Occupational therapy is a person centered, scientific, and empirical based profession that promotes the health and well-being of individuals across the lifespan through the use of meaningful activities, so that one may enhance their quality of life based on their needs and goals.
In comparison, both definitions have some similarities. For example, both mention the importance of the vast population occupational therapist serve (persons across the lifespan) and how we must use their own goals as a means to enhance their life. However, in contrast, the second definition is more specific and encompasses the main aspects of the profession such as meaningful activities, the person centered approach, and the use of scientific evidence present in today’s practice. …show more content…
This was a very hard concept for me and I would simply reply, “It’s hard to explain, but I can tell you one thing, it is not physical therapy.” Over time however, I started to build my own definition little by little based on the concepts learned in classes.
This semester we have learned about how the founders and their predecessors fought for their place amongst other professions. From its start in mental health to the various opportunities present today, this fight continues as we continue to advocate. This drive to learn about the profession from others and myself has and will continue to shape my personal definition of occupational therapy as it continues to