OT 425: Therapeutic Relationships

In the last class meeting of OT 425 we spent some time examining the importance of building therapeutic relationships. While I have always believed that there needs to be a good and proper relationship between therapist and client, this class discussion really helped drive home good ways for us to do that. I learned that a therapeutic relationship is classified as the interaction between occupational therapy practitioner and client. I also learned about different techniques that would help in establishing that relationship which include: active listening, genuine caring approach, respect, empowerment, and empathy. To help with this key relationship it is also important that we implement therapeutic use of self. This gives us intrinsic motivation, self-direction, and the ability to affect your own state of health. It is important to know yourself first before diving into knowing someone else.