The Consulting Therapist: A Guide for Ots and Pts in Schools

The Consulting Therapist will prove a valuable reference to therapists working in educational settings. Occupational and physical therapists will appreciate the comprehensive review by authors Barbara E. Hanft, M.A., OTR/ L, FAOTA and Patricia A. Place, Ph.D. of the literature on school-based therapy. Current practice in pediatric therapy in any setting requires that the clinician consider how to collaborate with professional colleagues and family members to expand the impact of direct therapeutic intervention. Ms. Hanft and Dr. Place have made it easy to learn about consultation specific to OTs and PTs in educational settings, filling a major void in the literature. The authors' years of experience are evidenced by their insight into what is necessary to become a successful member of the educational team. They understand that the clinician must appreciate the philosophy, roles, and responsibilities of the classroom teacher and the unique needs of the child with a disability in the school setting. They carefully guide the reader through the requirements necessary to provide educationally relevant consultative services. The effective strategies and case studies in this 154-page manual will assist therapists with implementing a consultative model in the school setting. Clinicians will have step-by-step information to help them:

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apply their therapeutic knowledge and skills to improve children's school performance

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identify the six essential decisions for using an effective consultation model

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analyze the interpersonal skills needed for each of four stages of the consultation process

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collaborate with colleagues and families

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resolve conflicts among team members Helpful and time saving reproducible forms are provided for observing student performance, developing a school consultation plan, observing the environment, and assessing one's consulting skills.