Summary:
Each culture has its own unique attitudes, beliefs and ideologies that become the foundation of its habits, routines and rituals. In our Western culture, we value independence; we feel the individual is responsible for self and for self-actualization, and we value the capacity to master the environment and control our circumstances. Any barrier to independence is seen as something we need to fix, move or cure. Occupational therapy was created and developed in this Western philosophical tradition; however, looking at the family dynamic through an Eastern lens, perhaps we can reframe our approach and our understanding of wellness. In the case of a child with a disability, the Eastern philosophy proposes the family, then, is ultimately responsible for its own outcomes, and is responsible as a unit to help the family, as well as the child, overcome any challenges together.
Objectives:
The goal of this program on the Kawa Model is to present occupational therapists and other healthcare practitioners with an Eastern philosophy of client and family management, operationalized through an occupational therapy theory in the evaluation and treatment of pediatric psychopathology. After you study the information presented here, you will be able to:
- Describe the Kawa Model developed by Michael Iwama and the application to occupational therapy practice with children and families
- Explore systems-oriented concepts in treatment that promote greater and more durable health, wellness and the capacity for resilience
- Identify treatment strategies that are aligned both with the Kawa Model as well as the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework
Content Level: Intermediate
Content Focus
Domain of OT: Client Factors
Domain of OT: Context and Environment
Accreditation Information
This course is intended for occupational therapists.
Gannett Education is an approved provider of continuing education for occupational therapists by the American Occupational Therapy Association. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.
Gannett Education is also accredited by the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy (provider # FBN 50-1489).
Continuing education approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association is accepted for relicensure by the state boards for occupational therapists in: Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia.