Collaboration in the Therapeutic Process

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether and how collaboration occurred in the therapeutic relationship, from the perspective of older adult clients receiving occupational therapy services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six older adults residing in long-term care facilities. The results of the study indicated that three levels of collaboration emerged during the collaborative process, with the client setting the initial tone for collaboration. Therapists need to be aware of the signals their clients send in order to establish an effective collaborative process.

Key Words:

• Collaboration
• therapeutic relationship

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joseph Cipriani

Jennifer R. Johnson was a graduate student in the School of Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman's University, Houston, TX at the time of this study. She is currently employed as an Occupational Therapist at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, LA

Debra Stewart is Lecturer, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University and staff therapist at Erinoak Centre, Missis-sauga, Ontario. She is currently completing a MSc (Design, Measurement and Evaluation) at McMaster University.

Ronald L. Mace (deceased, June 29, 1998) was also affiliated with The Center for Universal Design, School of Design, North Carolina University.

Lois Rosage and Geraldine Shaw are Occupational Therapist Consultants who provide evaluations for the housing programs at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.