The Canadian Model of Client-Centered Enablement (CMCE) is a model using visual metaphor to show the therapist-client relationship and client-centered enablement. According to the model, enablement is the core of occupational therapy, which helps guide reasoning and choices in the therapy. It is made up of two lines and a series of “enablement skills”. The two lines in the model represent clients, who may be individuals, groups, communities, organizations, or populations, and therapists, respectively. The lines are intertwined, representing that the client and therapist are working together; and sometimes there can be a series of intertwining lines, indicating that the relationship may start and finish again. The “enablement skills” includes adapting, advocating, coaching, collaborating, consulting, coordinating, designing/building, educating, engaging, and specializing. These skills are used by occupational therapists to engage the clients in shared decision-making. It is an interactive and collaborative process that involves at least two parties (i.e., usually clients and practitioners) to share their thoughts and decide treatment options together. Clients should have the right to make choices, and also take the risks according to their choices, and communicate and respond to the therapists to find out the best decision. On the other hand, the role of occupational therapists would be supporting the clients with their professional knowledge and consultation, helping clients see the possibilities for change, and ensuring that the clients know their right in shared decision-making.
Summarized by
- Louise Pang
Type
- Model (conceptual)
Population
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Elderly
Disability
- All
Domain of occupation
- Unspecified
Application Note
The decision-making process can be affected by the client-therapist relationship and the type of decision to be made.
Key Reference
Townsend, E. A., & Polatajko, H. J. (2007). Enabling occupation II: Advancing an occupational therapy vision for health, well-being, & justice through occupation. Ottawa, Ontario: CAOT Publications ACE.
Year Published
- 2007
Primary Developer
- Elizabeth Townsend
Primary Developer Email
- Liz.Townsend@Dal.Ca