Introduction to arts-based occupational therapy
Use creative occupations safely, thoughtfully and purposefully within psychosocial OT practice
Creative occupations can offer different ways to support participation, communication, identity, reflection and connection.
But using art in occupational therapy involves more than placing materials on a table or choosing an activity that appears to match a client’s needs.
It requires clear occupational reasoning, informed consent, thoughtful facilitation and an understanding of the boundaries between arts-based occupational therapy and creative arts therapy.
This introductory course will help you begin integrating arts-based approaches into your OT practice in a way that remains client-led, occupation-focused and within your professional competence.
What you'll learn:
Through this course, you’ll explore:
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the difference between creative occupation, arts-based OT and creative arts therapy;
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how creativity can relate to identity, participation and wellbeing;
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how to connect arts-based approaches with occupational goals;
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collaborative reflection without interpreting client artwork;
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arts-based practice through a MOHO lens;
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consent, accessibility, safety and artwork handling;
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documentation and outcome planning; and
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when supervision, collaboration or referral may be appropriate.
What's included:
The introductory workbook includes:
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five learning modules;
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a fictional case example demonstrating OT clinical reasoning;
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four experiential activities;
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a clinical reasoning worksheet;
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a facilitation checklist; and
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a reflective practice plan.
You do not need to consider yourself artistic. The course focuses on participation, clinical reasoning and safe facilitation, not artistic performance.
Continue into the full course:
If you would like to explore these approaches in greater depth, the full course includes (including all material from the introduction course):
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a structured intervention-planning framework;
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20 adaptable arts-based intervention ideas;
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case-based clinical reasoning;
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documentation and outcome-planning guidance;
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many additional worksheets and planning templates; and
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application across different occupational goals
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all material from the introduction course
A little about me. I have facilitated online therapeutic workshops for eight years now, whilst practicing as a Mental Health OT. For years I've been able to experience both personally and professionally the impact that art can have on mental health and wellbeing.
The formal qualifications and experience that I bring to these trainings are:
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Bachelor in Occupational Therapy
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Post Graduate Diploma in Art Psychotherapy
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Eight years of experience as a Mental Health Occupational Therapist and therapeutic art workshop facilitator
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Eight years as the founder and director of Our Mindful Youth
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Five years of experience as a clinical OT supervisor
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Accreditation in the Better Access to Mental Health scheme and Mental Health First Aid
Who is this course for?
Occupational therapists who are curious about using creative occupations within psychosocial practice and want a clear, ethical and occupation-focused introduction.
Do I need to be artistic?
No. The course focuses on clinical reasoning, participation and safe facilitation; not artistic skill or the appearance of the finished work.
What’s included?
Five learning modules, four experiential activities, a fictional case example, a clinical reasoning worksheet, a facilitation checklist and a reflective practice plan.
Does this qualify me as an art therapist?
No. This is professional development for occupational therapists. It does not provide an art therapy or creative arts therapy qualification.
Will I learn how to interpret client artwork?
No. The course teaches collaborative, non-interpretive reflection that protects the client’s authority over the meaning of their creative work.
What is the difference between this and the full course?
The introductory course covers the foundations of arts-based OT. The full course expands into intervention planning, adaptable intervention ideas, documentation, outcome planning and additional practical resources.
