Towards a Theory of Practice

In occupational therapy, theorising is an integral part of practice and theory is shaped by practice. This paper suggests that we do theory by developing collaborative models of thoughtful practice that work within specific contexts. It begins by looking at how the nature of professionalism is changing in response to social and political changes. It argues that any claim to professional status is based on the ability to make informed and authoritative judgements. Professional judgements are described as complex and morally purposeful and as being made within a social context. The paper then addresses how thoughtfulness relates to professional practice. Three dimensions of thoughtfulness are discussed: the deliberative, the public and the reflexive. The final section of the paper considers what theory means for professional practitioners; that is, how occupational therapists use theory in order to theorise our own practice.