Lived experiences of clinicians from the LGBTQ+ community: Implications for OT practitioners

There is limited evidence documenting the experiences of occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+). Conversations typically focus on the experience of the client, but it is necessary to discuss how to ensure the workplace is inclusive for OTPs. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I find it difficult to be my authentic self in the clinical setting due to heteronormative practices. My sexual orientation is an essential part of who I am; therefore, it contributes to my therapeutic use of self. Therapeutic use of self is central to managing the therapeutic relationship between OTPs and clients, alongside professional reasoning, empathy, and client-centeredness as put forth in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (OTPF-4; American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020). Therapeutic use of self is necessary to foster open communication and an emotional connection with the client to build trust and engage in the occupational therapy process.