Occupational Therapy and Psychotherapy in Canada: Exploring Perspectives and Practices

Background. Psychotherapy encompasses a range of evidence-based mental health interventions adopted by healthcare providers, including occupational therapists. Advocacy for public funding and regulation of psychotherapy requires critical reflections on occupation-based approaches within this changing landscape. Purpose. To explore the perspectives and practices of Canadian occupational therapists regarding psychotherapy. Method. An online survey of Canadian therapists providing mental health services (n = 487) was conducted, followed by 8 regional focus groups (n = 63) to explore perspectives in more depth. Analysis of the survey and focus group data identified key trends in practice patterns and beliefs. Findings. There was variation in the extent to which psychotherapy was adopted, but trends in the types of approaches and perceived competence in foundational skills. Tensions were noted in the extent to which psychotherapy was linked to occupational therapy (OT) practice. Most felt that occupational therapy offered a unique occupation-based approach, but practice was shaped by differences in the regulatory context, and recognition of their role. Implications. Lack of clarity regarding the definition of psychotherapy, provincial differences in regulation, and limited external awareness of our role speaks to the need for national conversations, research and guidelines regarding occupation-based psychotherapy.