“So Can She Cook?” The Activity Process beyond a Narrative of Function

What is it about?

This article is about the meaning of the activity process beyond the purpose of function, performance, and outcome. Expounding on the seminal work of psychoanalytic occupational therapists to posit a symbolic, relational, and transformative view of activity, I shed light on how the above lens can deepen the understanding of “doing” to provide clinicians with crucial insights into a client’s inner world and the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship.

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Why is it important?

It is important so that we as clinicians do not limit the inherent richness of an activity's symbolic, relational and transformative meanings, especially for the people we work with. To reframe the activity process beyond just function is to map peoples lived experiences and restore their dignity, humanity, belief in Self, aspirations and citizenship; as well as, demonstrates an interest and curiosity about the dialectical aspects of the client-therapist relationship and the inner world of the people we work with.

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