Collaborative Relationship-Focused Occupational Therapy: Evolving Lexicon and Practice

Abstract

Background. Client-centred practice has been part of occupational therapists’ identity for several decades. However, therapists have begun to question whether the term obstructs critical relational aspects of therapy. Purpose. The purpose of this article is to summarize critiques of the use of the term client-centred and propose an expanded descriptor and a fundamental shift in how occupational therapists engage with individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations. Key Issues. Three themes summarize critiques of how client-centred practice has been envisioned: (a) the language of client-centred, (b) insufficient appreciation of how the therapist affects the relationship, and (c) inadequate consideration of the relational context of occupation. We propose collaborative relationship-focused practice that has key relational elements of being contextually relevant, nuanced, and safe, and promotes rights-based self-determination. Conclusion. We argue that these essential relational elements, along with a focus on occupations, are required to promote occupational participation, equity, and justice.

The Need for Sensory-Friendly “Zones”: Learning From Youth on the Autism Spectrum, Their Families, and Autistic Mentors Using a Participatory Approach

“…Pfeiffer's (2017) research showed how parents support their children's sense of agency and control over the environment in ways which increase their participation. The focus of these studies align with the relationship-centered focus in occupational participation (Restall and Egan, 2021). However, the weight of responsibility remains on children, their families and the health professional who work with them.…”

Partizipation als Dreh- und Angelpunkt – Canadian Model of Occupational Participation

“…Prozessmodelle strukturieren das ergotherapeutische Vorgehen im beruflichen Kontext. Das neue kanadische Inhaltsmodell CanMOP sowie das Canadian Occupational Therapy Inter-Relational Practice Process Framework COTIPP wurden in einem iterativen Prozess von Restall et al entwickelt, um es mit Individuen, Familien, Gruppen, Gemeinden und Populationen in einem institutionellen oder gemeindenahen Setting anzuwenden 1 . Um einen etwas vertiefenden Einblick in die Neuerungen des kanadischen Modells zu ermöglichen, werden im Folgenden die relevantesten Aspekte aufgegriffen und dargestellt.…”

Die Beziehung steht zentral – Kanadisches Prozessmodell COTIPP

“…Dieser formt sich unter anderem durch die jeweiligen Geschichte, Erfahrungen und Privilegien der Therapeut*innen. Dieser Prozess umfasst die Identifizierung der impliziten (unbewussten) und expliziten (bewussten) Voreingenommenheit der Therapeut*innen und die Frage, wie sich diese Voreingenommenheit auf die Beziehungen und die Argumentation während der Therapie auswirken kann 1 .…”