Mick Collins

Occupational Therapy and Spirituality: Reflecting on Quality of Experience in Therapeutic Interventions

Spirituality is an under-researched aspect of human functioning in occupational therapy. Because spirituality is often difficult to quantify, this article attempts to explore the conditions that enable quality of experience, which may subsequently lead to spiritual wellbeing. The article considers a process-orientated approach to spirituality in occupational therapy.

Who is occupied? Consciousness, self awareness and the process of human adaptation

Abstract This article explores consciousness and its relevance to the field of occupational science. Selected literature from Eastern and Western schools of philosophy and consciousness is explored in relation to the process of human adaptation. The article highlights the inner world of occupational beings with particular emphasis on the nature of identity as experienced through the self/I. This paper explores consciousness further from the standpoint of advances made in science and psychology. The theories of uncertainty, chaos and complexity are discussed from a process oriented perspective that considers the importance of self awareness. This article suggests that occupational scientists should consider the dynamic potential that exists for evolving awareness in consciousness, and the implications that this has for occupational beings and the process of human adaptation.

Engaging Self‐Actualisation through Occupational Intelligence

Abstract This article develops a theme discussed in a previous publication, where I argued that cultivating awareness of humans’ multidimensional capacities enables a fluid engagement of creative adaptations within occupations and identity. In this article I go on to explore Abraham Maslows theory of self‐actualisation and his suggestion that intelligence is an important factor in the self‐actualisation process. I discuss how human intelligence and occupations are vital elements of the “operational meaning” of the process of self‐actualisation. Maslow suggested that self‐actualisation is an expression of full humanness. I propose that expressing full humanness requires awareness of the multidimensional capacities and intelligences of human beings. I argue that through developing awareness of their multidimensional capacities and intelligences, humans as occupational beings can engage their ‘occupational intelligence’ towards the meta‐goal of self‐actualisation. A case vignette of CG Jung explains the theoretical position taken in this article.

Spiritual Emergency and Occupational Identity: A Transpersonal Perspective

The subject of spirituality has been developing over recent years in occupational therapy journals internationally and this article contributes to the ongoing exploration of spiritual issues in therapeutic practice. People can experience a transformational crisis through engaging in spiritual growth and development, a phenomenon that has been termed a ‘spiritual emergency’. A spiritual emergency manifests itself as a crisis within ego-identity and can include experiences of disorientation and de-adaptation, which affect a persons ability to function in daily life. Consequently, a person may be diagnosed and treated for a mental health problem; however, a spiritual emergency may present a person with opportunities to engage in a process of self-renewal rather than being considered ill. The dichotomy of a spiritual emergency as reflecting human potential or a mental health problem is a complex issue, which underpins many of the discussions concerning health professional involvement. This article argues that there are clear therapeutic needs for people experiencing a transformational crisis, which are well suited to the skills of occupational therapists. Engaging in occupation could play an important role in the process of re-adaptation during a spiritual emergency through enabling occupational identity, which could support the process of self-renewal. A case vignette is provided to illustrate the theoretical position outlined.

Engaging transcendent actualisation through occupational intelligence

This article builds on a previous publication where I developed the concept of occupational intelligence in accord with the humanistic theory of self‐actualisation. In this article I explore how developments within humanistic psychology eventually led to the emergence of transpersonal psychology, which created a renewed impetus for exploring the parameters of human potential from self‐actualisation to self‐transcendence. I argue that the underlying humanistic roots of occupational science could be developed to include a transpersonal perspective, thereby providing a more expansive view of occupational potential. To illustrate the value of that perspective, a case vignette of occupation leading to transformation in a young mans ways of knowing, being, and doing is provided. I propose that a greater connection between peoples transpersonal experiences and their engagement in human occupations could be facilitated through the use of occupational intelligence, which could make a significant contribution to the process known as transcendent actualisation.

Transpersonal Identity and Human Occupation

Transpersonal experiences may have an impact on existing ego/identity boundaries, which can initiate a process of psychospiritual development. The prefix ‘trans’, as in transpersonal, can mean ‘transcending’, such as going beyond existing parameters of identity; or it can mean ‘transforming’, such as a shift in awareness from one state to another. The effects of transpersonal experiences can often lead to different ways of ‘knowing’, which can have a direct impact upon ways of ‘being’ and ‘doing’. This opinion piece considers how developments in transpersonal studies are applicable to human occupation. The human potential that could be explored through the interface between transpersonal identity and occupational identity is discussed.

Spirituality and the Shadow: Reflection and the Therapeutic Use of Self:

Occupational therapists are trained to include reflection within their professional practice. The inclusion of spirituality into occupational therapy has the potential to bring the personal dimension of a therapists spiritual faith or belief into clinical practice. This opinion piece highlights the connection between spirituality and the shadow and identifies the need for reflection on this dynamic relationship. The shadow is discussed in relation to the need for increased awareness and the development of safe parameters when considering the inclusion of spirituality and the therapeutic use of self in clinical practice.

Spiritual Intelligence: Evolving Transpersonal Potential Toward Ecological Actualization For a Sustainable Future

The ecological crisis is confronting humanity with a need to recognize the interconnectedness of all life, and the Akashic Field as formulated by Ervin Laszlo (2004a) has identified how a universal information field connects humans to a greater transpersonal consciousness. The Akashic Field could provide humanity with a focus to deepen its understanding of a holistic view of life. The global crisis will confront human beings with the need to develop their transpersonal potential and spiritual intelligence, which has the potential to contribute to an ecological actualization of human beings’ relationship to the world, and the development of a sustainable future.

Dreaming and Occupation

There is a long history of dream work in the psychotherapeutic and healing traditions. This opinion piece examines how dreams can open people to a deep sense of meaning. It takes into consideration the potential for dream work in relation to therapy; the processes of change, creativity and empowerment that can emerge from therapeutic work using dreams, which are illustrated through two case vignettes; and the connection between dreaming and occupation.

Innovation and Creativity: Exploring Human Occupation and Professional Development in Student Education

This short evaluation report discusses the development of a creative project that encourages student-centred learning. Year 3 occupational therapy students are given the opportunity to explore occupational science theories, applied to an area of human activity through creative media, such as film making, poetry, textiles, animation and photography. Student evaluation of the project identified its value as a highly stimulating learning encounter. The article outlines the educational underpinnings for the project and how the use of creativity enables students to develop their understanding of human occupation, which informs their professional socialisation and identity.