Abstract
When we are affected by events which change our way of living, we have to adapt. For the purpose of intervention the occupational therapist has to understand the adaptation process of the particular patient. This knowledge is important in helping the patient find new strategies and activities in line with his/her values and roles. The person's own narrative is a tool by which this information can be obtained. In this article a man gives an account of his adaptation process after stroke from the “insider perspective”. An analysis is also given from “the outsider perspective” of five different models of adaptation which are useful in occupational therapy.