Canadian occupational therapists have increasingly adopted a client-centred approach to practice. Interpretation of what "client-centred" means has been diverse and varied. Professionals have written about the characteristics of this approach to care but no reported studies could be found that examined the client's perspective. The omission of the client perspective is puzzling when partnership, client involvement in decision making, and client empowerment are thought to be fundamental elements of this approach to practice. A qualitative research approach, using focus groups was employed to explore the opinions and perspectives of individuals with experience of mental illness and the mental health service delivery system. Seventeen individuals participated in three focus groups to discuss the meaning of a client-centred approach to practice. Participants assessed the inadequacies of past and present practices and recommended needed changes. Their central message was the need for individuals with mental illness to be viewed as valuable human beings by service providers and by society.

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One form of psychiatric leisure rehabilitation which has only recently been explored for individuals with schizophrenia is Therapeutic Horseback Riding (THBR). This study is the first to examine THBR for Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) patients with schizophrenia. A sample of 6 ACT patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who reside in the community and 6 mental health care staff participated in 10 weeks of weekly horseback riding sessions with an experienced THBR instructor. Participating patients, staff and the THBR instructor were qualitatively interviewed at the start, during and at the end of the THBR program and these semi-structured interviews were analyzed for recurrent themes. We found that THBR benefitted this group of patients. In spite of our study's limitations, such as its exploratory nature and the small sample size, it demonstrates that THBR has promise and should be further developed and studied for individuals with schizophrenia.

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Research studies that explore quality of life issues from the perspective of individuals living with mental illnesses, and from the perspective of their family members, are difficult to find in the literature. This study used qualitative strategies to assist policy makers in developing an appreciation of the perspectives of people with mental illnesses and family members on this very important topic. Results support the need for continued peer support and advocacy services; for a continued focus on promoting and supporting recovery for individuals living with mental illnesses; and for a service system that acknowledges and addresses the needs of family members.