Introduction to Purposeful Activity In occupational therapy (OT), ideas and theories undergo various modifications. Occupational therapy professionals use craftsmanship as a therapeutic mechanism because people feel that they are capable of accomplishing anything when they prove to themselves that they can make an art and compete on their own. Craftsmanship varies in its purpose; some do self-care such as cooking, sewing, cleaning, and mending. Other trades are generally meant to address a dysfunction faced compared to other trades. An evaluation of theoretical techniques to determine whether it fits a patient's best interests is done by examining the goals of OT treatment for a specific individual. Introduction to the 3 Activities Some of the therapeutic techniques presented by Ryan in his book include cooking, leatherwork, woodworking, crafts, ceramics, metalworking, computer operations, fiber crafts and mosaic houses and minor media. Other scholars also agree with these activities as meaningful activities that allow patients to perform various activities on their own. In US news on “Money and Careers,” occupational therapists are considered one of the top professions of 2012 and are expected to grow in the coming years. In an article by Sinikka Pollanen, craft is seen as an important aspect of bringing about change within the therapeutic context. Linda Finlay in her book The Practice of Psychological Occupational Therapy considers cooking and other crafts as commonly used strategies in occupational therapy. Identifying Goals Evaluation of targeted activities involves examining the professional roles the patient performs as part of his or her normal daily routine. The therapist works... half of the document... 2005). Chapter 31: Arts and crafts as meaningful occupation. In K. Sladyk & S. Ryan (Eds.), Ryan's occupational therapy assistant: Principles, practice issues, and techniques (4 ed., pp. 399-404). Thorofare, NJ: Slack Incorporated. Finlay, L. (2004). The practice of psychosocial occupational therapy. Retrieved from http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=m7SnGfSxfaYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=the+practice+of+psychosocial+occupational+therapy&hl=en&sa=X&ei=R9l7T6TnEpH4sga7gsjECQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=the%20practice% 20of%20psychosocial%20occupationaltherapy%20&f=falseHellman, N. (2012). Best jobs 2012: Occupational therapist. Retrieved March 16, 2012, from http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2012/02/27/best-jobs-2012-occupational-therapistSinikka, P. (2009). Craft as a context in therapeutic change. Indian Journal of Occupational Therapy, XLI(2), 43-46.