Therapy Practice Research Articles

Spirituality in the Therapy Room

Therapeutic presence brings one’s whole self into the encounter with another in the therapy room. It is a fundamental aspect of the relationship between therapist and client, the cornerstone of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy. Therapeutic presence can be strengthened through spirituality, meditation, mindfulness, or other practices such as the intention to enhance the therapeutic encounter for both client and therapist. Despite its importance, standard experimental techniques cannot readily measure and investigate therapeutic presence. However, reflective narratives can be used to explore the importance of strengthening therapeutic presence. The purpose of this paper is 1) to examine how one’s spiritual orientation offers the possibility to deepen the level of engagement within the therapeutic setting and 2) to illustrate, using reflective narratives, the use of presence and intention grounded in a spiritual orientation. The qualitative methodology of reflective narratives is ideally suited to illustrate the clinical issues presented in this paper. The requirements for reflexive engagement with one’s therapeutic practice and willingness to continually refine oneself outside of the therapy room are discussed. Three vignettes are provided illustrating 1) engaging through therapeutic presence with the client by use of imaginal exposure, 2) the use of intention to deepen connection and facilitate the sacred burial rites in the context of profound loss and trauma, 3) the negative consequences when the therapist is not fully present, 4) letting go of preconceived notions and judgments to be fully present with the client, and 5) using experiences from a spiritual practice throughout the encounters to enhance therapeutic presence. The implications for the practice of therapy are discussed with regard to spirituality, presence and intention as a way of being in the world over and above the discipline required to work as a therapist.

Experience of Healthy Adult Women with the Receptive Music Therapy Using Body-Monochords – Qualitative Phenomenological Study

Resonance chair/harmonisation recliner are prototypes of body-monochords that were developed in the Czech Republic. These instruments are therapeutically used in music therapy practice, healthcare institutions and by people with disabilities. The aim of this study was to understand how people experience this intervention in the context of private music therapy practice. The design of this qualitative study was based on phenomenology. Six healthy women on maternity leave reflected their experience through semistructured interviews before and after therapeutic session with resonance chair/harmonisation recliner. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to identify 12 themes describing the course of these sessions. The women experienced changes on physical, cognitive, and emotional levels related to relaxation and muscles relieve, calming of mind, different experience with feeling of vibrations, vivid imaginations, or changes in body perception. Intervention on resonance chair/harmonisation recliner offered positive experience to the participants and provided them with a space for self-care and rest. No serious adverse events were reported by the participants during or after the intervention. The intervention using resonance chair/harmonisation recliner was highly valued by our participants and has a meaningful usage in private music therapy practice. Future researchers may explore long-term experience of participants and identify other populations that may have specific benefit from this intervention.

Exploring Interoceptive Awareness With Adults: Occupational Therapy Practitioner Knowledge, Perception, and Practice Patterns.

As the literature states, interoception is important in health and wellness. Disruption of this system can negatively impact occupational performance. We completed a descriptive study to understand how occupational therapy practitioners working with adults address interoceptive awareness. A researcher-developed survey gathered data on knowledge acquisition of interoception and perceived practice patterns related to assessment, intervention, and outcomes. Participants (N = 44) reported acquiring knowledge of interoception through professional websites, browsing databases, and continuing education as the most common information sources. Client self-report (56.8%) and clinical observation (54.5%) were the most commonly reported assessments. Rehabilitation practitioners (n = 8) reported no use of formal assessments. Most participants (63.89%) reported interoceptive awareness interventions to be effective. Further research is needed on best practices for interoception assessment and intervention related to occupational performance.

Effects of Preferred Music on Older Adults with Dementia: An Observational Study

Dementia is becoming more prevalent as the population of adults over the age of 65 increases. With an increase in this disease comes a need for interventions, as dementia is incurable, nonpharmacological interventions are es-sential to reduce associated behaviors associated with de-mentia. This single subject A-B experimental design took place in the upper midwestern United States with indi-viduals diagnosed with dementia who had documented moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment and demon-strated dementia-related behaviors. Demographic and personalized treatment data were collected through chart reviews and interviews with staff and participants before starting baseline observations. The lead investigator con-ducted A-phase baseline behavioral observations using time sampling for five consecutive days followed by B-phase experimental behavioral observations using time sampling for five consecutive days. The data suggested that preferred music can impact dementia-related behaviors and has the potential to improve quality of life. Implications for recreational therapy practice are included.

An Analysis of Traditional and Contemporary Children’s Songs With Considerations for Music Therapy Practice

Abstract Children’s songs include a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary songs. (Yinger and Springer [2016]. Analyzing recommended songs for older adult populations through linguistic and musical inquiry. Music Therapy Perspectives 34, 116–125. https://doi.org/10.1093/mtp/miu048) analyzed musical and textual features of songs used by music therapists with older adults; however, studies on children’s songs in music therapy have not included musical and textual features analysis. Our purpose with this study was to analyze the musical and textual features of a sample of 20 traditional and 20 contemporary predominantly U.S. children’s songs and consider applications for music therapy. Text information was collected, including total and unique words, the song topic, and potential applications. Musical information was collected, including form, melodic range, and harmonic/chordal structure. Findings included that the traditional songs were strophic, had fewer overall words, were harmonized with three chords or fewer, and had melodic ranges of five to seven notes. By contrast, contemporary children’s songs used complex song forms, had more words, were harmonized with more than three chords, and had melodic ranges of eight or more notes. Song topics and applications had similar codes across the song types. A music therapist may apply traditional songs in clinical work, where a simpler musical structure and fewer words support the client’s needs. Likewise, a music therapist may apply contemporary songs for greater musical complexity and more vocabulary. Future studies of children’s songs in music therapy could include an analysis of music therapists’ composed songs and songs used by music therapists who work with young children.

Assessing the practice of total neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer: an online survey among radiation oncology departments in Germany and German-speaking regions of Austria and Switzerland.

Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) of rectal cancer improves rates of pathological complete remission and progression-free survival. With improved clinical response rates, interest grew in a non-operative approach/watch and wait (WaW) for this disease. In 2020, the working groups of ACO/AIO/ARO published a consensus statement on the use of TNT, including a non-operative approach. However, the best combination scheme remains unclear. Despite the increasing use of TNT, there is a lack of comprehensive data on its current implementation and practices. To address this knowledge gap, a multicenter survey was conducted to capture the use of TNT protocols in German-speaking radiotherapy departments. At the beginning of 2023, a GDPR-compliant online survey was conducted in Germany, Austria, and German-speaking Switzerland. The questionnaire comprised 43 questions covering various aspects of TNT, including chemotherapy and WaW concepts. Most respondents (98.4%) confirmed awareness of the consensus on TNT for rectal cancer. Institutions treated an average of 30.22 rectal cancer patients annually. Most respondents (76.2%) reported treating over 80% of patients neoadjuvantly. Regarding TNT, 33.3% treated 21-50% with such a protocol. No significant association was found between the institution type and TNT application. In 62/63 cases, tumor board discussion was standard before offering TNT. VMAT was the predominant technique (82.5%). For rectal cancer dosing, the 50/50.4Gy scheme was most common, followed by 45Gy with a boost and the 5 × 5Gy scheme. Dosing schemes for TNT varied slightly, with more participants reporting the use of 5 × 5Gy compared to radiation therapy for rectal cancer in general. CBCT was the primary IGRT method (88.9%). Larger hospitals typically administered chemotherapy themselves, while private practices collaborated with medical oncologists (p < 0.0001). The most common concurrent chemotherapy drugs were 5-fluorouracil/capecitabine (64.4%) and oxaliplatin (37.3%). A WaW strategy was reported to be institutional implemented by 63.8%. The timing of offering WaW was split, with 50% offering it after radiochemotherapy and 47% during the informed consent talk. For planned WaW, 62% prefer normofractionated TNT. TNT appears to be widely implemented in the German-speaking radio-oncological community, regardless of the type of institution. Image-guided therapy, multidisciplinary team decisions, and internal guidelines play an important role. TNT seems to have already altered treatment protocols for rectal cancer toward an organ-preserving approach in selected cases. In these WaW cases, normofractionation appears to be preferred over hypofractionation.

The expressive therapies continuum and mentalization-based art therapy for individuals diagnosed with a cluster B/C personality disorder: A successful marriage!

The Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) is increasingly used in various art therapy practices, including Mentalization-Based Art Therapy. However, there is little empirical evidence about the mechanisms of change and therapeutic factors of the ETC. In this study, ten respondents were interviewed to explore whether patients with a cluster B or C personality disorder consider psychoeducation about the ETC beneficial to their mentalizing capacity. The Grounded Theory Approach was applied to collect and analyse data, main categories were formed from the data and merged into a theory. According to the respondents, knowledge about the structure offered by the ETC contributed to increasing insight, providing alternative options, improving emotion regulation and increasing autonomy. This study is an exploration of the mechanisms of change and therapeutic factors of the ETC used as psychoeducational theoretical framework. Given the size and the evidential value of this study, further research is recommended.

Physiotherapy in the digital age: A narrative review of the paradigm shift driven by the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning

Abstract: A variety of physical impairments and functional restrictions are assessed and treated in the practice of physiotherapy. Subjective measures, rater variability, and restricted access to high-quality care are some of the unavoidable problems that contemporary physical therapy practice approaches must overcome. In light of these challenges, cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are demonstrating remarkable efficacy in tackling these issues head-on. The focus of this review is to explore how the integration of AI and ML might change physical therapy practice and education in the age of digital communication. It delves into the challenges accompanying this integration and considers future prospects in this domain. A literature search was conducted using data base PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus with keywords such as ‘physiotherapy’, ‘artificial intelligence’, and ‘machine learning’, limited to English articles from 2014 to 2024. Results were imported into reference management software, duplicates removed, and relevant articles were screened and assessed for inclusion, with reasons for exclusion documented. Emerging technologies like AI and ML use algorithms to examine patient data and make automatic decisions, enhancing areas such as virtual reality therapy (VR), tele-rehabilitation, clinical decision support, individualized rehabilitation and physical function evaluation. These advance technologies optimize physical therapy and improve outcomes, but further research is needed to address obstacles like bias and data privacy to ensure responsible implementation. AI and ML can revolutionize physical therapy by improving therapy precision, patient monitoring, optimization and individualized therapy plan. However, it’s crucial for physiotherapists to balance technological advancements with compassionate, patient-centred approach.

Daily living skill support for autistic people through a neurodiversity-affirming practice lens.

Supporting daily living skill (DLS) development for autistic people is a component of occupational therapy practice. DLSs are essential for an increased quality of life (QoL), independent living, and community participation. Autistic young people experience poorer outcomes in terms of QoL and independent living than non-autistic peers. Finding a balance between targeted DLS support to maximise independent living and improve QoL, while avoiding attempts to 'normalise' or 'change' autistic people, presents as a dilemma for therapists striving to align with neurodiversity-affirming practice. This theoretical paper explored literature pertaining to DLS and the neurodiversity movement in the context of occupational therapy values and the Canadian Model of Occupational Participation. Consideration of whether targeted DLS support is neurodiversity-affirming or whether occupational therapists are compelling autistic people to mimic behavioural norms perceived by society was discussed. DLSs are an important factor for maximising QoL, regardless of neurotype. Occupational therapy values align with the core tenets of the neurodiversity movement, and occupational therapists are equipped with the values and skills to support the development of DLSs utilising affirming practice. Occupational therapists should critically reflect on their practice to ensure alignment with the professions core values and recent occupational therapy models, to ensure affirming practice. Further research investigating DLS and neurodiversity-affirming practice would benefit occupational therapists striving to align with neurodiversity-affirming practice. No consumer or community involvement. Consumers have been considered throughout the development of this paper through their representation in the literature. This involved a process of reviewing the literature and considering it in the scope of the questions and how occupational therapy sits within the neurodiversity movement. It is important to help autistic people to learn to do everyday things. Everyday things include activities like showering, cleaning, and cooking. These things are important so that autistic people can live on their own. It has shown that autistic young people are less likely to be able to do everyday activities on their own. It is important that therapists help autistic people learn how to do everyday things; however, do not try and change who they are. This is because completing everyday activities is an important part of QoL for all people.

Environmentally sustainable person-centred care: Occupational therapy students' attitudes, perceptions and self-perceived preparedness for practice.

Climate change threatens the environments in which person-centred occupational therapy occurs. Environmental sustainability is directly linked with the health and wellbeing of current and future generations, presenting occupational therapists with a unique advocacy and activist role. As practitioners of the future, there is an urgent need to understand students' attitudes, perceptions of, and self-perceived preparedness for, dealing with environmental determinants of health and intergenerational occupational and climate justice. A cross-sectional exploratory descriptive survey collected United Kingdom (UK) based allied health professional students' attitudes, perceptions, and self-perceived preparedness for advocating for environmental sustainability in the context of person-centred care. The survey was distributed to 48 gatekeepers in UK institutions with approved allied health professional training programmes (44 offered occupational therapy); 62 occupational therapy students responded. Descriptive and non-parametric inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data. Text and short answers were analysed qualitatively via inductive content analysis. The study was co-designed and implemented with MSc (pre-registration) occupational therapy students. Participants (94%) expressed concerns for climate change, with 84% feeling responsible for addressing environmental sustainability in health care. While 64.5% identified climate justice as a top priority, a perceived challenge emerged between person-centred care and sustainability, with only 18% of participants feeling prepared for environmental sustainability in occupational therapy practice. Participants requested education on personal and professional sustainability practices, as well as collective action. Sharing personal climate change experiences, advocating with family and friends, and facilitating connections for collective action were highlighted as potentially transformative educational tools in this area. Occupational therapy curricula should address environmental sustainability through pragmatic, critical, and ethical lenses to enhance students' preparedness for this advocacy and activist role. Reflection and continuous professional development for environmentally sustainable practices is recommended. Occupational therapists believe that it is important to support people to participate in occupations that matter to them. However, the activities that some people choose to participate in may have negative effects on the environment and the planet. It is important to ensure that when occupational therapists support people in their choices of activities, this does not lead to unequal access to healthy and meaningful occupations of others, now or in the future. That is because occupational therapists also have a responsibility to prevent occupational injustice. Occupational therapy students are the professionals of the future, so it is important to include them in research about this topic. They need to develop skills that allow them to simultaneously make sure that they are delivering person-centred care, which is not environmentally detrimental and that does not lead to occupational injustice. Making sure that occupational therapists provide person-centred care while also managing risks of occupational injustice may be seen as a profession-specific dilemma. In this study, occupational therapy students in the UK completed a survey about their feelings, views, and readiness for managing this dilemma. Results showed that most respondents are concerned about climate change, but do not feel that their occupational therapy education sufficiently prepared them to practise in an environmentally sustainable way. They were asked to propose ideas for addressing this issue, and the article discusses how occupational therapy curricula might be changed in accordance.

Mapping the Way Forward: Prioritizing Education for Global Occupational Therapy Practice in Addressing Sexuality and Intimacy - A Delphi Approach

Mapping the Way Forward: Prioritizing Education for Global Occupational Therapy Practice in Addressing Sexuality and Intimacy - A Delphi Approach

The transition to Teletherapy: Experiences of emotionally focused therapists.

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based treatment for relational distress based on experiential, humanistic, and attachment theories. Despite the empirical support for EFT, there are no studies on EFT delivered via teletherapy. In this study, we aimed to understand therapists' experiences delivering EFT through teletherapy using open-ended questions on a web-based survey of certified EFT therapists (n = 69). Reflexive thematic analysis identified five themes: (1) Delivering EFT via teletherapy is similar to in-person therapy, (2) Delivering EFT via teletherapy is more challenging than in-person therapy, (3) Delivering EFT via teletherapy is more challenging with certain clients, (4) therapists adapted EFT for teletherapy, and (5) teletherapy and the COVID-19 pandemic changed therapy practice. The themes illustrated the mixed experiences of EFT therapists using teletherapy. Whereas some found it straightforward to use EFT via teletherapy with couples, others experienced exhaustion and barriers. Practice recommendations for delivering EFT via teletherapy are outlined, including modifying assessment strategies, implementing new safety protocols, and providing additional psychoeducation.

Investigating the impact of stressors on stress level among the chinese’s students: the moderating role of chinese painting experience

PurposeThis study explored how relational, personal, and environmental factors as stressors affected the stress levels of students while also investigating the moderating effect of experience with Chinese painting on the relationship between stressors and students' stress levels. By examining these dynamics, the research aimed to provide insights into effective coping strategies for students facing academic pressures.Design/Methodology/ApproachA quantitative research methodology was employed, utilizing online and self-administered surveys to collect data from 384 respondents in Shandong Province, China. The data were analyzed using SPSS and Smart PLS.FindingsThe research revealed a positive correlation among stressors, stress levels among students, and Chinese painting experience. The study successfully established the moderating effect within the context of significant results. Theoretical implications, along with identified research gaps in the literature, highlighted a culturally inclusive framework. Findings suggested that engaging in Chinese painting provided mental peace, reduced stress levels, and fostered professional growth among students.Research Practical ImplicationsThe study illuminated the impact of stressors—such as relational, personal, and environmental factors—on students' stress levels. Given the rising prevalence of stressors among students, universities were encouraged to consider implementing Chinese painting classes. Such classes had been shown to alleviate stress and promote physical fitness. Furthermore, integrating Chinese painting therapy practices into student life could enhance overall well-being and academic performance.Originality/ValueThere was a paucity of studies elucidating how stressors contributed to heightened stress levels among students. This study, however, concentrated on examining the relationship between Chinese painting experience and stress levels specifically among Chinese students.

How Does Parental Early Maladaptive Schema Affect Adolescents' Social Adaptation? Based on the Perspective of Intergenerational Transmission.

An individual's social adaptation is affected by their early maladaptive schemas. Previous studies have shown that early maladaptive schemas may be intergenerationally transmitted in families. It is important to explore the intergenerational effect of early maladaptive schemas on adolescents' social adaptation, as they are in a critical period of growth and development. In this study, a cross-sectional design and questionnaire survey were used to collect data to explore the intergenerational influence of early maladaptive schemas in families and their relationship with adolescents' social adaptation. The participants were 201 adolescents aged 12 to 16 years and their primary caregivers (father or mother), of whom 125 (62.2%) were boys and 76 (37.8%) were girls. There were 70 fathers (34.8%) and 131 mothers (65.2%). Chinese adolescents and their primary caregivers were surveyed using paired questionnaires, and the Young Schema Questionnaire (short form) and Adolescent Social Adaptation Scale were completed. The results show that adolescents' early maladaptive schema plays an intermediary role between parents' early maladaptive schema and adolescents' social adaptation. Parental mistrust/abuse and insufficient self-control schemas affected adolescents' social adaptation through the mediating effect of their corresponding schemas. Our results reveal the negative impact path of parents' early maladaptive schemas on adolescents' social adaptation and provide a new direction for the clinical practice of adolescent family therapy.

Restful Rehabilitation: Sleep's Essential Role in Occupational Therapy Education, Intervention, and Research.

All humans have the occupational right to sleep; therefore, occupational therapy practitioners must prioritize sleep with their clients. In this column, we identify ways to incorporate sleep health into the education and training of occupational therapy practitioners. This starts with identifying entry-level and continuing education opportunities to proclaim sleep as an occupation and a basic biological need. Current practitioners must recognize that sleep health is multidisciplinary, and existing interventions can help clients achieve good sleep health throughout their lifespan. Given the paucity of sleep research in occupational therapy, the potential exists to investigate new, occupation-based assessments and interventions. We provide specific approaches to expand sleep and sleep health knowledge in occupational therapy education, practice, and research.

Abortion Law Changes and Occupational Therapy Practice in the United States.

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, changing access to abortion in many states. The impact of these changes on occupational therapy practice has not yet been explored through empirical research. To explore the perspectives of occupational therapy practitioners on how restrictions to abortion in the United States may have influenced their clients' needs and thus their practice. This was a qualitative research study. We used an interpretivist epistemological approach and an inductive, thematic content analysis. Participants were recruited through state occupational therapy associations and social media. Two independent researchers coded data and had an initial agreement percentage of 88%. Data trustworthiness was enhanced through documentation of decisions, reflexive thinking about our positionality and the data, and team-based discussions. Occupational therapy practitioners (N = 15) working in states with new abortion law changes at the time of interviews. The four key themes of this study were as follows: (1) abortion restriction laws are affecting some occupational therapy clients' mental health, (2) clients are discussing reproductive health with occupational therapy practitioners across a variety of settings, (3) occupational therapy practitioners are using clinical judgment and their personal beliefs to support clients affected by abortion restrictions, and (4) occupational therapy practitioners are seeking guidance and evidence-based resources to best support clients in the wake of abortion-related legislation changes. Our findings underscore the relevance of reproductive health to occupational therapy practice and highlight the importance of preparing occupational therapy practitioners to respond to client needs related to abortion care. Plain-Language Summary: We sought to determine whether occupational therapy practitioners perceive that the 2022 abortion-related restrictions are affecting occupational therapy practice; specifically, we wanted to know whether and how practice is being affected and what resources occupational therapy practitioners might need to address clients' needs. Fifteen occupational therapy practitioners were interviewed and revealed that many of their clients were experiencing stress and anxiety (i.e., mental health challenges) specifically related to abortion access. We also found that occupational therapy practitioners who routinely discuss reproductive health with clients were commonly hearing from clients about abortion-related needs. Overall, this research uncovers a need for resources and guidance from state or national occupational therapy organizations so that occupational therapy practitioners can better support their clients given these new changes in abortion access. Positionality Statement: We are a team of three researchers who identify as cisgender women, and we reside in an urban area in the northeastern United States. Two of us identify as White, and one identifies as a person of color. We have all participated in reproductive health access advocacy and critically examined our own lenses as we engaged in this analysis.

Time Usage and Satisfaction Based on Occupational Area Between Weekdays and Weekends of Family Caregivers and Non-family Caregivers of Dementia Patients.

The number of people with dementia and the burden on families to care for them are increasing. As a result, families are affected in their use of time to carry out daily activities. This study compared family caregivers of dementia patients (dementia family) and non-family caregivers of dementia patients (non-dementia family), reflecting their characteristics on weekdays and weekends. There were 92 participants each in the groups dementia family and non-dementia family. Each group was divided into 121 people on weekdays and 71 people on weekends. Time usage was measured by occupational area. The variables assessed were "lack of time," "tiredness," "life satisfaction," and "leisure satisfaction." Variables including "house chores sharing" and "role division" were also assessed. The time usage of the Korea National Statistical Office's 2019 "time use survey" was reclassified based on the occupational areas of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework-Fourth Edition, and time usage and satisfaction were analyzed. Frequency analysis and independent t-test were used for statistical processing. On weekdays, the dementia family showed less time usage in the "leisure" area for men and "social participation" area for women than the non-dementia family. On weekends, dementia family showed less time usage in the "activities of daily living" (ADLs) area than the non-dementia family and women in dementia family showed less time usage in "ADLs" area compared to women in the non-dementia family. Satisfaction was found to be higher in terms of "lack of time" and "tiredness" on weekdays and "tiredness" on weekends in dementia family than in the non-dementia family. Time usage and satisfaction of dementia family and non-dementia family showed differences during weekdays and weekends. These results suggest that for family caregivers of dementia patients, it is necessary to improve the efficient use of time and satisfaction during weekdays and holidays.

Challenges and Opportunities to Work and Industry Practice in Occupational Therapy: A Practitioner Survey.

Work and industry (W&I) is a vital yet underrepresented area of occupational therapy practice. Describing the current practice trends, challenges, and opportunities in W&I provides a foundation for future development and advancements. To describe the state of W&I occupational therapy practice and to identify challenges and opportunities in this specialty practice area. Cross-sectional survey conducted June 12 to July 17, 2020. Online survey distributed through direct email invitations and online platforms (i.e., CommunOT, LinkedIn). One hundred twenty occupational therapy practitioners who had worked in W&I within the most recent 5 yr. We used 30 multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and free-response questions across three topics: (1) training, resources, and research; (2) challenges and barriers; and (3) opportunities. Most respondents were occupational therapy practitioners working in clinical settings with >5 yr of experience; 29.2% identified as male. The most frequently provided services were ergonomic consultation and worksite evaluation; clinic-based W&I services were less frequently provided. Workplace injury prevention, management of psychosocial issues, and employee wellness programs were ranked as the top opportunities for occupational therapy in W&I. A shortage of accessible training and resources to support W&I practice was found, particularly mentoring and occupational therapy-focused research evidence. Maintaining referrals, competition from other professions, and limited support from professional organizations were key challenges. This study illustrates the evolution of W&I occupational therapy practice and highlights an urgent need for increased professional recognition and educational support to maintain occupational therapy's presence in this practice area. Plain-Language Summary: In this study, we describe the current practice trends in work and industry occupational therapy practice. We identify challenges related to resources and training in this practice area and provide insights into opportunities for future development. The study findings show the evolution of work and industry occupational therapy practice and highlight an urgent need for more professional recognition and educational support to maintain occupational therapy's presence in this practice area.

An Inclusive History of LGBTQ+ Aversion Therapy: Past Harms and Future Address in a UK Context

From the 1950s, aversion therapy gained an international foothold as a behaviourist means to alter what was then considered ‘deviant’ behaviour. Using primary research by psychologists, psychiatrists and other clinical figures published in professional journals, recently published personal testimonies by those who underwent such ‘treatment’, and drawing on the latest historical research, this article maps aversion therapy practices used to ‘treat’ LGBTQ+ people in the UK, mainly in the 1960s and 1970s. We outline our approach to this history and contextualise it by drawing attention to ongoing comparative issues of banning LGBT conversion therapy in the present. Next, we outline the emergence of aversion therapy internationally and identify historical ‘hotspot’ hospitals and universities in the UK, with the nation itself an international ‘hotspot’ for aversion. We then employ the case study of the 2022 report from the University of Birmingham, to demonstrate how such investigations of difficult pasts might be most effectively realised and highlight the potential for a ‘truth and reconciliation’ approach to this history. Finally, we call upon psy-organisations, university and research institutions, and other stakeholders to take this history seriously in effort to address past and ongoing harms enacted upon LGBTQ+ people.

Malaysian occupational therapists’ perspectives on sensory-based intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder: A focus group discussion

ABSTRACT This study explores Malaysian occupational therapists’ perspectives on implementing sensory-based intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder, addressing the high prevalence of sensory processing disorder in this population. Despite sensory-based intervention’s common usage globally, its implementation and associated challenges remain inadequately documented. The research employed a qualitative approach, conducting two focus group discussions with 14 experienced occupational therapists. Thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti software revealed eight themes: intervention approaches, implementation references, common activities, implementation structure, strategies, intervention types, evaluation methods, and challenges encountered. The findings emphasize the importance of personalized intervention strategies to meet the diverse sensory needs of children with autism spectrum disorder. The study highlights the necessity for developing comprehensive guidelines for effective sensory-based intervention implementation and underscores the need for individualized approaches. The study’s findings provide a contextual overview of sensory-based intervention in addressing sensory processing disorder among children with autism spectrum disorder. This research may inform the development of evidence-based guidelines and protocols for sensory interventions in occupational therapy practice, ultimately improving the quality of care for children with autism spectrum disorder.