Post Group Facilitation Reflection
The most difficult part about leading a group by myself, rather than with a co-facilitator, is remembering to follow all of the points outlined on my group protocol. Almost immediately after I concluded the group, I realized I missed a few crucial points. During the introduction, I thoroughly explained the purpose, expectations, and time frame. Unfortunately, I was so excited to jump into the yoga that I missed a crucial aspect: the ice breaker.
During the activity, I wish I would have spent time demonstrating the correct posture, alignment and how to properly hold each pose. I had expected the sun salutation to take more time than it did, so I decided against going through this. I also think the group members could have performed the sequence a few more times, but all the evidence I read said that the sun salutation should be performed two to five times for beginners. I think the activity could have been more beneficial if we would have had the opportunity to flow through it more and open up the opportunity for members to add additional poses into the sequence.
Since the Kawa model is tool that can help clients acknowledge some emotionally difficult life factors, I had trouble deciding how much sharing was appropriate during the group. Ultimately, I did not push members to share as much as previously group leaders have. I am still not sure whether I should have required group members to share or if providing an "open floor" was enough.
The processing and generalizing phase blended together considerably, so I wish I would have asked questions that separated this out a little better. Again, there were a few questions that I intended to ask but unintentionally neglected. I think it was beneficial when members discussed ways to apply the sun salutation to OT and their own life.
Discussing positive and negative variables facilitated a productive conversation within the group that I appreciated. This simple question led members to expose factors in their lives that I did not know were going on, even though I talk to these people on a daily basis. This made me wonder if I should have opened the door earlier for members to talk about their "river". On the opposite end, I think it was beneficial to avoid asking a deeper question until after the group had practice breathing exercises and the sun salutation. Members were relaxed and open at this point, so they were more willing to share on a more personal level.
To me, this group session inspired motivation in an atypical way. Yoga is a vulnerable thing to do in a group because there is a spiritual and emotional aspect to it. By doing the sun salutation together, though no direct interaction occurred, it opened a door for us all to step a little closer together without actually having a conversation about it.
During this group, I did not feel the need to set any limits. The only time that I could have been more authoritative, was when one group member began to stand on his head while another member was speaking. I had assessed the situation and did not know the appropriate method to verbally stop that behavior so instead I gave a nonverbal cue through eye contact, which seemed to work.
The application and summary aspect of the group were successful. I enjoyed hearing how some members were able to focus in on or let go of stressful variables during this time, even if it was only temporary. During this step, members were able to take in value of the session they had just participated in and realize how valuable it could be in their future practice.
This group facilitation was exceptionally valuable for me, because I hope to use this structure again in the future. There were factors about the logistics to leading yoga during group therapy that I have never considered before, like ensuring I have the appropriate amount of yoga mats or having to instruct breathing while simultaneously instructing the sequence. I also realized that in a real therapeutic yoga session, my attire is something I would have to be particularly aware of. As I got dressed the morning of the session, I put on my normal form fitting yoga outfit. Though this is a typical outfit, it might not be appropriate with certain populations. This is something that I have never considered before and I think that was a valuable aspect for me to realize.
This helped me see areas that I should work on in the future, like explaining each pose thoroughly and completely following my protocol. I also wish I would have provided a handout that gave instructions for breathing techniques and the benefits of them. I do hold even more appreciation of the Kawa model and hope to have opportunities to utilize it in the future. With more experience, I think this type of activity is something that can be very beneficial for future group therapy sessions, especially in a mental health setting.
During the activity, I wish I would have spent time demonstrating the correct posture, alignment and how to properly hold each pose. I had expected the sun salutation to take more time than it did, so I decided against going through this. I also think the group members could have performed the sequence a few more times, but all the evidence I read said that the sun salutation should be performed two to five times for beginners. I think the activity could have been more beneficial if we would have had the opportunity to flow through it more and open up the opportunity for members to add additional poses into the sequence.
Since the Kawa model is tool that can help clients acknowledge some emotionally difficult life factors, I had trouble deciding how much sharing was appropriate during the group. Ultimately, I did not push members to share as much as previously group leaders have. I am still not sure whether I should have required group members to share or if providing an "open floor" was enough.
The processing and generalizing phase blended together considerably, so I wish I would have asked questions that separated this out a little better. Again, there were a few questions that I intended to ask but unintentionally neglected. I think it was beneficial when members discussed ways to apply the sun salutation to OT and their own life.
Discussing positive and negative variables facilitated a productive conversation within the group that I appreciated. This simple question led members to expose factors in their lives that I did not know were going on, even though I talk to these people on a daily basis. This made me wonder if I should have opened the door earlier for members to talk about their "river". On the opposite end, I think it was beneficial to avoid asking a deeper question until after the group had practice breathing exercises and the sun salutation. Members were relaxed and open at this point, so they were more willing to share on a more personal level.
To me, this group session inspired motivation in an atypical way. Yoga is a vulnerable thing to do in a group because there is a spiritual and emotional aspect to it. By doing the sun salutation together, though no direct interaction occurred, it opened a door for us all to step a little closer together without actually having a conversation about it.
During this group, I did not feel the need to set any limits. The only time that I could have been more authoritative, was when one group member began to stand on his head while another member was speaking. I had assessed the situation and did not know the appropriate method to verbally stop that behavior so instead I gave a nonverbal cue through eye contact, which seemed to work.
The application and summary aspect of the group were successful. I enjoyed hearing how some members were able to focus in on or let go of stressful variables during this time, even if it was only temporary. During this step, members were able to take in value of the session they had just participated in and realize how valuable it could be in their future practice.
This group facilitation was exceptionally valuable for me, because I hope to use this structure again in the future. There were factors about the logistics to leading yoga during group therapy that I have never considered before, like ensuring I have the appropriate amount of yoga mats or having to instruct breathing while simultaneously instructing the sequence. I also realized that in a real therapeutic yoga session, my attire is something I would have to be particularly aware of. As I got dressed the morning of the session, I put on my normal form fitting yoga outfit. Though this is a typical outfit, it might not be appropriate with certain populations. This is something that I have never considered before and I think that was a valuable aspect for me to realize.
This helped me see areas that I should work on in the future, like explaining each pose thoroughly and completely following my protocol. I also wish I would have provided a handout that gave instructions for breathing techniques and the benefits of them. I do hold even more appreciation of the Kawa model and hope to have opportunities to utilize it in the future. With more experience, I think this type of activity is something that can be very beneficial for future group therapy sessions, especially in a mental health setting.
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