What were some early names used for occupational therapy?

The early names used for occupational therapy often reflect its foundational principles and practices. "Ergo-therapy" refers to the use of work or purposeful activities as therapeutic interventions, emphasizing the importance of engaging clients in meaningful tasks as a means of supporting their rehabilitation. "Activity therapy" directly points to the involvement of clients in activities that help improve their physical and mental health. Additionally, "moral treatment" was a widely used philosophy in the 18th and 19th centuries, advocating for humane treatment and engagement in meaningful activities as a method to foster wellness and recovery among individuals with mental health issues.

These terms highlight the essential elements of occupational therapy that focus on the therapeutic value of engagement in everyday activities and the promotion of overall well-being, which remains central to the practice today.