My Professional Growth Journey as an Occupational Therapist: The PSG Model in Action
The Person-Situation-Growth (PSG) Model: A Framework That Reflects My UK Transition
As an internationally educated Occupational Therapist, I came to the UK with a strong foundation in clinical reasoning, patient-centered care, and years of hands-on experience—particularly in pediatric settings. But I quickly learned that thriving in the UK healthcare system required more than clinical expertise. It demanded a strategic alignment between who I am, where I am, and where I want to go.
That’s where the Person-Situation-Growth (PSG) Model became a guiding framework for my development.
P – Person: Understanding Myself as an OT
Who am I?
I am a passionate Occupational Therapist with over a decade of experience. My strengths include empathy, adaptability, and a research-informed approach to care.
However, I also recognized that we need to adapt to UK-Healthcare system, standards and legal frameworks and the expectations of multidisciplinary collaboration within the NHS.
The PSG Model helped me reflect on my values, strengths, and learning style, allowing me to see my prior experience not as something to be “converted,” but as something to be leveraged.
S – Situation: Navigating the UK Healthcare System
What is the environment?
The UK healthcare system is structured, regulated, and deeply collaborative. As an OT, I needed to master:
- The HCPC registration process
- UK clinical standards and competencies
- Safeguarding protocols
- The culture of multidisciplinary teamwork
The PSG framework helped me analyze this external context and identify the real challenges—not just clinical knowledge, but confidence, communication, and cultural fluency.
G – Growth: Defining My Outcome and Strategy
What is my goal?
Initially, I aimed to secure HCPC registration. But through the PSG lens, I redefined my goal: to secure an OT role that reflects my experience and allows me to contribute meaningfully to the UK system.
With mentorship and targeted coaching, I focused on:
- Translating my expertise into NHS competency and standards
- Practicing mock interviews tailored my role
- Building confidence in presenting evidence-based interventions and leading collaborative care plans.
The result? I didn’t just adapt—I accelerated. I moved beyond expectations and positioned myself as a confident, competent OT ready to thrive in the UK. It took time and patience to achieve this. But it shouldn’t take long for you. With right guidance and support this is doable.
Why the PSG Model Matters to Me—and to You
The PSG Model isn’t just a theory—it’s a personal blueprint for transformation. It helped me turn uncertainty into clarity, and potential into progress.
If you’re an internationally educated OT or healthcare professional navigating the UK system, I want you to know: your growth is possible—and it starts with understanding yourself, your environment, and your goals.
Let’s use the PSG Model to unlock your next chapter.