Experiences of coaching within occupational therapy - A qualitative study

Abstract: Background: Internationally, coaching has started to be identified as a core enablement skill within occupational therapy. Occupational therapy and coaching have one important aspect in common: enabling occupation and client centeredness. Aim: To explore why and how coaching and a coaching approach is used today within occupational therapy. Method: A qualitative design using semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed with content analysis. Result: Three themes emerged: coaching as a creative tool focusing on potential, coaching empowers the client to make changes in their life, coaching could be a method to sharpening the profession and get an even better outcome. Conclusion: The outcome of this study indicates that the use of coaching or a coaching approach could support occupational therapists in their strive to work more client centered in their everyday work. This study contributes to the knowledge about coaching within occupational therapy.