Module overview
This module will use an experiential approach to allow you to develop a range of communication skills that are required for effective therapeutic dialogue, which is a fundamental skill for occupational therapy practice.
You will:
- have the opportunity to reflect on your skills and identify areas for improvement;
- start to explore the concept of the 'therapeutic use of self' and have the opportunity to apply your skills in group and one to one sessions;
- work with a charity to observe a range of communication challenges and reflect on these challenges from the occupational therapy perspective.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use relevant professional literature to identify and explore the core components of therapeutic relationships that you will observe and experience during the module.
- Select and engage with relevant literature to support the development of your personal and professional insights into the communication challenges faced by yourself and service users.
- Discuss and reflect upon the theory and practical application of group work skills undertaken during the module.
- Recognise and discuss appropriate communication skills and use evidence to consider how these might be implemented and adapted to meet the needs of others.
- Explain key components of therapeutic use of self and use critical reflection to develop personal insight into the professional use of this key aspect of professional practice.
- Recognise the importance of a client-centred approach to occupational therapy practice and use personal insights gained during group work experiences to describe how this might be achieved.
Syllabus
Throughout this module you will participate in lectures, seminars and workshops which will allow you time to reflect on the effectiveness of your communication skills. You will also have the opportunity through a community project and experiential group sessions to start to develop your group work skills. Client centred practice and engagement skills thread through this module and form a foundation for your further studies at level 5 and level 6
In small groups you will work with a local charitable organisation, initially to understand the communication challenges the service users experience. You will focus on developing an understanding of using a client-centred approach to working with charity service users and staff. These experiences will enable you to appreciate the stages involved in developing professional and therapeutic relationships.
You will be expected to identify and implement realistic and appropriate means to maintain contact with the charity throughout the year as you will be working with the charity in greater detail at level 5
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
There will be a shared emphasis on experiential learning alongside seminars and lectures. In small groups you will be supported through personal and professional reflection to develop your understanding of key aspects of professional practice and therapeutic relationships.
You will be expected to engage with relevant and professional literature to further develop your understanding of the core concepts of communication explored and experienced.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wider reading or practice | 87.5 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 20 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 25 |
| Follow-up work | 20 |
| Seminar | 18 |
| Lecture | 17 |
| Total study time | 187.5 |
Resources & Reading list
Journal Articles
Tokolahi E, Em-Chhour C, Barkwill L, Stanley S (2013). An occupation based group for children with anxiety. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(1), pp. 31-36.
Cipriani J, Haley R, Moravec E, Young H (2010). Experience and meaning of group altruistic activities among long-term care residents. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(6), pp. 269-276.
Textbooks
Department of Health (2004). Choosing Health; Making Healthy Choices Easier. London: The Stationary Office.
Egan G (2007). The skilled helper; a problem management and opportunity-development approach to helping. Belmont CA: Thomson/Brooks Cole.
Sumsion T (2006). Client-centred practice in Occupational Therapy - a guide to implimentation. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Kotter J, Englar-Carlson M (2010). Learning group leadership - an experiential approach. California: Sage Publications Inc.
Nelson-Jones R (2001). Theory and practice of counselling and therapy. London: Sage.
Department of Health (2004). The NHS Improvement Plan; Putting people at the heart of public services. London: The Stationary Office.
Department of Health (2005). Creating a patient-led NHS: Delivering the NHS Improvement Plan. London: The Stationary Office.
Schon D (1983). The reflective practitioner. New York: Basic Books.
Glassman U (2009). Groupwork - a humanistic and skills building approach. California: Sage Publications Inc.
Department of Health (2008). Framing the Contribution of Allied Health Prpfessionals:Delivering High Quality Health Care. London: The Stationary Office.
McLeod, J (2003). An Introduction to Counselling. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Group work activities
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: You will receive constructive verbal feedback from your peers and the module tutors
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: Yes
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Critical Reflection | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Critical Reflection | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: External