Q&A with Rebecca DeLeon – Clinical Therapist at OPI Intensive

In a recent interview, we sat down with Rebecca DeLeon, Clinical Therapist at OPI’s OPI Intensive, to discuss a few topics around her work.

Q: What have you learned from OPI Intensive participants?

A: Lots of patience and empathy. I have had to slow down my own reactions a bit in order to be effective in my work with them. These are attributes that have, in turn, helped in my personal life as well.

Q: How have you motivated, inspired, and supported our participants?

A: Sometimes you have to negotiate or compromise. This can be a great tool to use so that everyone feels like they benefit. I also look for positives and reframe them so that participants can see possibilities when they feel like only problems are on the horizon.

Q: Have you been inspired by our participants?

A: Definitely. I don’t want to take for granted some of the simplicities that I have in life. I have also realized that the expectations we ask of our participants can be quite difficult to follow at times. Participants can work so hard to achieve something in their treatment that their effort reminds me of what can be accomplished when we’re willing to work hard for it.

Q: What changes have you seen in participants?

A: I have been encouraged by participants who work to effectively communicate their needs and monitor their emotions. Also, there are those who come here after doing very little for a period of time and then get into school studies or volunteering,  and they stay consistent and dedicated.

Q: Any follow up from participants?

A: One of our first OPI Intensive participants would call in to share how she was doing. She sounded upbeat and was really proud of what she had been working on. It was really great to hear her positive comments. That kind of feedback is invaluable.