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  • Essay / Effective Communication - 1853

    Discuss the barriers and facilitators to effective communication with a client as an occupational therapist. Communication is considered a two-way process, which involves two or more people sharing information (Higgs, Sefton, Street, McAlister, & Hay, 2005). This can occur through speech or vocalization (e.g. crying), through non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and through writing or other material forms such as pictures ( O'Toole, 2012). Communication is considered effective when the intended meaning of the message being conveyed is received and understood by both parties and a point of shared understanding is reached (O'Toole, 2012). The goal of effective communication between an occupational therapist (OT) and a client is to ultimately deliver an intervention that creates positive participation in occupations which, in turn, leads to improved health and well-being. be of the customer. This goal is best achieved through the application of client-centered practice, which is accomplished through the development of both mutual understanding and a therapeutic relationship (O'Toole, 2012). Mutual understanding is defined as a common understanding of communicative meaning and is an essential element. essential element in achieving client-centered practice (O'Toole, 2012). Effective communication between an occupational therapist and a client leads to the establishment of empathy, respect, and trust, all of which are the foundations of mutual understanding (O'Brien and Hussey, 2013). Respect refers to respect for what a customer expresses while empathy is the “direct, clear and precise recognition of the individual's emotions” (O'Toole, 2012, p.14). If communication is effective in developing empathy and respect, then client participation at all levels...... middle of document... and where possible barriers such as tables should be avoided (Cole , 2005). In group intervention, the placement of chairs is very important to facilitate communication. A shape of a circle should be formed to allow all parties to communicate; this is to avoid the occupational therapist being the center of all communication (Cole, 2005). Effective communication is important in all aspects of life, but particularly in facilitating effective intervention between an occupational therapist and a client. As occupational therapists, effective communication plays a vital role in building a client-centered practice, which is one of the main goals of occupational therapist intervention. If verbal and non-verbal communication cues are misused or misinterpreted, this relationship can be damaged. It is therefore very important that we are aware of the obstacles that can hinder and that we implement strategies that promote effective communication..