1994 Muriel Driver Memorial Lecture. Back to the future

The profession is heading through some treacherous waters and to navigate them the author suggests a return to the sources of occupational therapy practice, and in particular, a shift in attitude towards greater simplicity; listening to clients more sensitively; encouraging their self discovery, values and direction; and a raised consciousness that the subjects of our discipline are human beings who must be considered individually. Dealing with the issue of professional ethics is another suggested shift in attitude as more occupational therapists are confronted with choices. The balance between what is do-able and what is desirable is not always clear, and it is suggested that by fully embracing the two fundamental values of competence and ethics, the profession will ensure that the public confidence necessary to do its work is deserved. The author debates the tension between the particular needs of the client, and the limited technological, financial and human resources that are available, and concludes by challenging us to change some attitudes and to become more open to creative and diverse opinions and experiences.