My Therapy Office
I am now recognizing the benefits of an office. In a previous blog, I mentioned I had a desk at only one job in the past and in other cases we all shared desk space. I don't mind sharing a space and in fact I still say a therapy gym space should be used for therapy, not paperwork.
However, I see the need for an office to talk privately with other therapists about patient care, calling families on the phone and the ever-fulfilling conference calls. It is difficult to sound professional while taking a call and in the background laughing and loud talking can be heard. I cannot discourage the laughing or loud talking because it can be good for the therapist and the patient's wellness.
Space in a facility can be limiting but I can create an office in a 5'x 5' area even if it is a closet (I have typed a thesis in a similar space without much difficulty). And therapists like me sometimes want to vent but are not able to with patients around. Ideally I want the corner office with a great view of the parking lot and a cappuccino machine within arm's reach but its not going to happen.
I am in the slow process of creating an office for increased privacy and discussions that others should not overhear. The difficult part is where I want to put an office. It is a storage room filled with therapy equipment - some of it I have moved and some I am tempted to donate. The other difficulty is there are no phone jacks; this will take the skills of an electrician to put in. I am not discouraged though. I know sooner or later it will happen and when it does, do not mess with my flair or my stapler.