Implicit bias is the way we see or stereotype groups of people without even realizing. Implicit bias is a result of years of being taught to look at things or people in a certain way. After time, these ideas become so embedded into our thought process, we don't stop to think twice about the situation or person as an individual.
As occupational therapists, we have a responsibility to look at our clients holistically. If we were to go into an evaluation with our own preconceived notions, we would miss out on the beauty of what makes our client unique and motivated. Most importantly, as (future) practitioners, we may not hear or understand the actual needs or beliefs of our client.
So, how do we catch ourselves in implicit bias? A few ways we can examine and take initiative against our own bias is by active listening. Taking time to hear a client and truly work towards understanding their point of view will help in decreasing the formation of our own. With active listening, there also comes reflection. Whether we are a student or a practitioner, we should take time to reflect on our thought process and how we approach day to day tasks. Allowing time to reflect and be intentional with our practice, creates room for growth in the way we examine groups of people. Lastly, we can respectively ask questions. One of the best ways to understand someone or something, is to ask questions that are sincere and ultimately gauge or own overall knowledge. This can be carried out through surveys, direct person to person contact or interviewing, and/or researching.
My biggest take-away from learning about implicit bias, is that in order for us to examine and understand our own, we must be intentional and aware. Ideas that have been established for such long periods of time can just become second nature. It's important to be open to learning and understanding new ideas.
As occupational therapists, we have a responsibility to look at our clients holistically. If we were to go into an evaluation with our own preconceived notions, we would miss out on the beauty of what makes our client unique and motivated. Most importantly, as (future) practitioners, we may not hear or understand the actual needs or beliefs of our client.
So, how do we catch ourselves in implicit bias? A few ways we can examine and take initiative against our own bias is by active listening. Taking time to hear a client and truly work towards understanding their point of view will help in decreasing the formation of our own. With active listening, there also comes reflection. Whether we are a student or a practitioner, we should take time to reflect on our thought process and how we approach day to day tasks. Allowing time to reflect and be intentional with our practice, creates room for growth in the way we examine groups of people. Lastly, we can respectively ask questions. One of the best ways to understand someone or something, is to ask questions that are sincere and ultimately gauge or own overall knowledge. This can be carried out through surveys, direct person to person contact or interviewing, and/or researching.
My biggest take-away from learning about implicit bias, is that in order for us to examine and understand our own, we must be intentional and aware. Ideas that have been established for such long periods of time can just become second nature. It's important to be open to learning and understanding new ideas.
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