Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Journal Article Reflection
Journal Article Title: "Art-Based Occupation Group Reduces Parent
Anxiety in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit:
A Mixed-Methods Study"
This article described a group of parents with children in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that participated in an art-based occupation group doing scrapbooking. The aim of the study was to see if stress (i.e. anxiety) was reduced after participation in this group art-based occupation. The study was a mixed-methods study and data was collected in two ways. First, data was collected via an assessment to measure the anxiety of the parents before and after the session. Second, an interview was performed to assess the parent's experience of the group. As a result, this study found that anxiety did decrease after participation in the art-based group session. During the interviews, several themes emerged that were common among the parents. The main themes were as follows: distraction, calming and relaxing, fun and enjoyable, looking to the future, and time to share with other and reducing isolation.
I enjoyed that this article was a mixed methods study. I liked that the study not only quantitatively measured anxiety but also evaluated the experience of the subjects within the group. Within this article, it seemed that doing this activity in a group setting was beneficial because it allowed the parents to step away from their current situations and be with others that are in similar situations. Scrapbooking gave the parents a medium to express themselves and to describe their child and NICU experiences. Before my Groups course, I would have thought of the activity (scrapbooking) as the most important part of the intervention for these parents, but it seems, based on my experience in Groups class and the information in this article, that the group itself is just as essential. The group session provides a meeting place to share experiences and to be with others in similar situations. As stated in this article, isolation was addressed through the group process, a theme that would have never emerged in an individual scrapbooking session. I love the power of groups that I have seen in my Groups course and in this article. Having this understanding of the benefits of groups, I hope to incorporate more groups into my future occupational therapy practice. I truly believe that there are underestimated occupational results that can only be achieved using the group process.
Mouradian, L. E., DeGrace, B. W., & Thompson, D. M. (2013). Art-based occupation group reduces parent anxiety in the NICU: A mixed-methods study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67, 692–700. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2013.007682
This article described a group of parents with children in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that participated in an art-based occupation group doing scrapbooking. The aim of the study was to see if stress (i.e. anxiety) was reduced after participation in this group art-based occupation. The study was a mixed-methods study and data was collected in two ways. First, data was collected via an assessment to measure the anxiety of the parents before and after the session. Second, an interview was performed to assess the parent's experience of the group. As a result, this study found that anxiety did decrease after participation in the art-based group session. During the interviews, several themes emerged that were common among the parents. The main themes were as follows: distraction, calming and relaxing, fun and enjoyable, looking to the future, and time to share with other and reducing isolation.
I enjoyed that this article was a mixed methods study. I liked that the study not only quantitatively measured anxiety but also evaluated the experience of the subjects within the group. Within this article, it seemed that doing this activity in a group setting was beneficial because it allowed the parents to step away from their current situations and be with others that are in similar situations. Scrapbooking gave the parents a medium to express themselves and to describe their child and NICU experiences. Before my Groups course, I would have thought of the activity (scrapbooking) as the most important part of the intervention for these parents, but it seems, based on my experience in Groups class and the information in this article, that the group itself is just as essential. The group session provides a meeting place to share experiences and to be with others in similar situations. As stated in this article, isolation was addressed through the group process, a theme that would have never emerged in an individual scrapbooking session. I love the power of groups that I have seen in my Groups course and in this article. Having this understanding of the benefits of groups, I hope to incorporate more groups into my future occupational therapy practice. I truly believe that there are underestimated occupational results that can only be achieved using the group process.
Mouradian, L. E., DeGrace, B. W., & Thompson, D. M. (2013). Art-based occupation group reduces parent anxiety in the NICU: A mixed-methods study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67, 692–700. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2013.007682
Friday, March 2, 2018
Post-Group Facilitation Reflection #2
Today, I facilitated a group of my classmates on the topic of safety and emergency maintenance. The group protocol was designed for a population falling into Allen's Cognitive Levels of 4.5 to 5.5 who seek to live independently. I paired Allen's Cognitive Levels with Cognitive Behavioral theory to focus on a change of mindset and habits in relation to safety. The title of my group was called "Living Safely in Your Home" and this session was focused on kitchen hazards and a fire escape plan. The group session followed Cole's 7 steps: introduction, activity, sharing, processing, generalizing, application, and summary.
In the introduction, I felt I adequately explained the purpose, communicated my expectations for the members, and provided a simple outline of the structure of the group session. In the activities portion, I felt my preparation was good and that I gave directions clearly to the group. I felt the timing of the activities was good as well, in that they were not too short or too long. After each activity, each of the group members were allowed to share. I felt I used appropriate communication, but I felt I could have done a better job of linking the comments of the members and encouraging more in-depth thinking through asking subsequent questions. In processing, I felt I could have done more to ask each group member about their feelings about the experience and each other. In generalizing, I think I could have done more to point out similar and dissimilar responses and generalize overarching principles. I felt that I did well with the application portion in pointing out the meaning of the activities and encouraging the members to think about how the activities apply and can be used in their lives. I felt that I summarized the group well by repeating important concepts that were covered. At the end of the session, I thanked each member for their participation and ended the group on time. During the group session as a whole, I felt that group motivation was excellent and that my listening and responses to comments encouraged more discussion. I felt that I limited unwanted behavior without changing the positive dynamic of the group.
Overall, I felt this group session went well. I feel that there are still ways that I can improve, but I can tell that I am more confident in my abilities as a group facilitator. From the last group session I led, I feel I am more succinct in my directions and comments and that I was better able to listen to each person's comments. I am excited to see these improvements and I am eager to continue improving!
In the introduction, I felt I adequately explained the purpose, communicated my expectations for the members, and provided a simple outline of the structure of the group session. In the activities portion, I felt my preparation was good and that I gave directions clearly to the group. I felt the timing of the activities was good as well, in that they were not too short or too long. After each activity, each of the group members were allowed to share. I felt I used appropriate communication, but I felt I could have done a better job of linking the comments of the members and encouraging more in-depth thinking through asking subsequent questions. In processing, I felt I could have done more to ask each group member about their feelings about the experience and each other. In generalizing, I think I could have done more to point out similar and dissimilar responses and generalize overarching principles. I felt that I did well with the application portion in pointing out the meaning of the activities and encouraging the members to think about how the activities apply and can be used in their lives. I felt that I summarized the group well by repeating important concepts that were covered. At the end of the session, I thanked each member for their participation and ended the group on time. During the group session as a whole, I felt that group motivation was excellent and that my listening and responses to comments encouraged more discussion. I felt that I limited unwanted behavior without changing the positive dynamic of the group.
Overall, I felt this group session went well. I feel that there are still ways that I can improve, but I can tell that I am more confident in my abilities as a group facilitator. From the last group session I led, I feel I am more succinct in my directions and comments and that I was better able to listen to each person's comments. I am excited to see these improvements and I am eager to continue improving!
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Leadership Summit
Today, I met with a couple of my classmates about our group protocols for our groups we are leading next week. We shared our group topics, explained the theories we are using, and talked about our activities that we have planned. I asked for and shared feedback. I gave feedback on theories as well as activity ideas to my classmates. When I bounced my ideas off of them, they gave great feedback that further shaped my group protocol. I was surprised to see how my protocol changed when I relayed my ideas off of my classmates. They seemed appreciative of my input as well. The most useful feedback I received was related to my activities as they are going to be below the cognitive level of my group. Having talked to my classmates about my own protocol, I feel more confident for my upcoming group. I have some changes to make to my protocol and I am excited that it will be better than how it began.
"Just For Today" - Attending a 12-step NA Meeting
I attended a 12-step, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting with my classmate, Rachel W. The group was titled "You + Me = We" and meets every morning at 8 am for an hour. The group was held in the Cooper-Young area of Memphis is an upstairs room in an historical building. The room was plain, with the exception of NA material, with a table in the middle of the room. Some of the group members sat around the table, other sat in chairs on the edge of the room. In this meeting there were only 6 members and the leader. This is a small group that meets, but I felt this led to better discussion because each person had an opportunity to talk. The meeting environment was simple and unassuming, and the members seemed to feel at ease to share and discuss. The group leader was a fellow recovering addict and used a facilitative leadership style. He started the meeting by directing everyone in the introduction readings and he also took the lead in the closing statements. Throughout the main part of the group session, the leader allowed the group members decide what the topic would be and allowed them to discuss at random. He invited the group members to share but did not force anyone to share. Everything each group member said was heard with respect from the group leader and other group members. The group leader also personally shared along with the rest of the group members, role-modeling the desired behavior. I believe the group was a behavioral cognitive group because of the focus on changing your habits and mindset in order to change behavior.
I thought the group was very therapeutic. Each time the group meets, they have a set reading and routine for the beginning and end of the session. I think the consistent routine is helpful and therapeutic for the group members, and serves to remind them of their commitment each day. The group members are allowed to share what is on their hearts as well as listen to what the other members have to say. I think being able to share and relate to others is therapeutic and motivating for the group members.
Previously, I would have thought that this type of laid back leadership would cause the group to stray from the topic but I found that this group was very self-disciplined and followed the rules preset for NA. I was glad that I got to experience the benefits of a largely self-directed but structured group process. I think this structure allowed the group members to be themselves and share what they determined important to share. After this group, I feel like I have a greater understanding for how groups really function and how they can function to promote change. Several members of the group shared the impact of this group for their recovery. I thought it was neat that the group members recognized the importance of the group process. It is amazing how a group of people can get together and achieve what they failed to do individually. What I loved the most was the sharing and relating that occurred in the group between members.
I hope that in the future I have an opportunity like this again, to attend a 12-step meeting for those in recovery. Yes, I learned about groups, but I also learned more about the people attending recovery groups like NA. I walked away with a new understanding of addiction and the struggle that is faced by these brave people each day.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Post-Group Facilitation Reflection #1
Yesterday, I co-facilitated a group session with my classmate, Rachel. The group's title was "Active Listening: Learning to Listen Better." Seven of my other classmates where the group members. The session lasted just under 40 minutes.
A couple of weeks before the session, Rachel and I began to plan what we would like to do during this group session. We decided together on group activities and discussion points, and with the approval of the teachers, we felt secure in our preparedness for the session. I felt the group protocol was mutually agreed upon and that it was laid out clearly and orderly.
During the group session, we aimed to walk through Cole's seven steps, which are: introduction, activity, sharing, processing, generalizing, application, and summary.
Introduction: I felt that our performance was excellent in explaining the purpose of the group, in communicating expectations of the group members, and in giving a brief outline of the session. The warm-up went smoothly as well.
Activities: I felt we had all of the appropriate materials ready for the activities and that directions were given clearly. Both activities happened as planned. The group members seemed to understand the meaning of the activities and were able to participate in meaningful conversations about the activities.
Sharing: Discussion about the first activity was challenging because the group members were not elaborating in their discussion. Rachel and I had to ask many deeper questions to facilitate more discussion. I felt we did well with being adaptable and thinking on the spot. I think if we were to do this again, I would write out more questions or topics to discuss to help the group members in warming up to deeper discussion. The discussion after the second activity went better than planned and the group members dove into a deeper discussion of the topic. During each discussion, we allowed each of the group members to share thoughts as they were willing. I thought we provided appropriate verbal and nonverbal feedback to each comment said.
Processing: Along with sharing, we had the group members share their feelings about how it felt when they were actively listened to, as it lined up with the activity. They shared many experiences and feelings as it related to active listening. Rachel and I tried to have the group reflect on each activity as it was performed so that the group members could reflect and process their feelings as related to the activity and to real-life experiences.
Generalizing: We had the group members share an experience where there was or was not active listening occurring. There were similarities in responses and I felt that I tried to make some connections between these responses. I know I could have done a better job pointing out the similar and dissimilar responses. That is something I hope to improve on in my next group facilitation.
Application: I felt Rachel and I did a good job of getting the group members to make the application connection and emphasizing the significance of each activities. We used the personal stories of the group members to make connections to our activities. We had them practice the skills we learned so that they could better apply the skills in real life.
Summary: I felt we summarized the group succinctly by reviewing what was covered and bringing out important points of discussion and application. We thanked the group members for their participation and ended the session on time.
I felt the group was not as motivated to participate in the beginning of the session but by the second activity that they warmed up and provided deeper discussion. I thought Rachel and I did a good job of letting each person speak. We tried to encourage any active listening discussion and tried to limit side stories that occurred. When we thought a person's story was leaving the point of discussion, we would ask a question related to their story that was applicable to active listening. I felt inappropriate behavior was kept to a minimum. I felt we had control of the group while still allowing active discussion. Overall, I thought this group session went really well. I can imagine that with more difficult group members, we might have had a different outcome.
I felt like this was a beneficial group for the members involved. I also felt that I grew as a group leader and that I learned more about active listening just from participating in the group. I loved this experience and I am excited to participate and facilitate in more of these group sessions!
A couple of weeks before the session, Rachel and I began to plan what we would like to do during this group session. We decided together on group activities and discussion points, and with the approval of the teachers, we felt secure in our preparedness for the session. I felt the group protocol was mutually agreed upon and that it was laid out clearly and orderly.
During the group session, we aimed to walk through Cole's seven steps, which are: introduction, activity, sharing, processing, generalizing, application, and summary.
Introduction: I felt that our performance was excellent in explaining the purpose of the group, in communicating expectations of the group members, and in giving a brief outline of the session. The warm-up went smoothly as well.
Activities: I felt we had all of the appropriate materials ready for the activities and that directions were given clearly. Both activities happened as planned. The group members seemed to understand the meaning of the activities and were able to participate in meaningful conversations about the activities.
Sharing: Discussion about the first activity was challenging because the group members were not elaborating in their discussion. Rachel and I had to ask many deeper questions to facilitate more discussion. I felt we did well with being adaptable and thinking on the spot. I think if we were to do this again, I would write out more questions or topics to discuss to help the group members in warming up to deeper discussion. The discussion after the second activity went better than planned and the group members dove into a deeper discussion of the topic. During each discussion, we allowed each of the group members to share thoughts as they were willing. I thought we provided appropriate verbal and nonverbal feedback to each comment said.
Processing: Along with sharing, we had the group members share their feelings about how it felt when they were actively listened to, as it lined up with the activity. They shared many experiences and feelings as it related to active listening. Rachel and I tried to have the group reflect on each activity as it was performed so that the group members could reflect and process their feelings as related to the activity and to real-life experiences.
Generalizing: We had the group members share an experience where there was or was not active listening occurring. There were similarities in responses and I felt that I tried to make some connections between these responses. I know I could have done a better job pointing out the similar and dissimilar responses. That is something I hope to improve on in my next group facilitation.
Application: I felt Rachel and I did a good job of getting the group members to make the application connection and emphasizing the significance of each activities. We used the personal stories of the group members to make connections to our activities. We had them practice the skills we learned so that they could better apply the skills in real life.
Summary: I felt we summarized the group succinctly by reviewing what was covered and bringing out important points of discussion and application. We thanked the group members for their participation and ended the session on time.
I felt the group was not as motivated to participate in the beginning of the session but by the second activity that they warmed up and provided deeper discussion. I thought Rachel and I did a good job of letting each person speak. We tried to encourage any active listening discussion and tried to limit side stories that occurred. When we thought a person's story was leaving the point of discussion, we would ask a question related to their story that was applicable to active listening. I felt inappropriate behavior was kept to a minimum. I felt we had control of the group while still allowing active discussion. Overall, I thought this group session went really well. I can imagine that with more difficult group members, we might have had a different outcome.
I felt like this was a beneficial group for the members involved. I also felt that I grew as a group leader and that I learned more about active listening just from participating in the group. I loved this experience and I am excited to participate and facilitate in more of these group sessions!
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Conflict Resolution
Within the workplace, there are
several professional attributes that professionals should be striving to
master. Conflict resolution is a key characteristic that promotes success in the workplace.
One of the main reasons that conflict
occurs is because of poor communication.
Poor communication could occur because unclear directions, poor
listening, or misunderstandings. In any
of these situations, proper communication could have prevented the misunderstanding
that leads to conflict. Conflict can also
occur because of a difference in personalities and values (Johnson, n.d.). Because people are unique and have a freedom
to choose who they are and what they believe, there are bound to be differences
between people. These differences can
get in way of working together or deciding how to proceed on a project.
Should conflict be avoided altogether? Should we try our best to simply appease everyone
around us? Having conflict can be beneficial,
I believe. Conflict can change a person’s
way of thinking and result with the best parts of multiple people’s ideas. Conflicts can give rise to better solutions. Conflicts, if handled appropriately, can strengthen a team as opposed to weakening one.
Conflict resolution can occur when
people respect each other and each other’s opinions. In resolving conflict, one should separate
the personal values and beliefs of a person from the problem at hand and really
listen to the ideas that the other person has.
Once listening has occurred, then he or she can feel free to share ideas
and facts that they feel are relevant to solving the problem. After this, collaboration can occur where the
result is an agreeable compromise or a new and better idea (Mind Tools Content Team, n.d.). Conflict is not something to run away from,
but instead, if used properly, can be a catalyst for innovation and
team building.
Johnson, R. (n.d.). What causes
employee conflict in the workplace? Chron.
Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/causes-employee-conflict-workplace-21264.html
Mind Tools Content Team. (n.d.).
Conflict resolution: Using the “interest-based relational” approach. MindTools. Retrieved from https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_81.htm
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