Creative partnerships with consumers and professionals

Abstract

How can occupational therapists identify partnerships in human services that tend to generate competition rather than a coherent mission? How can we form creative partnerships with consumers (service users) and professionals when distrust and service inflexibility seem to prevail? A creative partnership has to start from an empathetic listener with a secure sense of self who seeks to build an effective two-way relationship. A creative idea in human services is about simplicity and practicality. In the context of providing clinical services, it is paramount to work with a family or a whanau, or significant others. Building on one's strengths is another hallmark of a creative partnership.