Date Presented 04/19/21 Although therapeutic use of self is considered an integral part of mental health OT practice, little is known about how life experiences may serve to influence its development. Qualitative phenomenology was used to explore perspectives of six experienced mental health OTs about life experiences and use of self in practice. Findings from this study contribute to the understanding about how we integrate what is learned in our lives to our professional work. Primary Author and Speaker: Susan Krutis Contributing Authors: Courtney Hunt, Megan Joerger, Marissa Maddalena, Carly Swartz, and Makia Talley

Date Presented 04/12/21 We examined the psychometric properties of the Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self questionnaire by Rasch analysis. The questionnaire was completed by 111 students across four time points. Unidimensionality was confirmed for all three parts of the questionnaire. The rating scales and person response validity need further investigation; excellent internal consistency and person-item separation was found. The study supports the psychometric properties of the questionnaire. Primary Author and Speaker: Chia-Wei Fan Contributing Authors: Kathy Dahl, Marc Corbiere

Practitioners’ preparation for, attitudes toward, and experience of the therapeutic relationship and use of self were explored using a survey study with a random sample of 1,000 American Occupational Therapy Association members. Participants reported a high value for the therapeutic relationship and use of self; most felt that they were inadequately trained and that the field lacks sufficient knowledge in these areas. Regardless of practitioners’ age, gender, experience level, setting, treatment intensity, and client impairment, those who placed higher value on the use of self and had more training related to the therapeutic use of self were more likely to report interpersonal difficulties and feelings of positive regard for clients and were more likely to report concerns about clients. The findings suggest that more attention needs to be paid to the therapeutic relationship and to the therapeutic use of self in education and in research.

Objective. This qualitative study explored elements of artful practice of therapists practicing in mental health treatment settings. Method. In-depth interviews were conducted with three occupational therapists practicing in mental health who were considered exemplars of artful practice. Themes pertaining to their perspectives and approaches to practice were synthesized from interview data. Results. The prevailing themes—therapeutic work as a vehicle for healing, collaborative guidance, and the Zen of therapy—are seen as elements forged by the therapist’s compassion and unique personal style into a dynamic therapist-client interplay that creates a space for growth and healing to occur. Results affirmed the view of the art of practice in mental health as an intricate interplay of personal traits, interpersonal skills, and skilled use of meaningful activities within the context of a client’s environment. Conclusion. The art of practice is a fluid experiential process that takes place on a developmental continuum. The therapist’s inner awareness of the subtlety of a multi-layered healing process is an important basis of artful practice. One’s practice art can be informed by knowledge of specific elements that contribute to artful practice and can be developed through education, self-reflection, personal growth, and the maturation process.