Mental Health and Occupational MethodsLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

Purpose of the course:
The purpose of the course is to increase understanding of how mental disorders affect occupational performance. The aim is to learn how to enable occupation and participation with clients suffering from mental disorders.

Competences:
Therapeutic relationship and interprofessionality
Clinical reasoning and occupational therapy process enabling participation
Responsibility and occupational justice

Learning outcomes:
You are able to describe how mental disorders affect occupational performance and participation. You will select and apply different methods to promote participation and occupation of people with mental health problems. You are able to justify your choices based on the principles of person-centered approach and evidence-based theories. You can apply interventions to the needs and situation of the client and/or client group. You are able to use, apply and modify the environment and the methods of guidance to support client well-being and promote participation. You are able to plan and adapt activities in accordance with professional ethical guidelines and to reflect on your own professional ethical thinking and actions.

Content

The main content of the course is to create an understanding of the impact of mental disorders on occupational performance and participation, and to learn to support the client’s participation in meaningful activities. The course introduces nature-based Green Care activities and how to apply them to client work. The course also deepens the knowledge of other evidence-based functional methods. The course strengthens therapeutic interaction and guidance skills in client work.

Qualifications

You need to be familiar with the basics of occupational therapy assessment expertise and its practical implementation.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Pass
You are able to examine from different perspectives how mental health disorders affect functional capacity and participation. You are able to select, apply and modify creative intervention methods that are suitable for the client and based on evidence. You will choose and apply methods of interaction that can strengthen the therapeutic relationship and promote participation in activities.