Re-enchanting occupational therapy

This book describes an action research that was undertaken by a group of Australian occupational therapists. An academic occupational therapist joined with 15 hospital-based therapists to explore their everyday practice and the ways in which the therapists represented occupational therapy. As they engaged in group-based reflective discussions, the therapists realised that their practice had drifted away from the central philosophy of occupational therapy. The therapists discovered that they had become unconsciously compliant with the dominant medical model and they conformed to the hospital’s goals to the detriment of their own distinctive brand of therapy. As they met together in a supportive community of practice, the therapists began to question their taken-for-granted practice. Consequently, they re-oriented their practice and became clearer that they had expertise as occupation-focused therapists. Whereas previously they felt disheartened, they became re-enchanted when they saw they had a vital and unique contribution to make. Re-enchanted therapists were more confident, more articulate, and more satisfied with their profession and its practice.