ACTIVITY, RECOVERY, GROWTH: The Communal Role of Planned Activities

by Joan M.; David & Joan Loveless Erikson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 27, 1976

What began as a program of planned activities for emotionally disturbed patients has developed, in the course of 25 years, into a successful communal effort, appropriate for other hospitals and suggested by the authors for small communities as well. The Austen Riggs Center (Stockbridge, Mass.) had a small therapeutic activities program that consisted largely of enforced weaving: one patient spoke for many when she sang, ""We sit all day long at a great big loom, making God knows what for God knows whom."" Joak Erikson and her staff changed ail that by applying a few basic principles adapted to the needs of the Riggs population. They would provide activities, not therapy; they would schedule tittle contact between therapists and teachers; all activity would be voluntary. In a big barn off hospital grounds Erikson and her staff set up areas for various crafts. They developed a drama program, set up a greenhouse and garden, and eventually established a nursery school in which staff and town children worked with a licensed teacher and patient volunteers. The authors are aware that the accomplishment of such a program depends on the quality of the teachers and the enduring good will of the therapeutic staff, two serious obstacles in transferring this idea to other, larger places; and yet the evidence (remarks from former patients, their therapists and teachers) points emphatically to the merit of the idea and its extension to college campuses, senior citizen centers, city neighborhoods, etc. A strong argument for the benefits of communal activity.

Pub Date: Sept. 27, 1976

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Norton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1976

Categories: NONFICTION