Program Overview

OCC205 Enabling Strategies: Working with Groups

This subject builds on knowledge developed in the first year occupational therapy and the social science subjects. During this subject, students will begin to develop skills working with people who have psychosocial health and wellness issues. A main intervention strategy that will be covered in this subject is the use of groupwork. Students will develop their skills, and have opportunities to practice, managing group dynamics and group facilitation skills. They will further develop their communication skills and strategies as a way to engage people, in particular those who have psychosocial health and wellness issues, in occupations. Students will develop knowledge of the use of creative, restorative and productive occupations in professional practice and skills in how to integrate these into therapeutic groupwork.

Subject Information

• Grading System: HD/FL
• Duration: One session
• School: School of Community Health
• Enrolment Restrictions: Students must be enrolled in Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
• 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.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to discuss the role of occupational therapy in the field of psychosocial health and wellbeing
• be able to discuss why and how occupational therapists use groupwork in contemporary practice
• be able to articulate professional reasoning in the designing, planning, implementation, evaluation and critique of a group therapy program
• be able to develop an occupation-focused group work program that demonstrates key group facilitation and management skills, an understanding of group dynamics, and an understanding of different types of groups
• be able to demonstrate beginning skills in coaching and motivational interviewing as strategies to foster engagement
• be able to demonstrate the relevance of groupwork as an intervention strategy, particularly for people who have psychosocial health and wellness issues

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Working in psychosocial health and well being
• Overview of the history and origins of group work in general and within occupational therapy and how this has impacted on contemporary occupational therapy practice
• Professional reasoning, theoretical models and frameworks that underpin group occupational therapy programs
• Exploring respectful and effective group work strategies that can be used for people from diverse backgrounds
• Designing, planning, implementing and evaluating group occupational therapy programs
• Group facilitation skills, group dynamics, managing and fostering effective group dynamics
• Advanced communication skills to engage people in groupwork and occupation
• Occupational engagement and choice
• Promoting health through occupational engagement

Availability

• Session: Session 2 (60)
• Location: On Campus, available at Albury-Wodonga Campus and Port Macquarie Campus.