Advice for group therapist.. in a state mental hospital.

Lady — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 13:50:40 GMT

I am a recently rehired group therapist for chronice scyizophyenics at a state mental hospital. Any good websites or advice for information including some of the latest research.. or just experience. I enjoy what I am doing and have a natural gift for it.. I just need an update on the latest research and and advice from people with experience in this area? The groups are titles stress management, nutrition, healthy living, symptom recovery. Patients are easily bored and need concrete.. advice.. and a thought for the day to take with them.. Any feeling about giving them a small token, like a stick of sugarless gum or sugarless tic tac.. at the end of the class. I like serving them a cup of water to help with their dry mouth and mine at times. Free handouts,, pamplets. booklets and such .and where I could order them would be great. Thanks

RE: Advice for group therapist.. in a state mental hospital.

Donna aka Maya — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:44:22 GMT

Hi, I am a nurse who has had much experience with this in different settings. I will try to share my knowledge/experience with you as it comes to me. First I will start by saying God Bless You for having a natural gift for it and enjoying what you are doing. Not everyone can say this and they need people like you. Myself, I had a bad experience and since have been diagnosed with PTSD. Oh, the irony since I was run over by a schitzophrenic in an electric scooter at a veteran's home and I used to think that diagnosis was reserved for them.

RE: Advice for group therapist.. in a state mental hospital.

Donna aka Maya — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:04:13 GMT

Hi Lady, I found a site which is more for home based caregivers but I think it will help anyway: http://www.caregiver.com/schizophrenia/articles/caregiver_and_schiz.htm

RE: Advice for group therapist.. in a state mental hospital.

Donna aka Maya — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:07:28 GMT

Looks like that got cut off. Do you think schizophrenia is a hard word to spell cuz I do. And by the way...you are helping me with this question because it is helping me understand better by doing some research for you. Now I will try again: http://www.caregiver.com/schizophrenia/articles/caregiver_and_schiz.htm

RE: Advice for group therapist.. in a state mental hospital.

Donna aka Maya — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:09:15 GMT

Even though it looks cut off you can still click on it and it will take you there cuz I tried it.

RE: Advice for group therapist.. in a state mental hospital.

Lady — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:23:00 GMT

Thanks Maya.. I read the whole article.. One part of it seems important to remember. There is no one right thing to say. Trying to understand what they are going through while focusing on something simple that they may be able to relate to, sounds like good advice to me. Also, can be used to back off administration a bit if they think there is one catch all phrase for all situation. Each situation has to be dealt with individually and on the spot. Thinking on your toes. I find it liberating to hear someone else say.. there is no one way to deal with these type of patients. Thanks again

RE: Advice for group therapist.. in a state mental hospital.

Donna aka Maya — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:39:36 GMT

Hi, here is just a bit on experience as you asked about giving them things by mouth. I would check with nursing staff first. Even water...some may not be able to have it as strange as it seems or some may have to have it thickened to a certain consistency. I would just as rule of thumb check on anything by mouth. If you have access to their charts it is helpful and you probably already know everythings a doctors order anyway.