The Lived Experience of Becoming an Occupational Therapist

This paper describes the lived experience of becoming an occupational therapist. The complexity of the journey is illustrated using a phenomenological approach. Data were gathered through two semi-structured interviews and the reflective writings of a newly graduated occupational therapist after 4 months of clinical practice. The lived experience is described within three broad themes: through rose-coloured glasses, the impact of reality, and onward and upward. Within the broad themes a number of sub-themes are discussed. Reflection on the experiential meaning of becoming a therapist includes suggestions for curriculum change and further research.