My Expectations for the Mental Health Facility, Essay Example

When I reflect on just what my expectations are in regard to my fieldwork at the mental health facility, I cannot get beyond a conviction that these expectations will define themselves as I actually do the work.  More exactly, in my view, each individual and case I encounter will present me with new challenges, and consequently shift the “expectation” itself.  I am, in a word, open to all this experience can bring to me, as I sincerely hope to bring something significant to it, if I can.  To go in with specific “expectations,”  then,  is to ignore the nature of mental health work itself.

That acknowledged, I would be less than truthful if I did not confess that I am eager to work with a variety of patients, and acquire the knowledge of them so essential for an OT.  My field relies on sensitivity and skill, and I can exercise both of these better when I am in direct contact with the people in need.  My education has been excellent, but I am impatient to meet and come to know those with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and MS.  I do not expect that such people manifest similar behaviors; an illness is a part of a person, and by no means the person themselves.  At the same time, I am eager to learn how different individuals cope with their disorders, and consequently how I can adjust my training and my attention to suit their needs.

Similarly, I am intrigued to work with those suffering from depression and other mood disorders.  Interacting with these individuals will, I am sure, expose me to layers of thinking and feeling absolutely essential to my work.   As this occurs, my understanding will be enlarged, as I feel that my capabilities will expand to meet the challenges.  In this process as well will my own self-awareness develop, as I can begin to comprehend my place in this arena.  Ultimately, then, I approach my mental health fieldwork with no specific expectations, save the massive one of learning and helping as much as I possibly may.