OTAC 2017 Conference: Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future

Occupational therapy’s values center on seeing the best in people and emphasizing their potential. Positive change is viewed as achievable. Yet, educational and medical systems that employ most therapists are primarily deficit-based (i.e., identify what is wrong with the client and address it). A Strengths-based approach, in contrast, starts with the identification of the client’s competencies, successful strategies and solutions as well as addressing concerns. The focus is on desired change versus fixing problems.  Based on a review of Eleanor Clarke Slagle lectures and presidential addresses, in this course I show the compatibility of Strengths-based practice with Occupational Therapy’s values and tenets. Practical strategies for using this approach in assessment, documentation, and therapy will be given. By honoring the wisdom of our leaders, and using an approach that truly aligns with our values, we can shape our future in a positive way.