This groundbreaking new book addresses a critical aspect of the occupational therapy practice--the art and science of building effective, fulfilling relationships with clients.

A distinguished clinician and educator, Renee Taylor, PhD, uses a new conceptual practice model, the Intentional Relationship Model, to define how the client and the therapist each contribute to the unique interpersonal dynamic that becomes the therapeutic relationship. She emphasizes how therapists must act deliberately, thoughtfully, and with vigilant anticipation of the challenges and breakthroughs that have the potential to influence the course of the relationship.

Actual case examples from 12 exceptional clinicians from around the world illustrate how this model is used to address many of the challenging interpersonal situations that commonly occur in therapy. And, guided exercises and assignments help readers master the skills they need and apply them to a wide range of clinical situations and presenting problems.

Theoretical Foundations and Guidelines for Practice
The Changing Landscape of Therapeutic Use of Self in Occupational Therapy: Historical Overview
What Defines a Good Therapist?
A Model of the Intentional Relationship
Knowing Ourselves as Therapists: Introducing the Therapeutic Modes
Knowing Our Clients: Understanding Interpersonal Characteristics
Challenges to Client-Therapist Relationships: Inevitable Interpersonal Events of Therapy
Navigating the Challenges: Therapeutic Responding and Interpersonal Reasoning
Building an Interpersonal Skill Base
Therapeutic Communication
Establishing Relationships
Interviewing Skills and Strategic Questioning
Understanding Families, Social Systems, and Group Dynamics in Occupational Therapy
Understanding and Managing Difficult Behavior
Resolving Empathic Breaks and Conflicts
Professional Behavior, Values, and Ethics
Working Effectively with Supervisors, Employers, and Other Professionals
On Becoming a Better Therapist: Self-Care and Developing Your Therapeutic Use of Self
Glossary
Index