Locus of Control

Locus of control refers to the way a person sees their interactions with the world. Locus of control contributes to how a person views why something has happened in his or her life. It is important for an OT practitioner to understand internal and external locus of control because it affects how the client perceives their circumstance and how the client will respond to therapy. It is important for an OT practitioner to understand this concept so the practitioner is able to identify external and internal locus of control signs when a client is in therapy. If a client has external locus of control, then the client might be dependent on the therapist for help to move forward. Someone with external locus of control might feel like they need someone to fix them and they don’t have the power to do so. Someone with an internal locus of control might show signs of more positivity and more motivation since they feel like they have some control over what happens to them. 

 

Someone with an external locus of control might appear to put the blame on others, and to think they don’t have a huge impact on their life trajectory. These individuals might look to the OT to save them from what they feel the environment or others put on them. When a therapist sees signs of this, the therapist can trying to encourage the client to become independent and help instill the client to trust themselves. OT is about making a client more independent, and helping restore a client’s mindset. OT can help a client learn to trust that they can overcome challenges and do have the power to be successful in their daily occupations. I would start with encouraging the client that they have power and control over what happens in therapy, and also the bigger picture of what is happening in their life. The therapist can also empower the client to make decisions and choices daily, in order to help show the client that they have control and power over what is happening. It is important to actively involve the client in treatment sessions to show the client what they can do, and to show they do not need to be saved by someone, but are capable. OT practitioners can help guide the client to feel empowered and like they have a voice.