How can occupational therapists assist clients with trauma and stress-related disorders?

Occupational therapists play a vital role in supporting clients with trauma and stress-related disorders through the development of effective coping and distress tolerance techniques. This approach empowers clients to manage their symptoms proactively and improve their overall functioning and quality of life.

Trauma and stress-related disorders often manifest as heightened emotional responses, anxiety, and difficulty in daily activities. By focusing on building coping skills, occupational therapists can help clients identify their triggers, understand their emotional responses, and practice strategies to handle these situations constructively. This process might include techniques like mindfulness, grounding exercises, and problem-solving strategies that allow clients to confront challenges rather than avoid them.

The emphasis on developing coping skills rather than promoting avoidance aligns with evidence-based practice in mental health. Avoidance can lead to a cycle of increased anxiety and symptom exacerbation, whereas learning to tolerate and manage distress equips clients with the resilience needed to engage with their daily lives effectively.

In contrast, methods such as prescribing medication or recommending complete withdrawal from social interactions do not address the therapeutic goals of empowerment and functional engagement. Instead, focusing on skill development fosters independence and meaningful participation in occupation and social roles, which is a central tenet of occupational therapy.