Poet in Profile: Kathryn Paulson
In this month’s Poet in Profile feature, Kathryn Paulson reflects on how poetry emerged as an unexpected but vital companion in her recovery from traumatic brain injury. Through vivid imagery and candid prose, Paulson traces how writing helped her process trauma, reclaim identity, and transform lived experience into connection and care for others navigating injury and healing.
Four-Year Study Demonstrates Literary Narratives Improve Empathic Awareness in Occupational Therapy Students
University programs are increasingly working to address the need for greater empathy in rehabilitation practices. These authors report the results of one OT program that incorporated readings, discussions, and interpretations of art to develop empathic skills in participating students. They note how the program could translate to other curricula: “The only significant change in course assignments was the replacing of medical case studies with literary narratives.”
Janna’s Story
This extensive article reports on the history of oppression of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and relates their struggle to the present day—specifically, to the field of occupational therapy. Through the personal Stories of the three authors, the abstract becomes real. They bring to life the experiences of The Métis People, the Sipekne’katik First Nation, Mi’kmaq Nation, the Inuit Peoples and others, told from their own perspective as occupational therapists. Their goal is to inspire others to work toward “decolonization and reconciliation” throughout Canada.
Tara’s Story
This extensive article reports on the history of oppression of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and relates their struggle to the present day—specifically, to the field of occupational therapy. Through the personal Stories of the three authors, the abstract becomes real. They bring to life the experiences of The Métis People, the Sipekne’katik First Nation, Mi’kmaq Nation, the Inuit Peoples and others, told from their own perspective as occupational therapists. Their goal is to inspire others to work toward “decolonization and reconciliation” throughout Canada.
Justin’s Story
This extensive article reports on the history of oppression of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and relates their struggle to the present day—specifically, to the field of occupational therapy. Through the personal Stories of the three authors, the abstract becomes real. They bring to life the experiences of The Métis People, the Sipekne’katik First Nation, Mi’kmaq Nation, the Inuit Peoples and others, told from their own perspective as occupational therapists. Their goal is to inspire others to work toward “decolonization and reconciliation” throughout Canada.
Grief as a Fundamental Aspect of the Human Condition: Making Space For Loss in Disability and Rehabilitation
This deeply personal reflection presents a crucial message about the effect of grief on the rehabilitation process. The account begins with a moving description of the author’s own experience of grief. She reports that, seeking a way forward, she “devoured grief literature.” She presents her findings here—and suggests we honor each patient’s grief while also encouraging their acceptance of disability. “Grief and acceptance can coexist,” she concludes.
Unicorn in Motion
In her moving poem, “Unicorn in Motion”, Dr. Dawn Brown speaks to the challenges of being seen differently and provides insights into diversity and identity in physical therapy. She shows how rarity can become a source of strength rather than a source of isolation.
A Token Presence: Navigating Underrepresentation in Physical Therapy
As of 2022, Black male physical therapists comprised only 2% of the profession nationwide. This author, a DPT and accomplished educator, digs deep to find the reasons why. One main source in his research—and a crucial one going forward—is the personal voices of Black male students and practitioners. This poignant article details the daily challenges men of color deal with in the profession; the author offers his own recommendations to ensure change.
Sucking Love Out of a Straw (for Paul)
A mother is dying from a tumor in her womb. Her lips are chapped; she can barely eat or drink. The caregiver looks on helplessly, going through the motions of life support, of providing comfort. Then her child enters the room, and shows all who are there what really needs to be done—a simple act of love.
The Death of Her
Clinicians are trained to help: to put the patient first, to promote healing. But does anyone ever consider how that professional might be feeling? This brave account details the inner agonies of a physical therapist battling an internal “Her”—one that tormented her, and few around her even knew existed. Through this poem, she thanks those precious few who understood—and helped her “scars become superpowers.”