What is a common goal for a COTA® working with clients experiencing stress disorders?

Enhancing relaxation and coping skills is a fundamental goal for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA®) working with clients who have stress disorders. Stress disorders often involve overwhelming feelings of anxiety, tension, and an inability to manage stress effectively. By focusing on relaxation techniques and coping strategies, a COTA® can help clients learn to manage their symptoms more effectively. This may involve teaching clients mindfulness practices, breathing exercises, or other techniques that facilitate relaxation and emotional regulation.

Relaxation and coping skills are crucial for helping clients respond to stressors in a healthier way, which can lead to improved overall mental health and well-being. Developing these skills can empower clients to handle daily stress more effectively, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

Other goals, while important in a holistic view of mental health, do not directly address the immediate need for stress management. Improving social skills, decreasing medication dependency, or increasing productivity may be relevant but are secondary to the pressing need to equip clients managing stress disorders with the tools they need to cope with their experiences.