Implicit Bias in OT

Implicit bias is the unconscious bias of others. This bias can include stereotypes and viewing individuals of a specific socioeconomic status, race, gender, ethnicity or disability unequally. Implicit bias is dangerous because we often don't even realize we are doing it until we specifically make an effort to identify and change it. It is important for OT practitioners to become aware of this because OTs work with individuals of different backgrounds on a daily basis. If we are being bias towards our clients, they are the one's who will suffer, so we as practitioners, must ensure that this does not happen. We are supposed to be advocates for the populations that we work with, and the only way to accomplish this, is to eliminate implicit bias.
Luckily, implicit bias is changeable by first identifying it, educating ourselves, and then taking measures to eliminate it. One way to identify possible implicit bias is by taking a short test, such as Project Implicit. This test gives you an AIT score that will tell you to what degree your bias is. From here, you can take your results, educate yourself, and identify situations in which implicit biases might impact your behavior. You can work on your bias by listening to podcasts, reading books, or just listening to client's experiences in general. Try being empathetic towards them and putting yourself in their shoes.
When you struggle to understand them, just be present. During The Power of Presence podcast with Debbie Hall, she discussed the importance of just being present. Many times we feel as if we have to do something, anything, to help someone or to make someone feel better, but really, sometimes they just want us there. Presence can be a silent healing power. This can be relevant in practice. When we have client of a different background or belief, instead of trying to put ourselves in their shoes and understand their pain, just being there to give them a sense of "being" might be exactly the kind of therapy they need.