 18th, 2015 by

Therapist Assisting GirlFrom time to time, all therapists have a session that doesn’t go as planned. Sometimes your client isn’t feeling well enough to complete your planned activities, or they may have poor attention and lack full engagement if it’s the end of the day. [...] Read More

Popular Pediatric Jobs: Clinics Vs. Schools

February 4th, 2015 by

Pediatric Therapist As a pediatric occupational therapist, the most common settings involve working in an outpatient clinic or at a school. Many pediatric OTs explore both of these settings through fieldwork opportunities or by diving into it and beginning to work at one. [...] Read More

4 Strategies to Remember as an OT

January 21st, 2015 by

Occupational Therapist with PatientGive clients an extra minute to figure it out themselves…

As occupational therapists, we’re used to problem-solving and providing real solutions for clients. When we know how to solve a problem, it’s natural to want to jump in and resolve it right away. Sometimes, our clients only need a little cueing and the right adaptations to succeed. [...] Read More

The Difference Between Rural and Urban Occupational Therapy

January 14th, 2015 by

Occupational TherapyWhether you’re relocating to the country or trying out the city for the first time as an OT, you’ll notice that the community type you work in completely affects the nature of your job. Everything from the pace, the type of clients you treat, and the lifestyle of your day-to-day work can largely depend on your geographical area. [...] Read More

Knowing Professional Boundaries as an Occupational Therapist

January 7th, 2015 by

professional boundaries for otWorking as a clinician comes with the advantages of connecting with people on a daily basis and directly impacting the lives of others. At times, maintaining a professional, neutral relationship can be challenged when you’re faced with uncomfortable requests. What should you do when these tricky scenarios present themselves? Keep the following in mind. [...] Read More

4 Everyday Items That Can be Used for Therapy Equipment

December 17th, 2014 by

therapy rehab equipmentAs a therapist who travels from schools to homes to a clinic over a day, ingenuity is key. The act of lugging around therapy equipment in my bag leads to neck and shoulder strain and awkward and apologetic maneuvers through the subway crowds. Beyond the hassle of carrying a large load, therapy equipment can be very expensive and is not always covered under insurance. In cases when they are, a client may have to wait weeks to months to actually receive it, at which point the product may not be exactly what they need at their moment of the recovery process. [...] Read More

The Latest Apps Helpful for OTs

November 12th, 2014 by

ot smartphone appOccupational therapists are using technology to help clients reach their goals and to remain efficient practitioners. I’ve gathered a list of a few very useful apps that OTs can use both during sessions and in-between to promote their productivity, grade tasks more or less challenging for a client, and reduce the burden of lugging around bulky therapy equipment. [...] Read More

How Can I Use My Occupational Therapy Skills to Help My Local Community?

October 29th, 2014 by

using occupational therapy in your communityIt’s likely that most occupational therapists are drawn to this career to help others and make a difference. Sometimes, we get stuck in our every day routines and drift from our original motivators. We might patiently help our clients day in and out, yet not have an ounce of tolerance left for the slow driver in front of us on our way home. [...] Read More