In occupational therapy we define two ways to use occupations: 1. As the end point and 2. As the means. We use them as an end point that we're aiming for in intervention. This can include occupations that are a part of one's normal roles, help to organize a persons time, help a person participate in life and society, and help someone feel they have a purpose and meaning for their life. We use occupation as a means to improve someones impaired abilities as well. We do this through introducing occupation as interventions to help someone improve after an injury or illness. This can lead to enabling occupational functioning as well as choosing occupations that interest the client while still having therapeutic value. We want this to be challenging while still enabling success. By approaching the intervention process with these factors in mind we are able to develop relationships, reach goals, and provide the best possible outcomes for our clients and their loved ones. By doing this I believe we also stand firm in our professions philosophical base which is to emphasize health and involves body, mind, and spirit in total integration!
For this post I decided to discuss just what a therapeutic relationship is and what it entails. A therapeutic relationship is defined as the interaction between an occupational therapist practitioner and their client. Therapeutic relationships differ from everyday relationships, in that they are key in facilitating the healing and rehabilitation process. They also differ from the typical relationship in that it's not about both people but strictly about the client and meeting their needs. Developing and sustaining therapeutic relationships involves the ability to develop trust, demonstrate empathy, understand verbal and nonverbal communication, and the use of active listening. Trust is one of the most important aspects in any type of relationship to me. Once trust is obtained the client feels more comfortable with sharing personal information which in turn greatly benefits the intervention process. Developing empathy is another huge part of this process, the client must believe tha...
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