Utilizing Technology To Empower Those with Mental Illness

As a psychotherapist at a partial hospitalization program, I provide a variety of psycho-education groups based off of my specializations and interest of the population I serve. One of the joys of this role has been the freedom to introduce a variety of modalities to my patients.

The picture attached to this post, is a set up for a psycho education group called “Current Events”. This group focusing on raising awareness of global and local issues including domestic news. Participants gain and understanding of the world’s economy, politics, social structures and environment in order to make the best decisions about how to live their own lives.Various methods are utilized to expose participants, previously the news paper was used, media clips are viewed from various media outlets including CNN, CBS, NBC . Participants engage in group discussions regarding content viewed are asked to share their opinion and give feedback.

It was previously facilitated with the the group facilitator sharing events utilizing a newspaper. When I inherited the Current Events group from another clinician, I brought a mini projector to hook up to my iPad with a mini speaker.

What a difference it made with my patients, it’s one of most popular groups, utilizing video clips brought the stories to life and increased socialization within the group setting. My patients look forward to this group every week and it’s been an honor to use my creativity in this way and inform my patients of what events are happening, making sure they are well informed 😀.