Promoting Clients’ Self-Determination, continued from Page 17
the world more safely, as they are less vulnerable to being
exploited or bullied. They are also behaviors that are valued
in work settings, and that facilitate becoming more mature
and capable.
Family and friends will find that a more independent and
self-directed person is more complex and less consistently
easy to deal with, so it’s important to facilitate their
appreciation for how important self-determination is to
attaining a richer, more satisfying, and safer life. They need
to know what the client is learning and practicing at each
phase so they can respond supportively. Of course not every
request or choice can be accommodated, but we can teach
many ways to respond that reflect respect and validation in
any case. (Example: “Although I can’t support your wish to
skip school today, I certainly understand your desire to stay
home. I wonder what we can do to help you feel happier
about getting ready to go.”)
It is never too late or too early to facilitate the path
toward increased self-determination, and clients of all sorts
can benefit. Self-determination is evidence-supported and
foundational to living life to its fullest. It’s right in our
wheelhouse, and there are many resources for concrete ways
to incorporate it into our settings and sessions. Let’s do it!
References
American Psychological Association. (2004). Increasing
student success through instruction in self-determination.
Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/research/action/
success
National Gateway to Self-Determination. (n.d.).
National gateway to self-determination: Resources, information,
research to practice. Retrieved from http://ngsd.org/
Bremer, C. D., Kachgal, M., & Schoeller, K. (2003).
Self-determination: Supporting successful transition. Retrieved
from: http://ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=962
About the Author
Dr. Debora Davidson has practiced occupational
therapy since 1979. She is the host of an online community
of practice for OT and OTA educators, called Authentic
OT Educators, and Adjunct Associate Professor at Lewis
University’s Occupational Therapy Program.
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