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Occupational
Therapy claims to be of an holistic nature and aims to encompass matters of the
body and the soul. The Canadian Model of Occupational Performance reflects this
approach and places spirituality at the centre. However there is little
theoretical foundation on which to base practice. This study aims to contribute
towards theory-building in this area.
The
study collects information from contemporary concepts of the unconscious,
investigates a model based on the theory of depth psychology and draws
conclusions for the understanding of occupational therapy practice. Special
consideration is given to holism, spirituality and meaning, the therapeutic
relationship and intuition.
The
nature of the project is literature-based. The findings of German and English
texts on the topic are interrelated from different points of view.
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The
study summarises the development of the concept of the ‘Unconscious’ and
establishes links to modern sciences. A model, developed from Jung's theory,
explains the organisation of the human psyche, demonstrates the relationship of
its structures and explains interaction within the system as well as
communication with other systems.
The
study applies the model to case material for insight. Communication between
therapist and client is shown to take place at two levels. Adopting an attitude
of trust and careful consideration of both levels, spirituality and meaning are
manifested. Intuition and images arising spontaneously are seen to convey deep
meaning. The study concludes that an approach based on the Model of Human
Information Processing fits into the philosophy and values of the profession and
has potential to explain the pathways of spirituality and meaning as well as to
guide therapy. It highlights the need for further studies to explore the use of
the model in various practice settings.
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