Affiliations: Homewood Health Centre, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Jocelyn Cowls, B.Sc, OT Reg.(ON),
Homewood Health Centre, 150 Delhi St., Guelph Ontario, N1E 6K9, Canada. Tel.:
+1 519 824 1010 x2264; E-mail: jcowls@uwo.ca
Abstract: Background: This research explores the observation that people who
have had traumatic life experiences may connect with work in an unhealthy way,
impacting their ability to return to work successfully. Purpose: This
research aims to understand how past traumatic experiences influence career
choice and workplace behaviour and, given this understanding, consider how
occupational therapists can facilitate change towards a successful return to
work. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were used to gather information
from twenty-five clients experiencing depression, anxiety or post-traumatic
stress disorder. Clients were followed for six months following their planned
return to work date. Findings: Participants identified re-enacting
unhealthy past experiences at work through: focusing on the needs of others,
seeking acceptance and avoidance. Healthy change was created through engaging
in coping strategies and partnering with the occupational therapist and
workplace stakeholders on return to work planning. Implications: To facilitate a successful return to work, clients must become aware of how their
traumatic histories play a role in their current career choices and workplace
behavior. With this awareness, occupational therapists and clients may work
together towards creating healthy change in the present.
