Rollin' Down the River (Kawa Model)

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    The KAWA Model is a fairly new model used by occupational therapists that was made in 2000 in Japan by Dr. Michael Iwama. This model describes your life as a flowing river in a very symbolic way. The word "kawa" is Japanese for river. In that life-river is many different components such as obstacles, relationships, and other aspects. The relationships and client context of the river is known as the floor and walls of the river or in Japanese, "torimarki." This consists of things that build your river. It is relationships that are important to you and the different social and physical elements important in your life. The obstacles in the Kawa Model are described as rocks or "iwa." These are disturbances in your lifeline-river that may cause blockage in your river or struggles. The client factors of the Kawa Model are considered driftwood or "ryuboku." These are different traits, characteristics, and skills that make you you. The driftwood can be positive or even negative, depending on the person. Lastly, are the spaces between all the obstructions. This is where occupational therapy fits in. It is important as occupational therapists to try and lessen the barriers within our clients; lessening the harshness of the rocks.

    Below is a picture of MY Kawa Model. It shows my rocks, driftwood, and even my walls. My walls are brown and on the sides, my rocks are gray, and my driftwood is orange. I started my river at birth and left room for the remainder of my life. 

Rocks

    As a child, my parent's divorced and one of my parents moved away. These were both difficult for me. Later, I struggled making friends in undergrad and started applying to OT schools

Walls & Floor

    Growing up I had support from both of my parents and I was raised in two homes. Further in life I met Sarah & Raney, my two best friends, ands then I met Connor and we got married. I met August in undergrad and became friends. As you can see, the order of events on the walls go along with my lifeline.

Driftwood

    I grew up Christian and learned early on the importance of honesty. After getting accepted into OT school I learned that hard work pays off. 















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