The KAWA Model

The KAWA Model was developed by Japanese occupational therapists in 2000 in order to socially and culturally communicate their view of occupation and wellbeing to the world. While the western perspective focuses on the individual and a client's independence, the eastern perspective focuses more on the concept that that self and environment are connected together in one inseparable ball.  The word "Kawa" is Japanese for river so this model uses a river as a metaphor to represent life. The river is seen as a journey that flows through time and space and the optimal state of well-being can be portrayed by a river with a strong, deep flow. There are also other elements in a river that depict different things in our life, such as water (flow of life), walls and floors (social and physical elements), rocks (obstacles), driftwood (traits), and spaces (therapy). 

The picture above is a drawing of my river and how it pertains to my life. My walls and floors are my support system, my family, friends, education, and home. I have had struggles and obstacles in my life, such as loss of family, friends, jobs, and the new stressors that have occurred when moving to a new place and starting grad school. However, I also have various things such as a stable family, my religion and being able to learn about occupational therapy that have kept me afloat. I know my journey is not complete and I will encounter many more rocks in life, but I have my foundation and my driftwood throughout life to keep me floating and moving forward. 

As occupational therapists, we support clients in figuring out ways to lessen their barriers so they can achieve the best quality of life. This model allows clients to understand what occupational therapists do and why it is important.