ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the strategies for developing relationships with people in the placement context. It explains how to plan and do initial observations to gain an understanding of the placement context. The chapter explores the reflective activities to capitalise on the learning that takes place in the first one to two weeks of placement. Developing therapeutic rapport and working collaboratively with others involves being available, visible, approachable and helpful. Observing what happens in the placement setting will help us to identify supports and potential barriers to facilitating occupation (i.e. "Identifying resources and limitations within the client-centred performance context"). Observing in a range of contexts and different occupations is a helpful way for us to understand the placement setting and get to know the staff members and clients. The purpose of the general context observation is to develop our own understanding of the setting. Reflection can help us make sense of what is happening.
