As the author stated, theory in occupational therapy is used to develop a rationale, as well as guides and justifies the assessment tools and treatment interventions the therapist decides to use. Without theory, how would OT practitioners decide what to do with each client? The basis of our practice is linked back to the many theories that we have been learning about in our Foundations course. You wouldn't just tell a client what interventions you were going to do without explaining why. The client is not going to be motivated to partake in an intervention if they don't see the reasoning behind it. That's why the "clinical carrot" is so important!
I like that each of the theories we have been learning about focuses on the whole person instead of just the injury or diagnosis. It is important to look at the client, as well as their environment, to help give them a sense of purpose and belonging in their home, community, and in the world. Each client has the potential to reach his or her goals, and it is our job as occupational therapists to remove any barriers that might prevent them from doing that. If we have our toolbox (model of practice) and the tools in the toolbox (frame of reference) then we are fully capable of helping each client reach their full potential, no matter what boundaries or circumstances they are facing.
