A MODEL OF THE NATURE OF FAMILY-THERAPIST RELATIONSHIPS - IMPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATION

Objectives. The family plays an important role in rehabilitation of pe rsons with chronic disabilities and in supporting their reintegration into the community. To be prepared for family-centered intervention, e ducators need to frame the content that occupational therapy students must master. The purpose of this study was to develop a hierarchy of o ccupational therapists' attitudes about the family's involvement in se rvices for a family member with special needs. Method. Participants we re 302 occupational therapists who reported some contact with families of clients. Through an open-ended question, participants were asked t o indicate the most important outcome of their interactions with their clients' families. Results. Analysis of participant responses led to the development of a seven-level hierarchy of family-therapist interac tions. The levels are based on the participants' views of the outcome of family involvement as suggested by their attitudes about a family's role and abilities. Knowledge and skills needed to work at different levels of the hierarchy are identified. Conclusion. Recommendations fo r preparation of entry-level practitioners to work at all levels of th e model are discussed.