Sally Wasmuth
Associate ProfessorOccupational Therapy
ude[dot]ui[at]htumsaws
Identity Development Evolution and Sharing (IDEAS), and Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy for the Occupational Therapy Practitioner
Dr. Wasmuth's research focuses on creating and testing occupation-based interventions to support meaningful participation as a preventative measure for people at risk of developing substance use disorders and/or other life challenges related to social dislocation and occupational injustice. As an occupational therapist and health services researcher, Dr. Wasmuth has developed and assessed ‘Identity Development Exploration and Sharing’ (IDEAS), which is a model of telling true stories of populations harmed by stigma through theatre to prompt healthcare providers and community members to explore and confront their implicit biases. Dr. Wasmuth has also spearheaded the translation of Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy for the occupational therapy practitioner (MERIT-OT) to support holistic, person-centered care for people with mental health conditions. Overall, her research is directed toward illuminating the human condition in ways that de-stigmatize mental health conditions and improve clinicians' ability to apply occupation-based interventions that enhance metacognition, meaningfulness, social participation, and other wellness-related outcomes.