Enabling Strategies: Facilitating Therapeutic Groups

Abstract

This subject extends students' knowledge of occupational therapy theory and practice to develop knowledge and skills in group therapy programs for a range of client groups (for example children, families, older adults) and purposes (for example therapy, education). Students will develop skills in designing and facilitating effective occupation-based groups by applying knowledge and design principles based on relevant theories such as occupational therapy theory and group theory. Students will experience working as a collaborative team member and will have opportunities to practice managing group dynamics and group facilitation skills, and to further develop their communication skills and strategies as a way to engage people in occupations in a group setting.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: Importance of occupation-based group therapy;Group theory including dynamics & social groups;Occupation-based group theory frameworks;Designing an occupation-based group program & protocol;Implementing an occupation-based group program & protocol;Group work facilitation skills; andIntentional communication skills.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

justify the purpose/s of group based therapy programs for a range of clients and outcomes;

design an occupation-based group therapy program through applying knowledge of group dynamics and health and wellness issues for a range of client groups;

apply therapeutic communication strategies to facilitate effective group development and cohesion, and to enable therapeutic outcomes;

facilitate an occupation-based group by applying knowledge developed through the practice, observation and self-reflection on group experiences;

apply professional reasoning and relevant evidence to justify a group therapy program design, including proposed facilitation strategies to be used, for a particular client group and outcome; and

work collaboratively as an effective team member.

Assumed knowledge

Knowledge of and skills in professional decision-making and critical thinking as applied to various client-based scenarios; understanding of and ability to apply key theoretical models, research and theories related to occupational therapy practice; understanding of person-centred practice.

Enrolment restrictions

Students must be enrolled in Bachelor of Occupational Therapy or Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

Pre-requisite