Personalized Occupational Transformations: Narratives from Two Occupational Therapists’ Experiences with Complex Therapeutic Processes

ABSTRACT

Recovery and occupation-centered practices with persons with severe psychiatric disabilities involve many dynamic issues and processes. This study aimed to develop an understanding of how the therapeutic process unfolds in occupational therapy among persons with severe psychiatric disabilities living in sheltered or supported housing. Repeated interviews were conducted with two occupational therapists working in sheltered and supported housing facilities. Narrative analysis was used to analyze their stories. The findings reveal “personalized occupational transformations” describing significant events of interaction establishing therapeutic processes to promote personal agency and social recovery while targeting meaningful activities based on each resident’s wishes.

KEYWORDS:

• Community-based rehabilitation
• occupational therapy
• person-centered
• recovery
• severe psychiatric disabilities
• therapeutic process

Acknowledgments

Sincere thanks to the two OTs who shared their experiences.