Handwriting is a permanent record of a person’s knowledge, understandings, thoughts, ideas or feelings at a certain point in time.  That is why we read biographies, autobiographies, fiction and non-fiction. It is why people collect autographs of famous people and why signed football jerseys sell for large sums at charity auctions.

                                                                                          

 It is also why we write our own stories.

 

But for some people, their handwriting or penmanship is not an accurate reflection of how they see themselves or how others perceive them.   

 

I enjoy working with adults because their reasons for coming to therapy are often unique and sometimes quite complex. Together we problem solve and establish an individualised response.  We developed a mature signature for a legal practitioner.  Another client wanted to handwrite personal letters for condolences and congratulations and for these letters to reflect who he is now.  Sometimes it is simple as wanting to be able to write in cursive for speed and efficiency.

 

Senior school students and university students often need to improve their handwriting for written formal examinations and for note taking.  Research has indicated that the quality of the handwriting can affect as much as a full grade when compared to similar or identical work. Some employers may even request a hand written application for a job, incorrectly assuming that poor handwriting is related to intellectual ability.

 

People recovering from illness or injury, or needing to learn to rewrite with their non-dominant hand, can focus on what is important to them.  It may begin as a broad skill for independent living and later refine to a very specific goal or outcome. It is all about you.

 

Occupational therapy with adults is very goal-focused and typically short-term.  Goals are established and then realised.  The client may choose to return later when they want to focus on a new goal or direction.