Occupational Therapy Interventions with Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Many clients treated by occupational therapists in psychiatric settings are survivors of sexual abuse. The diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and multiple personality disorder (MPD) most accurately reflect the experience of these clients, yet misdiagnosis is common. An overview of these diagnoses is presented. Psychotherapeutic principles are reviewed and a dual approach to occupational therapy is suggested. Within this dual approach, the model of human occupation (Kielhofner & Burke, 1980) is useful in addressing a client's present daily living concerns. Object relations theory guides an occupational therapy focus on recall and emotional recovery from past abuse experiences. A case study illustrating a dual approach to occupational therapy is presented.