Building Trust, Building Futures

An Occupational Therapist once engaged me to support a participant who had completely disengaged from all providers. He no longer wanted to be involved with supports because he felt disconnected and misunderstood. I was asked to be the last attempt at assisting him.

From the beginning, I explained to the OT that rapport takes time and that I would go at the participant’s pace. At our first meet-and-greet, he invited me into his safe space where he shared his favourite things. This was an important step, as it showed me that with patience and respect, trust could begin to grow.

Rather than focusing on tasks or pushing goals, my approach was simple I sat, I listened, and I took the time to understand his likes, dislikes, and what mattered to him. I created a safe environment without pressure, allowing progress to happen naturally.

As trust developed, he began to re-engage with his goals. Together, we worked on steps such as regaining his learner’s permit and exploring potential study options. Within three weeks, he had successfully received his license and we toured universities. After just four months, he was enrolled in a course and proudly completed his first assessment with distinction.

What made the difference wasn’t a strict program or rushing through milestones. It was slowing down, creating safety, and giving him the space to lead his own journey. By walking beside him, rather than ahead, he regained the confidence to reconnect with his goals and move toward the future he wanted.

This is the heart of what we do at #HUMAN building relationships based on trust, respect, and genuine understanding, and supporting people to reconnect on their own terms.