At Southland Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Lufkin, TX, we have found success in using a “Therapeutic Use of Self” method of treatment. Defined as “the use of oneself in such a way that one becomes an effective tool in the evaluation and intervention process” (Mosey, 1986), Therapeutic Use of Self consists of a planned interaction between a patient and another person in order to:
- Alleviate fear
- Provide reassurance
- Obtain and provide information
- Give advice
- Assist the other individual to gain more functional use of inner resources
We implemented the Therapeutic Use of Self method with Mr. K, using various techniques to engage the patient, including patience, rapport, trust, humor and honesty.
Since the use of Therapeutic Use of Self, Mr. K. is a changed man! Today he actively participates in occupational and speech therapy, inquires about other ideas to improve his health, smiles more often and enjoys his therapy. We look forward to using Therapeutic Use of Self with many more patients in the future and seeing the benefits firsthand.