Another Important Step

Guest blog post  by: Denise Lima-Laskiewicz, ADC/EDU, ICRmT

When an individual moves into a clinical setting his/her self-esteem declines.  The individual believes that he/she can no longer contribute productively to society.  There is a therapeutic modality that professionals can use to increase the residents/clients self-esteem.    Remotivation therapy that is a structured five step program designed for the clients/residents optimal success. Each step is important in the process from beginning to end.  Each step provides its own benefit where the client/resident can participate in the activity.

In Step 3 which is called “Sharing the World in Which We Live” the individuals are asked questions that are related to the everyday world. The questions are asked in the format of why, where, what, when and how.  The questions that are asked by the facilitator are related to the topic at hand.  The residents/ clients explore a topic that each of them have in common.  Each one had his/her own experience associated with the topic.  Sharing the world in Which We live provides the opportunity for each one to share their experience in a non-judgmental environment. The clients feel like they belong which enhances their self-esteem. The reason that these questions are asked is because all of us have experienced situations like this.  The experiences that each of us have about the topic at hand are different but common.  For example, if the topic was about an automobile; all of us have had some type of experience with an automobile.  Some examples are driving a vehicle, owning a vehicle, or simply enjoyed looking at them.

Step 3 provides an opportunity for people in the group to share ideas with others.  In this step the topic is explored in more detail.  The facilitator can use props such as three-dimensional objects and /or pictures to demonstrate the topic.  The three-dimensional object can only enhance the session because it is a tangible connection to the object. The clients and/or residents can handle the object to see it clearly. However, when passing an object around the Remotivation Therapist needs to take in consideration several factors when the program is conducted.  These factors are listed below.

1.  Damage to the object
2. Maintain control over the process
3. Time for examination

The pictures and three dimensional objects will assist during the third step because it will help to keep the conversation flowing.

The questions that can be asked about the automobiles in this step can be the following.

1. Have you driven an automobile?
2. Have you ridden in an automobile?
3. Who did you travel in the car with?
4. What type of car did you own?
5. What is your favorite type of car
6. What color was your car?

Another idea that one can use as three dimensional objects is car models.  The session would progress into a discussion about vehicles.

            In Step 3, “Sharing the World in Which We Live”, the clients/residents share something in common.  Each one voices his/her own thoughts thereby contributing to the session.  The residents realize that there ideas are valued which promotes socialization.  The individuals will want to participate more because each one of them feels important.

For more information see www.remotivation.com