Recovery is often shaped by the small, meaningful moments that help people rebuild confidence and regain a sense of control. In this interview, Tasnia reflects on what drew her towards occupational therapy, the value of hands-on learning across different services, and how support, supervision and curiosity have helped her take the next step in her career. Her experience offers an honest and encouraging perspective for anyone considering a path in therapeutic care and wondering how to get started.

1. What is your role at Priory, and what do you enjoy most about it?

My role at the Priory is Apprentice Occupational Therapist. What I enjoy the most about my job is seeing the difference meaningful engagement makes in service users recovery whilst helping them regain their confidence, independence and control of their lives again. 

2. How has your career progressed since joining Priory?

I had started off as a Healthcare assistant in a male PICU and had been working in that job role for just under 3 years. There had been a job opening for the OTA role on the ward and I had felt that the way I care for service users aligned more with therapeutic values of recovery. Then made the decision to apply for the role. 

A month into the new Occupational Therapy Assistant role I had realised how much I enjoyed what I do and wanted to progress with a career in Occupational Therapy. My line manager, supervisor and I had all spent our efforts during the summer along with Kerrie (Career Development Specialist) to get me onto the Occupational Therapist Degree Apprenticeship course at the University of West England Bristol. Now I am currently an Apprentice OT.

The opportunities I have had to develop my skills are being able to work in multiple other services such as PICU, R&R, Acute and Private Addictions Recovery.  I was able to learn how to develop different approaches for different presentations and needs. Also learning new ways of occupational interventions and observing the way occupational therapists practice. 

I receive and attend clinical supervisions with my supervisor every month and is able to speak with my line manager whenever I have concerns or need support. I have a PDR review with my line manager every 6 months to discuss new developments or career progression.

I have found that Priory training has also been helpful and relatable such as manual handling training when working with elderly service users or service users that have restricted mobility and other trainings like emotional interviewing which gave insight into how to therapeutically communicate with service users. 

4. What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Priory?

I think if you enjoy what you do and have a clear goal towards it the process that takes you to get there may seem overwhelming as a whole but once broken into smaller steps it seems less daunting and is very much doable, so… breathe lol.

Ready to take the next step in your career and explore a rewarding role in mental health? Explore our latest opportunities at jobs.priorygroup.com today.