BBTA Trainee: Katie Sutton
I’ve just experienced assisting as a ‘tutor-trainee’ on a two day ‘introduction to the Bobath Concept’ course over a weekend. My first thoughts on arriving were ‘I’m not sure I can do this’…
In 2006 I completed my own three weekend introductory Bobath modules as a course participant. At the time I was blown away by the knowledge and experience the tutor had and what was possible in the world of neurorehabilitation. It ignited a fire inside me to learn more and so in 2009 I completed my Basic Bobath course which changed my practice completely.
Eleven years and 3 advanced Bobath courses later and I hear that the BBTA are taking on new tutor trainee candidates. At that point I had worked in a variety of different settings and had spent time with students and juniors discussing the principles of the Bobath Concept and I have enjoyed watching them develop as a clinician. So I actually thought, ‘why not give it a go?’
Then after going through the selection process, suddenly I am here on this introductory module, in the same room where my journey began. I am in front of 20 students waiting for me to start a practical session, and I’m thinking ‘what am I doing? I’m a total imposter and I know nothing’.
Two deep breaths later and I’m off, suddenly it’s over in what seems like a minute. It was by no means perfect, but I’ve done it! What’s interesting to me is that not only did I teach, but I also learned new things at the same time. An element of learning is based on previous experiences. What is nice is on these courses everyone has different experiences. Sharing these different experiences helps you to problem solve and become a better clinician.
There isn’t one recipe or treatment plan that will work for each patient and so being able to highlight the key components of your clinical reasoning process, and then help the course participants to see how they might apply those skills of analysis in their treatment sessions, is really rewarding.
Reflecting on the course there are things I would do again, and things I would change from a teaching perspective. I have a long way to go, on this tutor trainee journey, however, on each stage I feel like I am learning something that will shape me as a clinician and a teacher.
If you want to consider tutor training, and how it can develop you as a clinician and teacher, get in touch with us on info@bbta.org.uk to discuss further.
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