During a literature search to find an operational definition for the concept “frames of reference (FOR)” within occupational therapy (OT), the AOTA’s 2nd edition of the book “Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process” delivered no specific definition despite it’s stated purpose to “present a summary of interrelated constructs that define and guide occupational therapy practice” (AOTA, 2008). Further readings of older and current OT literature, offered conflicting views or definitions for FOR and it is often difficult to distinguish between the meanings of FOR and models, finding oneself in a “semantic minefield” (Hagedorn, 1994): “In summary, model building is composed of five phases which forms a sequence of interlocking systems… the frame of reference, assumptions and concepts are crucial to exploring, organizing and developing the model… [A frame of reference is] a mechanism which can be used to explain the relationship of theory to action… [it] is not the total model, but does form part of the model building process” (Reed, 1984). In a conversation with one of the contributors to “Framework” (AOTA, 2008), one of the reasons why FOR were possibly not defined within the publication and within OT practice, could be due to inconclusive views within the profession in defining the term (Olson, 2010). Looking at the Science of Occupation OTD coursework at USA (Mathena, 2010), the Model of Human Occupations, developed by Gary Kielhofner in the 1980’s, and probably one of the best examples of a model developed unique to the OT profession, is listed in the course notes as an example of FOR. Similarly, Sensory Integration is often, referred to as a FOR, but at other times it is referred to as a model or a th... ... middle of paper ... ...dicine (Dutton, 1984). According to Dutton, it is based on a continuum of “function-dysfunction” such as range of motion, strength, endurance and coordination and evaluation of the FOR is based on individual assessment of the mentioned components. Used in pure form, this FOR is reductionist or mechanistic in philosophical perspective (Reed 1984). The Psychodynamic FOR generate it’s theoretical base from Psychiatry, and Psychology and from the work of Freud, Jung, Adler to name but a few (Reed, 1984). Reed and Hagedorn also describe this FOR as reductionist, as “[the] person is not capable of rational choices…. [but] behavior is being determined by unconscious drives” (Bruce, 1987) as well as feelings. The function-dysfunction criterion is thus based on symptoms the patient is displaying and assessment is through observation and identification of the symptoms.
The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework defines an occupational profile as “the initial step in the evaluation process that provides an understanding of the client’s occupational history and experience, patterns of daily living, interests, values, and needs (2014).” During this process the client’s problems and concerns about daily occupations are identified then the client’s main concerns are determined (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2014). Occupational Therapists strive to be holistic and client-centered, and the occupational profile is one method to ensure treatment takes on these characteristics. During the occupational profile the clients share their priorities based on what is important to them, and the therapist
Occupational therapy is also known as the dynamic and developing healthcare profession that deals with people in ways of regaining their skills required for the every days of life. For a very long time I have always had the desire to achieve my dreams in becoming an occupational therapist. I am very well equipped with creativity, flexibility and the ability to aid people in solving their every day’s life challenges they get involved in. Occupational therapy is quite involving and needs good strategies and skills for one to be successful in the program.
Though occupation usually refers to a job, a person’s occupation is initially determined by what their everyday life consists of. When a person becomes incapable of performing the tasks that they are expected to do in their everyday life due to developmental delays, physical injury, or psychological problems they are often referred to an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists, or OTs, usually have occupational therapy assistants, often called OTAs. The OT gives the OTA a set of objectives to help the patient achieve. Since people go through numerous occupations during the course of their lives, OT’s and OTA’s prov...
Sacket et al, cited in, Duncan, E,A,S, (2006) Foundtions for practice in Occupational Therapy, 4th edition, Elsevier Ltd.
which identified itself as using the transformational model. This model is very important since it
The very first thing we learned about at the beginning of the quarter in MCP 630, Theory and Techniques of Counseling Psychotherapy, was that becoming a professional counselor or psychologist requires the therapist to develop a personal theory of counseling. Such a theory encompasses a variety of theories, extensive knowledge within the field, experience, ethical foundation, and personal attributes. When personal models of therapy were discussed initially in class on the first day, a few therapies came to mind right away that I knew I would want to include in my personal model of therapy, such as Client-Centered Therapy, Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Therapy. Yet as the quarter went on and
A., de Rijk, A., Van Hoof, E., & Donceel, P. 2011). The therapist has to assess the patient to see if they have a need for splints or supports which may benefit the patient and then step in to help design the specific assistive devices needed. It is the job of the occupational therapist to come up with plans to overcome the inconvenient limitations while still helping the patient to reduce strain and prevent further damage by teaching them techniques that will conserve their energy. There are a variety of different ways to make daily living much easier. The most crucial part of therapy is assessing the patient's environment. All the people, cultural conditions and physical objects that are around them, create their environment. The behavior and development of people is a direct result of the interaction between them and their surroundings. A patient's behavior is greatly affected when they are mismatched with their environment. A person's environment match is present when the person's level of competence matches the demands of the environment. Full participation by the patient is required to make it practicable. “The science and practice of occupational therapy are well suited to develop, refine, and test approaches to translate therapeutic gains into
Occupational therapy was based off of psychology; we evolved from treating mentally ill patients with isolation as an efficient treatment plan. We must never forget we are known to be “the art and science of helping people do the day-to-day activities that are important and meaningful to their health and well being through engagement in valued occupations” (Crepeau, Cohn, & Schell, 2008). To other professional disciplines this article explains the difference between each of us, yet can also express our relation to one another. The basic goal of all therapeutic disciplines is to better our clients life, through physical, speech or occupational therapy. Every discipline targets different goals, may it be body mechanics, reducing a stutter or buttoning a shirt, at the end of the day our clients well being may it be through science, art or both is all that matters. To the occupational therapy field this article means progress for what we do. Reading this article today in the year 2015 did not seem like old information to me, it is still relevant, I am proud that our field is not only evolving with contemporary time but it is also maintaining its
A core phenomenon in a substantive study has clear implications for a formal grounded theory (Strauss 1987).
The psychodynamics theory which was introduced by Freud to understand the human mind and psyche, reached a new level in the continuous analysis from therapists. Psychodynamics originally has been explained as a study of various psychological forces that affect human behavior which is related to early experiences. It specifically discusses the connection between the conscious and subconscious motivations. The theory was further analyzed and developed by Melanie Klein, Carl Jung and Alfred Adler. Based on the theory, the psychodynamic therapy evolved to help patients through psychoanalysis. With time other therapies like individual, group and family therapy evolved to offer treatment by understanding the present day complexities in more detail. The main aim of the therapy is self –awareness through identifying the various influences of many past events in life. The therapies are continuously evolving since it was introduced by Freud to help in solving a variety of psychological disorders within people.
Cole, M. B., & Tufano, R. (2008). Applied theories in occupational therapy: A practical approach. Thorofare, New Jersey, United States of America: Slack Inc.
is used to aid in treatment of the many types of disorders that are known to man.
Understanding the various theoretical frameworks help social workers perform their job in a way that will not only help the client, but will give the social worker a guide throughout the helping process. Learning all the theories in class has been useful during the process of working in my internship for the program because I find myself applying the theories to my cases. I have found some theories to be very helpful in the field that I intend on keeping them in mind during my practice now and in the future.
theoretical model. Routledge, 13, 537-545. Retrieved May 25, 2014, from the Academic Search Complete (Ebsco) database.
There are various approaches, which can be valuable for researchers to utilize when deciding an effective research problem. The failure of a researcher to be precise in the description of the problem statement can have damaging outcomes in the understanding of the research. A theoretical framework refers to a set of interrelated ideas or themes, such as a concept, but not fundamentally worked out. Determining on what comprises a theoretical framework of the study begins with recognizing and creating a good researchable problem.