FEATURE MENTAL HEALTH
when working with clients using a trauma-informed sensory integration framework , it is important to consider engagement with nature .
And Granrerud and Erikkson ( 2014 ) have reflected upon the powerful potential of using green care ( interventions using nature to promote health ) as a recovery tool for people with mental health difficulties .
An opportunity to reconsider therapeutic groups The current global pandemic provides a context for occupational therapists to radically re-consider the scope of their therapeutic interventions .
Government guidance states that meeting people indoors carries a higher risk of infection than meeting people outdoors * ( NI Direct 2020 ) and many face-toface clinic-based interventions for vulnerable young people who require CAMHS services are still on hold .
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Occupational therapists are perfectly placed to be the driving force for developing nature-based health interventions ...
The Mental Health Foundation ( 2020 ) reported that client groups who had the poorest mental health before the pandemic have had the largest deterioration in mental health during lockdown .
They recommend that local authorities provide funding for development of safe places for social connection and interaction including green spaces .
Occupational therapists are perfectly placed to be the driving force for developing nature-based health interventions , given that occupational therapy theory , practice and research emphasises the dynamic relationship between people , their occupations and roles , and the environments in which they live , work and play ( Law et al 1996 ).
References
Goodman R ( 1997 ) ‘ The Strengths and Difficulties
Questionnaire : A research note ’, Journal of Child
Psychology , 38 ( 5 ): 581-586
Granerud A , Eriksson BG ( 2014 ) ‘ Mental health problems , recovery , and the impact of green care services : A qualitative , participant-focused approach ’, Occupational Therapy in Mental Health , 30 ( 4 ): 317-336
Kaplanis GF ( 2019 ) Harnessing nature for occupational therapy : Interventions and health promotion doctoral dissertation . Nova Southeastern University . Retrieved from NSUWorks , College of Health Care Sciences – Physical Therapy Department ( 66 ). Available at :
https :// nsuworks . nova . edu / hpd _ ot _ student _ dissertations / 66 [ accessed : 3 September 2020 ]
Law M , Cooper B , Strong S and Stewart D ( 1996 ) ‘ The Person-Environment Occupation Model : A transactive approach to occupational performance ’, Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy , 63 ( 1 ): 9-23
Law M , Baptiste S , Carswell A , McColl MA , Polatajko H and Pollock N ( 2000 ) Canadian Occupational Performance Measure . CAOT Publications ACE
Lyons K ( 2021 ) ‘ Nature , sensory integration and paediatric occupational therapy ’, in Harper NJ , Dobud WW ( eds ) Outdoor therapies : An introduction to practices , possibilities and critical perspectives . New York : Routeledge
NI Direct Government Services ( 2020 ) Coronavirus ( COVID- 19 ) Regulations Guidance : Family and Community , Available at : www . nidirect . gov . uk / articles / coronaviruscovid-19-regulations-guidance-family-and-community [ accessed 3 September 2020 ]
Clare Gardiner , CAMHS Mental Health Practitioner ( Occupational Therapist ), The Eating Disorder Youth Service , Beechcroft , email :
Clare . Gardiner @ belfasttrust . hscni . net . * This article was written and submitted in September 2020 , before subsequent lockdowns
40 OTnews January 2021
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