Final answer:
Occupational therapists use various thinking approaches based on theories such as psychoanalytic, client-centered, behaviorism, cognitive revolution, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Occupational therapists employ different thinking approaches based on various psychological and educational theories. Influential figures such as Freud and Rogers have shaped the interaction between clinicians and clients. While psychoanalytic theory, which includes Freud’s perspectives, is still used in psychodynamic therapy, Roger's client-centered therapy has been particularly significant in modern clinical practice. Additionally, other approaches like behaviorism, the cognitive revolution, and cognitive-behavioral therapy inform the strategies that occupational therapists might use. Moreover, specific interventions that require more singular approaches such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), social communication, and social skills groups are also considered. The choice of approach often depends on the specific needs of the client, the nature of the issues being addressed, and the therapist's own training and philosophy.
Treating psychological disorders and problematic patterns of behavior is influenced by research into the effectiveness of various treatments. For instance, the Zwicker study compared cognitive versus multisensory interventions for remediating handwriting difficulties, emphasizing the need to base treatment on solid research findings. It's also important to consider that some therapies require a strong personal commitment from the client to change thinking and behavior, which might be better suited to certain individuals over others. These factors collectively guide occupational therapists in their decision-making process regarding patient care.