Engagement in meaningful roles, relationships and patterns of occupation promote health, wellness and the recovery process across the adult lifespan are explored. Topics include the role of the occupational therapist in health promotion and lifestyle redesign, mental health and addiction management, community integration through engagement in occupation, recovery oriented methods for self-management of chronic conditions, palliative and end-of-life care. The view of the person as a biopsychosocial and spiritual being in relationship with others and the environment is examined.
The laboratory component focuses on the development of therapeutic relationships and occupational storytelling; group process and facilitation skills; mindfulness based stree reduction skills and methods for personal lifestyle redesign that are transferable to work with various populations. Personal attitudes related to illness, disability, spirituality, the aging process and death are examined.