Therapeutic Use of Self

Since starting school, we have heard about "therapeutic use of self" and "therapeutic relationship" and have used the terms interchangeably but haven't gotten the full meaning behind them. Now that are first term is coming to an end we have finally found the meanings and now know that we cannot use these terms interchangeably ;). Therapeutic relationship is ideally the interaction between an occupational therapist practitioner and the client. Therapeutic use of self is when the OT practitioner themselves identifies the goals and objectives of the client, develops an intervention plan, and uses their interactions with the client to achieve the client's desired goals. Essentially, therapeutic use of self is a key component of a therapeutic relationship, along with other qualities such as active listening, empathy, humor, verbal and non-verbal communication, and empowerment.