A Narrative Approach to Addressing Spirituality in Occupational Therapy: Exploring Personal Meaning and Purpose

Spirituality has been recognized and documented as an essential component to be included by the occupational therapy profession in client-centred service delivery. However, methods of addressing and enhancing spirituality in occupational therapy practice remain relatively unexplored within the profession. This paper discusses the benefits of a narrative approach in addressing spirituality in everyday practice. It explores narrative as a mode of expression, its relationship to occupational therapy and its usefulness in addressing the spiritual component of the individual. A case study is provided to illustrate how a narrative approach enables an understanding of meaning and purpose in one's life.