Psychosocial Frames of Reference: Core For Occupation-Based Practice

This best-selling book has been updated and revised into a third edition. This pocket-sized reference is designed specifically for occupational therapy students and practitioners. Provided are many terms, concepts, and conditions essential to the field. This text is the perfect companion for school, fieldwork, preparation for the certification exam, and occupational therapy practice.

This text provides an overview of occupational therapy in psychosocial practice, illustrating psychological, social, and cognitive theories relevant to occupational therapy with clear explanations and case examples that help readers understand how mental health concerns influence a client's ability to engage in meaningful occupation. It discusses the theoretical basis for client-centered practice in occupational therapy, and provides theoretical and practice guidelines, with some 50 pages of reference appendices. This third edition applies psychosocial theories to practice in contexts outside the field of mental health. Bruce is affiliated with Washington University. Borg is affiliated with Colorado State University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Lawrence Zachow, MA, OTR/L(University of Alabama at Birmingham)
Description:This book is succinctly described in its subtitle: Core for Occupation-Based Practice. It provides an expanded description of occupational therapy's continuing evolution in mental health and across its many other practice arenas. A focus on client-centered practice is central to this book. This third edition follows ones in 1987 and 1993.
Purpose:The authors purport to describe theoretical bases for intervention, to provide guidance in practical application of this knowledge, and to identify strategies for "best evidence-based practice and avenues for future research and theory development." These objectives are well met and the book provides a base for students and an impetus for professional growth through life-long learning.
Audience:This book is written for students -- to prepare them for practice in a mental health setting and in multiple contexts outside the mental health arena. The authors are experienced clinicians and educators who bring years of expertise and reflection to this book, which is "grounded in the profession's belief that addressing psychosocial issues is at the 'core' of all occupational therapy." Given its descriptions of therapeutic intervention and related psychological, social, and cognitve theories, the book would also be appropriate for any practitioner wishing to better understand person-in-context fit and mental health concerns as they influence engagement in meaningful occupation(s).
Features:The book describes multiple and diverse models of practice or frames of reference for occupational therapy. Focus questions are supported by learning activities; highlighted terms and definitions enhance reading and comprehension. "Real-life" examples and cases are emphatically placed to elucidate. Appendixes are a positive feature and a useful adjunct to the text and valuable as free-standing resources.
Assessment:The authors continue to contribute meaningfully to the field of occupational therapy and the preparation of its future practitioners. This new edition is especially relevant in today's practice climate as novice and experienced occupational therapists endeavor to provide meaningful and collaboratively fashioned client-centered interventions which allow optimal engagement in occupation.

Mary Ann Bruce, PhD, OTR

Mary Ann Bruce, MS, OTR, completed her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and home economics at Colorado State University and her master’s degree in counseling at Southern Connecticut State University. She is currently completing a doctorate in educational psychology at the University of Southern California. She has pursued her interests in mental health, cognition, learning, group and community intervention, and administration in occupational therapy practice, education, consultation, and scholarly activities. Since beginning her career in 1967, some of her positions have included: Director of Occupational Therapy at Bethesda Hospital and Community Mental Health Center, Denver, Colorado; Associate Professor and Chairperson of Occupational Therapy at Quinnipiac College, Hamden, Connecticut; and Associate Professor and Interim Chairperson of Occupational Therapy at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. She has assumed professional responsibilities as an accreditation site visitor for the American Occupational Therapy Association, reviewer for the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, reviewer of several AOTA Self-Study projects, and test writer for specialty certification exams. Currently, she is an independent contractor in occupational therapy in Irvine, California.

Mary Ann’s current teaching and research focus is motivation, learning strategies, cognitive processing, and problem solving.

Barbara Borg, MA, OTR

Barbara Borg, MA, OTR, has a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in counseling psychologyfrom the University of Northern Colorado. She has engaged in occupational therapy practice and in individual, couple, family, and group counseling, consultation, and education with children and adults of all ages. She has held the position of Director of Occupational Therapy and Field Work Coordinator at Bethesda Hospital in Denver, Colorado, and for many years was part of the Colorado Council on Basic Education. She is currently assistant professor at Colorado State University, where she has taught for 8 years, and has also served as affiliate faculty. While teaching, she has maintained a small practice. In 1995, she received the Gilfoyle Award for Teaching Excellence.

Barbara’s articles have appeared in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, and she has been a presenter at national and state professional conferences. She has been a reviewer for the American Journal of Occupational Therapy amd Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, and served on the Editorial Board for the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Cognitive Rehabilitation: Self-Study Series (1993). She and Mary Ann Bruce have co-authored two other books in the area of psychosocial practice: The Group System: The Therapeutic Activity Group in Occupational Therapy (1991) and Psychosocial Occupational Therapy: Frames of Reference for Intervention (1987, 1993). Barbara and Mary Ann also contributed a chapter to Occupational Therapy: Overcoming Human Performance Deficits (Christiansen & Baum, 1991).

Barbara lives in Colorado with her two children, Andrew and Emily.