Occupational therapy and the therapeutic use of self

Abstract

The therapeutic use of self is a term used to encapsulate the therapist’s role in working consciously with the interpersonal side of the therapeutic relationship to facilitate an optimal experience and outcome for the client. In occupational therapy, although the literature is replete in references to the topic, there is a paucity of current debate and it remains an elusive aspect of practice. This raises an intriguing point: if the therapeutic use of self is as central to the profession as the rhetoric suggests, why does a lack of clarity in its practice remain? The purpose of this opinion piece is to explore these issues, and consider the potential for refocusing on this aspect of our skills set to meet the challenges of contemporary practice.