Knowing from whence we came: reflecting on return-to-work and interpersonal relationships

Much as the medical reformers of the early 1900s believed that occupational therapists could assist patients in their efforts to rejoin society as contributing members, we believe that we can help people to lead satisfying and productive lives. Work (or productivity) and the notion of the spirit, have been entwined within occupational therapy since its inception. The connection was apparent in the badge worn by ward aides in World War I, which was described as emblematic of "the nobility of work lighting up mind, body and spirit". As in war-time, when the spirit can so readily be broken, much of our work today requires us to help mend broken spirits. It is here that we use our interpersonal skills to understand our clients' view of the world, and to enter into an alliance with them; it is here that we draw upon our own sense of compassion. As we evolve in our approach to clients, and move from therapy to enabling, from being a helping profession to a service provider, let us take care to preserve the sense of compassion with which our profession came into being. That compassion will influence what we do as practitioners and how we do it.