Therapeutic Use of Self in Academic Education: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

The purpose of this sequential mixed methods study was to describe current educational practices for teaching entry level occupational therapy students concepts and skills related to the therapeutic use of self. Survey data related to course content and pedagogy were provided by faculty from 39 randomly selected entry level occupational therapy programs. Telephone interviews and course description reviews supplemented the survey. Therapeutic use of self was deemed fundamental to entry level education. Course content related to establishing the therapeutic relationship was most consistently addressed; content related to dealing with conflict was least often included. Instructional methods were typically passive and often implicit. Although therapeutic use of self was regarded as fundamental to entry level education, the content and methodology were limited in scope and depth. Suggestions for improvement are presented.