Journey Through OT School

The article I decided to write this blog post about is from AOTA, and it is about evaluating social behavioral changes through occupational therapy activity groups.  The article observed 31 people who received 1 month of skilled OT services in the form of psychosocial group activities.  The participants took a Social Profile test before they received a month of therapy, and after they received therapy. There were considerable improvements in the scores, which are all positive improvements.  The results of the study support the idea that occupational therapy group sessions may assist in learning/recovering social participation skills, as evidenced by the pretest and posttest Social Profile scores. The study included patients with diagnoses of bipolar disorder, major depression, schizo-affective disorder, and schizophrenia.  According to the study, the members all presented with negative symptoms, such as lack of eye contact, lack of interest ...

Last week, I sat in on a NA (narcotics anonymous) meeting.  This group meets every morning at 8am, for around an hour.  This meeting was very laid back.  Some group members sat on the outsides of the room, while other sat at the table in the center of the room.  There were about 8 members not including the group leader.  I think that this gave each member more of an opportunity to share, since NA is a sensitive subject and every one has a story.  I felt as if most member's were routine visitors, because some referred to each other by first name, and they all had relaxed posture, smiled, and overall seemed to enjoy each others presence. I really enjoyed watching the group leader.  I think he did an excellent job of asking questions to really get the members to reflect before answering.  He dug deeper, but not in an obtrusive way.  The members really seemed to respect the group leader, and look up to him.  He did not force anyone to share...

Today, I facilitated my second group session on communication management.  However, this was my first time doing the activity without a partner, so I was a little nervous to see how I would do.  Even though I was nervous, I think I did an OK job.  My group members were active and engaged in the session and overall, seemed to enjoy it.  I started off my session with having each group member introduce themselves and share their favorite method of communication.  Next, we played a short game that many people in my group played when they were younger, called 'telephone'.  Everyone seemed like they had fun playing the game, which relieved my nervous-ness a little. I think that the activity I chose may have been better if I had a bigger group to facilitate with.  However, I think that it went well.  Everyone was laughing and having a good time trying to draw and the discussion that flowed afterwards went well, too. Of course, every member in my group ...

This week, I met with 2 other classmates that are also facilitating the same (original) day as I was.  My topic is over communication management, but my classmates facilitation is on health management and maintenance, and play participation.  I think it was very helpful to meet and collaborate with each other.  I have been trying to figure out which theory I wanted to use with my activity and I've been really stumped, but having a new set of eyes look over my draft was super beneficial.  I was also a little skeptical of my activities but my classmates reassured me that it was a solid group therapy session and they would enjoy it.  Feedback I think was the most beneficial part of the collaboration!  I also thought it was helpful to get input from my classmates on different ideas, like goals and discussion questions.   Going forward, I think I will seek out feedback and collaboration from my peers, whether that is in my academic setting or in my future ...

On Friday morning, I co-facilitated a group therapy session with one of my classmates.  Our topic was "Relating to Others".  Overall, the session went well but I do think it could have ran a little smoother.  If Katherine and I were to perform this activity again with another group, I think that it would flow almost perfectly.  Our group members throughly enjoyed the session; they almost seemed sad that the activity had to end.  To open up the session, Katherine and I explained who we were and what the goal of our group session was.  Then, we asked everyone to go around and introduce themselves, rate their energy on a scale of 1-10, and name their favorite candy bar.  Not only did our group members do just that, but they also explained why they rated their energy level and why they liked the candy bar they named.  I think that we could have given our group an outline or age...