Finding the means to make meaning

While it may take less thought and effort just to reach for the weights or coping skills worksheets, choosing therapeutic activities that are meaningful and relevant to clients' daily life roles is a best-practice method to maximize functional outcomes. 

As a student therapist, I find my most rewarding sessions come when I get to know my clients' roles and values, so I can tailor my interventions to their individual occupational needs. Plus, clients easily see how what they are doing in therapy affects their daily activities, so they are more motivated to participate! 

Here are some examples I've seen for using meaningful and occupation-based activities: A grandmother and former motorcycle rider can paint a model car that she can share with her grandson -- while standing to address endurance. An adult with schizophrenia can use the microwave to cook popcorn for a "movie night" with peers to enhance social interaction and independent meal preparation. A older gentleman who has a lifelong hobby of woodworking can build a birdhouse or sort nuts and bolts rather than using the ever-present pegboard to address fine motor and cognitive/ perceptual skills. 

When we define ourselves as occupational therapists, then our clients need to see that we are actually addressing the "occupations" we hold so important to our practice. 

For me Anne Wilcock was the author that made me see that in an occupationally just environment, individuals have access to adequate supports and resources to participate in occupations that are necessary and meaningful to them (Townsend & Wilcock, 2004).

References


Townsend, A. & Wilcock, A.A. (2004). Occupational justice and client-centred practice: A dialogue. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy 71, 2, 75-87