Introduction/Rationale: The goal-setting process is an important but challenging component in the therapeutic process between immigrant families of children with disabilities and their occupational therapists. Aligning the goals to the values and resources of the family is essential in establishing and sustaining the therapeutic relationship. Collaborative goal-setting with the families ensures family-centered occupational therapy.
Objectives: To explore how immigrant families of children with disabilities contribute to and influence the occupational therapy goal-setting process.
Methods/Approach: A qualitative methodology using constructivist grounded theory was employed. This methodology facilitated the co-construction of theory with the participants, grounded on the data.
Results/Practice implications: This study’s preliminary results are that wants and goals are two distinct yet interconnected concepts that must be emphasised in the therapeutic process established with immigrant families of children with disabilities. Immigrant families initially express their wants, which are often misconstrued or overlooked in the goal-setting process. This results in a feeling of being incompetent or not being heard in the goal-setting process. Thereby, decentring the family in the therapeutic process.
Conclusion/Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: Collaborative culturally responsive therapeutic process involves shifting and centering the position of the immigrant families of children with disabilities. This can only be achieved by understanding and integrating the wants of the families in the occupational therapy therapeutic process. Recognising and addressing their wants helps occupational therapists contextually position the family within their cultural, social and political context.