Essential Concepts of Occupation for Occupational Therapy: A Guide to Practice

Essential Concepts of Occupation for Occupational Therapy is an accessible introduction to vital concepts in occupational science for the occupational therapy practitioner or student. It invites therapists to view and understand their clients differently―by using an “occupational lens” to focus on the lives of their clients as everyday doers. It addresses the key questions at the heart of understanding humans as occupational beings: What do people typically do? And, where, when, how, why, and with whom do they do it?

These questions organize the key concepts from occupational science that form the first chapters of this book, enabling therapists to better understand their clients―and enabling their clients to better understand the importance of occupation to their well-being. Additional chapters clearly describe how therapists can use occupation-based models to apply an expanded view of occupation and make evaluation and intervention more relevant and beneficial to their clients. A final chapter examines trends and lifestyle changes occurring in the 21st century to anticipate how these might impact future practice.

Through use of engaging and thoughtful cases that illustrate many of the concepts, this guide will help practitioners clearly understand their clients as doers, while also providing enhanced ways for therapist to confidently apply these concepts in practice.

Charles Christiansen, Ed.D., OTR, FAOTA, is Professor Emeritus and Former Dean of the School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Medical Branch, and retired CEO of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation.

Kristine Haertl, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA is a Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at St. Catherine University. She has extensive publications and presentations on six continents and maintains a private OT practice.