Where from, Where to, Why, and How? The Daily Functional Journey as a Source of Meaning and Self-creation.

Throughout my career, I have questioned the aspects unique to the occupational therapy profession that contribute most meaningfully to our clients. My research incorporated a focus on the small nuances of daily functioning, enabling me to better appreciate my clients' strengths and weakness and guide my efforts to improve their functional status and quality of life. Many of the participants in these studies experienced neurodevelopmental deficits referred to as “hidden disabilities.” Interviews with clients revealed valuable information that led me to develop a series of standardized evaluation tools. Consequent to studies implementing these instruments, a model was developed comprised of conceptual elements that could be applied by occupational therapists to create personal, occupational, and functional profiles for their clients. This article describes the developed model, which focuses on occupation and concepts related to people’s goals, their use of space, time, input, output, and self-perception. Excerpts from the interviews and research findings are included to illustrate the importance of the concepts in analyzing people’s personal functional journeys. The model is designed to be applied to clients as part of the therapeutic process through a question-response format. The information supplied can be used to guide the adaptation and individualization of treatment goals by occupational therapists. This model can be an effective aid in improving our clients' functioning, self-perception, and quality of life through meaningful daily occupations.