As occupational therapists, we are skilled at gathering rich assessment information but many of us still find it challenging to clearly articulate why a person is experiencing occupational difficulties and how this understanding guides intervention.

Occupational formulation provides a structured way to bridge that gap. It’s not just another clinical tool; it is a way of thinking and communicating that keeps occupation at the heart of what we do. At its core, occupational formulation involves synthesising assessment data into a coherent narrative that explains a person’s occupational situation and guides thoughtful, measurable goal setting and intervention planning.

Rather than moving quickly from assessment to intervention, occupational formulation strengthens clinical reasoning, communication and defensible practice. Occupational formulation helps therapists articulate why a person is experiencing occupational difficulties, what aspects of their occupational identity and competence are central, and what the key needs are for enabling change.

This approach draws upon theoretical models, in particular the Model of Human Occupation, to organise information into a meaningful structure that reflects the client’s lived experience, supports collaborative goal-setting, and strengthens an OT’s clinical reasoning.

For many therapists, the value of occupational formulation becomes apparent in everyday practice:

1. It clarifies clinical reasoning
OTs often collect detailed assessments, but without a structured way of interpreting this information, with the rationale for goals and interventions feeling implicit rather than explicit. Occupational formulation makes that reasoning clear, to ourselves, our clients, colleagues and funders.

2. It strengthens communication
Whether explaining therapy recommendations to a client, discussing needs with family or care teams, or justifying decisions within funding systems like NDIS, occupational formulation gives OTs the language that is grounded in occupational theory and focused on meaningful engagement.

3. It supports complex case management
Clients rarely present with simple, isolated needs. Occupational formulation helps integrate diverse pieces of information including cognitive, emotional, social, environmental and occupational, into a coherent picture that guides nuanced intervention planning.

4. It reinforces occupation-centred practice
In a world where health services can push therapists toward standardised or non-occupational models, occupational formulation reminds us why occupational therapy exists, to understand and enable meaningful participation and engagement in life.

Occupational formulation is relevant across all areas of occupational therapy practice, including mental health, paediatrics, disability and NDIS services, rehabilitation, aged care, community health and private practice. It is particularly valuable when working with clients with complex presentations, unclear goals or multiple contributing factors.

To learn more about occupational formulation, join us at our next Occupational Formulation Foundations course starting online on 19 March 2026, delivered by Lorrae Mynard.

This course is designed not as an abstract theory lecture, but as a practical, practice applicable workshop that helps occupational therapists to deepen their reasoning and their ability to use occupational formulation in everyday practice.he course provides occupational therapists with the opportunity to:

This course is designed not as an abstract theory lecture, but as a practical, practice applicable workshop that helps occupational therapists to deepen their reasoning and their ability to use occupational formulation in everyday practice.

The course provides occupational therapists with the opportunity to:

• Explore the structure and purpose of occupational formulation
• Learn how to draft high-quality formulations and measurable occupational goals
• Practice applying the framework to real-world clinical scenarios
• Use quality checklists to reflect on and refine their work

Certificate completion and workbook resources add ongoing value, acting as references that you can return to after the course is finished.

For occupational therapists wanting to deepen their occupation-focused practice, occupational formulation offers clarity, confidence and a renewed connection to the core of occupational therapy.

Find out more and register: https://otaus.com.au/event/occupational_formulation_foundations