Abstract The aim of this study was to determine how occupational therapists from The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium promote the autonomy of clients with persistent mental illness. Sixty occupational therapists working in psychosocial mental health completed two semi‐structured questionnaires. Data were analysed by applying the constant comparative method. The results of the study show the importance of handling motivation in relation to personal autonomy and the different strategies occupational therapists use in promoting autonomy. In conclusion, enhancing clients' personal autonomy will empower and help them to discover meaningful occupations. More in‐depth information could have been obtained using an interview in combination with observations. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies used by occupational therapists in promoting clients' autonomy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.