ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the awareness and experiences in terms of the therapeutic relationship and therapeutic use of self for the occupational therapists. Methods: A total of 237 occupational therapists participated in this survey through e-mail from June to July in 2017. The survey was composed five areas: the general characteristics, awareness of therapeutic use of self, learning experience, the effect of specific behaviors of clients on their therapeutic relationship, and the effect of therapeutic relationship on the therapists. Results: 70.0% of the respondents indicated that they appreciated the idea that a therapeutic relationship and therapeutic use of self in the field are important. 13.9% of respondents indicated that they don't use them strategically, and responded that they have a lack of learning experience. Clients without enthusiasm, with a low esteem, and having unrealistic expectations about the outcome of the occupational therapy were the hardest factors on the respondents. Conclusion: This study should be utilize as a basic study on the therapeutic relationship and therapeutic self use. In the future, a study on the relationship between the influencing factors and therapeutic self use, and experience on the strategies of the therapeutic use of the self for specific diseases and situations, is needed.