A model of the nature of family-therapist relationships: implications for education

The family play an important role in rehabilitation of persons with chronic disabilities and in supporting their reintegration into the community. To be prepared for family-centered intervention, educators need to frame the content that occupational therapy students must master. The purpose of this study was to develop a hierarchy of occupational therapists' attitudes about the family's involvement in services for a family member with special needs.

Participants were 302 occupational therapists who reported some contact with families of clients. Through an open-ended question, participants were asked to indicate the most important outcome of their interactions with their clients' families.

Analysis of participant responses led to the development of a seven-level hierarchy of family-therapist interactions. The levels are based on the participants' views of the outcome of family involvement as suggested by their attitudes about a family's role and abilities. Knowledge and skills needed to work at different levels of the hierarchy are identified.

Recommendations for preparation of entry-level practitioners to work at all levels of the model are discussed.