Creating Meaningful Connections: Children’s Experiences in OT Relationships

PURPOSE: In occupational therapy with children, establishing a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to promote participation outcomes and foster children’s sense of agency (Curtis et al., 2022). Guided by Article 12 of the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), which emphasizes children’s right to participate, this relationship should elevate children’s voices. However, building relationships that recognize the expertise of therapists, parents, and children remains challenging. While previous research has explored the experiences of parents and therapists, children’s perspectives remain understudied. The aim of this study was to examine how children experience their therapeutic relationship with occupational therapists.

DESIGN: A phenomenological and participatory design was used to explore children’s unique experiences in occupational therapy, involving the recruitment of over 10 children who are currently receiving therapy services in public health settings in Canada.

METHOD: Various mediums were used to conduct interviews, such as art-based mediums, providing accessible ways for children to express their experiences. Data were analyzed using a phenomenological approach (Alsaigh & Coyne, 2021).

RESULTS: Preliminary findings highlight that children value being heard and included in therapy. They expressed a strong desire for their perspectives to shape the therapeutic process, enhancing their engagement. When occupational therapists practice adapt to children’s preferences, needs and goals, trust is strengthened, creating a comfortable environment. Inclusive communication reinforces children’s involvement.

CONCLUSION: Recognizing children as active contributors is crucial for building meaningful therapeutic relationships. By prioritizing their right to participate, as outlined in Article 12, insights can be gained to foster inclusive and collaborative occupational therapy practices that empower children in their therapeutic journeys.

References

Alsaigh, R., & Coyne, I. (2021). Doing a hermeneutic phenomenology research underpinned by gadamer’s philosophy: A framework to facilitate data analysis. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 20, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069211047820

Curtis, D. J., Weber, L., Smidt, K. B., & Norgaard, B. (2022). Do we listen to children’s voices in physical and occupational therapy? A scoping review. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 42(3), 275–296. https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2021.2009616

United Nations. (1989). Convention on the Rights of the Child.