The Therapeutic Use of Self: Engaging Children and Parents in Occupational Therapy

The therapeutic use of self is central to building rapport, understanding clients’ expectations, and creating a collaborative and empathetic environment. In this blog post, I will share insights from Cindy Chuan, OT, and her discussion on using humor, active listening, and self-awareness to engage children in therapy.

The Importance of Building Connection with Parents

Cindy emphasizes the significance of valuing the input of parents in therapy, recognizing that they play a vital role in their child’s progress. She highlights the uniqueness of working with children and the need for a client-centered approach, acknowledging that each child is different and requires individualized attention.

Understanding a Child’s Communication Style and Preferences

Cindy discusses the importance of understanding a child’s communication style, preferences, and responses, stressing the need for therapists to adapt their approaches to effectively engage with each child. She emphasizes the therapist’s body position, physical touch, gestures, and body language in relation to the child, underscoring the impact of these non-verbal cues on communication and engagement.

Cautionary Tale and Respect for Individual Needs

Cindy shares a cautionary tale about the consequences of inappropriate physical assistance, emphasizing the need for respect and consideration for each child’s individual needs in therapy. She reiterates the importance of the therapist’s intentional, purposeful, and self-aware nature in the therapeutic process, highlighting the need for self-reflection and professional development.

Strategies for Engaging Children in Therapy

Cindy emphasizes the dynamic nature of the therapeutic relationship when working with children and their parents, highlighting the need to adapt strategies for engagement. She underscores the therapeutic use of self as a way to modify the therapist’s body position, voice, or interaction to respond to the child’s cues, promoting genuine engagement and trust.

Addressing Disengagement in Therapy

Cindy explores various cues and messages conveyed by children who resist therapy, discussing strategies for addressing refusal, including reflective practice, reassessing challenges, and considering environmental and sensory factors. She shares a case study involving a 7-year-old nonverbal boy with a moderate intellectual disability, underscoring the importance of reflecting on therapeutic approaches and considering potential triggers.

Reflecting on Therapeutic Approaches and Case Study

Cindy recounted a challenging experience with a client named John, where physical touch led to violent behavior, prompting her to reflect on her approach and adjust her strategies. She highlights the importance of the therapist’s reaction and the therapeutic use of self, emphasizing the impact of intentional, purposeful, and self-aware self-use in therapy. Cindy’s case study showcases the importance of the therapist’s adaptability, recognizing triggers, and prioritizing engagement and participation.

Engaging children and parents in occupational therapy requires a thoughtful and intentional approach. The therapeutic use of self, as discussed by Cindy Chuan, OT, is a foundational aspect of building rapport, addressing disengagement, and fostering meaningful therapeutic relationships. By recognizing the unique needs of each child and the collaborative role of parents, occupational therapists can create a nurturing and supportive environment for children to thrive.