Creativity in Occupational Therapy

Understood differently by different people, creativity has been linked to novelty, originality, problem-solving, flexibility, resourcefulness, self-expression, and health maintenance. In this manuscript, creativity is explored through the eyes of an occupational therapist. The author approaches creativity from two angles; as a therapeutic modality and as a way of thinking. The manuscript offers a thorough literature review of creativity and its connections to occupational therapy theory and practice. It brings a historical overview spanning from the days of the Arts and Crafts Movement to contemporary approaches in occupational therapy. Not only is the relevant research gathered and evaluated, but the reader can also find practical applications of research findings to practice. For instance, we learn about the factors that can contribute to the creativity of occupational therapists and how to best foster them in a modern work environment. The author also explores some of the concepts related to the well-being of occupational therapists, such as work satisfaction and work autonomy and their correlations to creativity. The manuscript also presents a novel assessment tool, developed and validated by the author - the Creativity in Occupational Therapy Questionnaire (COTQ) - which is intended for the study of creativity and educational purposes. This manuscript is a must-read for anyone interested in the use of creativity in health care and the evidence behind it. It offers up-to-date information on the subject of creativity in occupational therapy. However, its influence goes beyond a specific discipline. It argues that creativity can be a healing force, for both the client and the therapist, and that we should do more to nurture it in our lives and at work.