Occupational Therapy and Psychotherapy in Canada: Exploring Perspectives and Practices

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Occupational Therapy
• Psychotherapy Research

Background:

• Psychotherapy is an evidence-based intervention used by healthcare providers, including occupational therapists.
• Public funding and regulation advocacy necessitates reflection on occupation-based psychotherapy.
• Occupational therapy's role in mental health services is evolving.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Canadian occupational therapists' perspectives on psychotherapy.
• To examine current practices of occupational therapists in mental health services.
• To understand the integration of psychotherapy within occupational therapy.

Main Methods:

• Online survey distributed to 487 Canadian therapists in mental health services.
• Eight regional focus groups conducted with 63 participants for in-depth exploration.
• Analysis of survey and focus group data to identify trends in practice and beliefs.

Main Results:

• Varied adoption of psychotherapy among occupational therapists was observed.
• Trends identified in psychotherapy approaches and perceived foundational skill competence.
• Tensions exist between psychotherapy integration and distinct occupational therapy (OT) identity.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapy offers a unique occupation-based approach to psychotherapy.
• Provincial regulatory differences and role recognition impact practice.
• Need for national discussions, research, and guidelines on occupation-based psychotherapy.