Virginia Ward (co-facilitator)
2/12/18
11AM-12PM in Nolen Media Lab
In preparation for facilitation of a group session, Whitney and I meet to discuss a plan for the group. We based our group off of the cognitive behavioral frame of reference (FoR). In this FoR, a goal is to change a performance pattern that an individual has. This could be a role, routine, habit, or ritual. A goal for this session was to focus on establishing a routine for cultivating a positive attitude. During the session, members were asked to look within themselves for a time they had a negative thought in or about a situation. A variety of methods were used to assist in the cognitive thought process. The group session lasted no more than an hour and direct facilitation was provided from group facilitators.
As a warm up, each group member was asked to share their level positivity on a 1-10 scale. One is very negative and ten is very positive. This gave a based line of how each member felt before starting the activity.
For the activity, a rock and a black sharpie was preset at each group members chair. They were asked to write a negative thought that they have had in or about a situation. Whitney gave an example to assist with focusing the members thought process. Members were given around five minutes to process the question and write it out on the rock. A stretchy fabric was passed out and each group member used both hands to hold the fabric. Directions were clearly given for each member to share their negative thought and place the rock on the fabric. After a few rocks were placed on the fabric, the fabric began to sag. Group facilitators recommend picking the fabric up higher to facilitate the tactile response. As group facilitators, we wanted each member to feel the weight that negative thoughts can have on a person. This could only be achieved by preventing the fabric from touching an object below it. Once the group shared their negative thoughts and placed rocks on fabric, members were asked to pick another group members rock and share a way the situation could be turned into a positive one. This is an area directions should be given clearly. The initial response from the members was to drop the fabric and grab a rock. The intended purpose was for group members to continue to hold the fabric and go in a circle to share. Instead of correcting the group, the group leaders let this happen. Directions were not given clearly and instead of scolding group, the goal was to keep things positive. Group members shared ways to find a positive in a negative situation. Members then passed rocks back to original creator, so they could process how they would look positively into their own situation. Metallic colors and glitter pens were provided to decorate the positive thoughts. Finally each group member was asked to share their positive thoughts they wrote on their rock. Sharing was accomplished through the warm up and activity.
Processing was facilitated by asking how each member felt during the activity. The facilitators wanted to know if the group members felt the negativity lifted off of them. This was shown though a nod of heads when asked if members have moved up on the positivity scale. Facilitators pointed out similarities in members answers.
Generalizing was similar to processing. Similarities and differences between group members answers were pointed out from start of activity to end. It was interesting to see the members move toward spirituality for their positive thoughts. A goal for future sessions is to reinforce the habit of positive thoughts in a negative situation to cultivate a positive attitude.
Group motivation was achieved from generalizing stage and the summary stage. The facilitators wanted the group members to not feel alone in their negative thoughts and see that others struggle with negative thoughts. Group members were encouraged to practice their positive thinking in the next week.
I do think our session could have been longer, but we did achieve a deeper understanding of each member through the activities. In retrospect, it would have been a good idea to have a plan B to extend the time.
For the application, members were asked to apply positive thoughts in their life in the next week and share the impact of what could happen. Application was taken a step further and members were asked to apply this to their future career in occupational therapy. This question received the greatest application. This allowed for members to think of themselves in their clients shoes. They could see the struggles their clients would face and how to assist them in thinking of positive thoughts.
All in all, the facilitators wanted the members to feel a burden lifted off of them, to have a new perspective on the negative situations they may face, and to see the implication in professional life.
As a facilitator of the group, I was nervous before leading the session. I loved that all the members participated and shared their real feelings. This helped the group to grow closer together. Areas of improvement for the next time facilitating a group would be to have a plan B if activities run short and to give clearer directions. Examples can been seen in the above reflection.
