Occupational Therapy In A Man's Search For Meaning

A Man's Search for Meaning is a novel that aims to describe the lived experiences of those in concentration camps during World War II. Due to the relevance of the themes in the novel to occupational therapy (OT) practice, I believe A Man's Search for Meaning could be a useful, cost effective tool for an OT working in any therapeutic practice setting.
Through his narrative, Frankel describes the daily struggles, hardships, and unexpected humanity he found within the camps. As OTs we often serve as a source of humanity, for clients who experience daily struggles and hardships. Similarly, to Frankel, our clients are often being challenged to change themselves due to their circumstances. Frankel describes these challenges as “human potential at

its best…to turn one’s predicament into human achievement.” He states, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” I believe this speaks to the role of OTs, to help clients overcome these challenges and achieve their best quality of life.
In addition to addressing challenges due to circumstances, Frankel also describes the role of volition in change. Frankel states, “mans inner strength may raise him above his outward fate…everywhere man is confronted with fate, with the chance of achieving something through his own suffering.” By providing clients with the tools necessary to achieve, OTs can facilitate self efficacy and reinforce inner strength. However, as Frankel states, the client’s volition will ultimately determine their achievements.
Overall, I found this novel to be insightful and inspiring. I believe this book change my view point on the relationship between circumstance, challenge, volition, and suffering. I believe that by reading this novel, I have gained a better understanding of how to interact with my clients and became a better OT.